When I Think of Research...

The insight I have gained throughout this course has provided me the knowledge to better understand the variables that are involved in qualitative and quantitative research designs. In these types of research designs the variables are the independent variable, the dependent variable, and the extraneous variable. 

 An independent variable is a variable in quantitative research that can be manipulated by the researcher to influence or change another variable (Lepuschitz, 2011).  For instance, in my research simulation, poverty is the independent variable because it influences children’s ability to achieve developmental milestones. The groups will be established based upon socioeconomic status.  One group will experience having early childhood resources, and the other group will not have access to early childhood resources. 

A dependent variable is the variable in quantitative research that undergoes changes as a result of the influence of other variables (Lepuschitz, 2011).  For example my research simulation, children’s ability to achieve developmental milestones would be the dependent variable because children’s ability to achieve developmental milestones are influenced by outside factors or variables.

By recognizing this limitation, I have identified my extraneous variable.  An extraneous variable is a variable in quantitative research that is not the focus of the research, but can influence change in another variable (Lepuschitz, 2011).  The availability of early childhood resources in children’s community would be an extraneous variable because it also influences children’s ability to achieve developmental milestones.    

My ideas about the nature of research have changed because I have better understanding of  what is needed to ensure the validity of methodological triangulation.  According to Mac Naughton, Rolfe, and Siraj-Blatchford (2010), ‘’validity is the process of establishing the ‘truth’ of the research outcomes’’ (p. 370).  More specifically to qualitative research, validity is a statement that judges the extent of the research’s ability to capture valuable information of the field being studied as well as analyzes them with integrity (MacNoughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010).  Through the process of triangulation, qualitative researchers are able to build a robust picture of events by analyzing data from various perspectives as an attempt to reduce aspects of bias.  In methodological triangulation, researchers use multiple methods to study a single issue (MacNoughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010).  In my opinion, through methodological triangulation researchers are able to get a full view of what is being studied due to having the ability to use multiple methods to better understand the issue being studies. In the field of early childhood, I believe this method is most beneficial because it allows us as early childhood professionals to better understand the meaning behind children’s development and learning strategies due to the uniqueness of children individual development.   I believe methodological triangulation contributes to the validity of a study because through this method sample groups are able to show different ways they can attempt various tasks which will provide researchers with information to better understand the issue being studied. 

Concluding this class, I feel I have learned many lessons about mixed methods.  By understanding mixed methods designs I was better able to undertreated my research simulation on poverty’s effects on children’s ability achieve developmental milestones.   I believe that using mixed method approach with my research simulation on poverty’s effects on children’s ability to achieve developmental milestones would be beneficial due to fact that mixed methods approach ‘’allows inclusion of issues and strategies surrounding methods of data collection, methods of research, and related philosophical issues ’’ (Johnson, Onwuegbuzie, & Turner, 2007, p. 125).  Throughout my research simulation I have found it very useful to use various types of qualitative research designs to better understand my research question as well as how to narrow down the focus of the study.   By using mixed methods I am able to better understand the individual development of each child in the sample groups due to using various ways to collect data through questionnaires, interviews, and observations.  The main reason I perceive using mixed methods in my research simulation is because ‘’mixed methods research involves the use of more than one approach to or method of design, data collection or data analysis within a single program of study, with integration of the different approaches or methods occurring during the program of study, and not just at its concluding point’’ (Johnson, Onwuegbuzie, & Turner, 2007, p. 123).  In other words, my research simulation would benefit greatly by using a combination of any different approaches, methods, data, and analyses as a way to better understand children’s development from both low and high socioeconomic statuses. 

The challenges I face throughout this courses is understanding the terminology used in the course textbook.  I was able to meet this challenge by downloading a dictionary and synonym application on my smart phone as an attempt to understand the meaning of words. 

My perception of early childhood professionals has been modified due to adding researchers to the title of ‘’early childhood professional’’.  Researchers provide early childhood educators with valuable information about the development of children as well as provides us with information based from children’s perspectives which has allowed the field of early childhood to better accommodate the individual needs of children and their families. 

Reference                                                                         

Johnson, R. B., Onwuegbuzie, A. J., & Turner, L. A. (2007). Toward a definition of mixed methods research. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 1(2), 112-133. Retrieved from the Walden Library using the SAGE Premier 2010 database.

Lepuschitz, J.K. (2011). Introduction to variables. Laureate Education Inc., Baltimore, MD.

Lepuschitz, J.K. (2011). Quantitative designs: An overview. Laureate Education Inc., Baltimore

Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S.A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing early childhood research: International perspectives on theory and practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.