The class “Building Research Competency” for Walden
University has really challenged me on my knowledge about research in the early
childhood field. I have truly gained an insight on how long research takes and
how many parts can factors go into one research topic. This has changed my
ideas and nature about doing research in the field because I now know that I
would have to devote my whole self to research and not just try to complete research
“part time”. It is hard to receive accurate results when a person is not fully committed to the
research by having the time to complete it entirely. I learn lessons about
planning, designing, and conducting research in the early childhood field by
having to set up my own research simulation and think about each part of the
process. I did meet challenges when setting up my research with making sure
that the research I would conduct would be valid. Validity of research is so
important and much thought needs to go into it to achieve success in a research
situation. Perceptions of the early childhood profession have been modified for
me as a result of the course by having more respect and understanding for the
people that do conduct research throughout the field. I am glad to have taken
this course to expand my understanding about research and how it applies to my
life in the field of early childhood education.
