Research Simulation Part 2: Applying Qualitative Design
Research Simulation Part 2: Applying Qualitative Design
| TASKS
For this simulation, assume you will use a qualitative design using a case study approach |
YOUR RESPONSES |
| As you have learned, researchers bring their perspectives to their studies. For example, when the general topic of interest is “aggression in young children,” a developmental psychologist may focus on the differences in cognitive development between more and less aggressive children. An early childhood researcher who looks at aggression from a feminist point of view might want to find out the roots of gender differences in childhood aggression. An early childhood teacher might be most interested in learning more about ways to reduce childhood aggression through different daily routines in preschool environments. You see from these examples that there are many different and valid starting points for research studies.
For this research simulation, identify your perspective, i.e., identify from which position you will start this qualitative study: from the position as a child activist, an early childhood teacher, a developmental specialist, an early childhood teacher, a feminist, a combination of these, or from another professional starting point. |
“The perspective selected determines the nature of the research design as well as the levels of detail in evidence analysis” (Mac Naughton, 2010, p.156). An early childhood researcher would be the best perspective. I believe an early childhood researcher would be best because they focus on the factors affecting the children in all aspects of their development. In addition, they are not engaged within the field and therefore have better reflexive self awareness (Mac Naughton, 2010, p. 162). |
| Considering the specific starting point you chose above, do you need to modify your original research question so it becomes the best start for this qualitative design? If yes, restate your research question here as well as your reasons for the change. If no, explain your reasons as well. | The research question of “Creating An Effective Learning Environment To Increase Student Motivation To Learn In Early Childhood” will not be modified. The research aims at increasing student motivation in early childhood through the creation of an effective learning environment.
The research question is adequate in addressing the study topic as envisaged by the researcher. The study of the childhood motivation in learning environment can be covered adequately by an early childhood researcher. |
| Briefly describe your “case” (is it an individual, a family, a whole team, or some other unit) | A case study is the most broadly used form of qualitative research (Mac Naughton, 2010, p. 164). It is used to get below the surfaces offered by one method of data collection thus analyzing the complexities of social worlds. The case study will comprise of school children aged between 5 and 12 years. |
| In what ways will you collect the data (e.g., through interviews, observations, self-reports, a combination of measures, or using any other way) —be specific | Direct observations will be used in data collection. |
| Considering the issues of ethics in research which you studied in Week 3, list at least two ethical concerns you might encounter with this study, and suggest ways in which you will address these ethical issues | 1. Confidentiality and privacy of information collected. Data collected in the study will strictly be used for purposes of research and will not be exposed to third parties.
2. Voluntary participation. Since the children are below the legal age, I will seek consent of participation from their parents and guardians before the start of the study. In addition, the children will be informed of their liberty to excuse themselves from the study at any stage of the research process. |
| Describe specific steps you will take to make sure your study is “valid” (Remember that in qualitative studies, validity is usually assured through the process of triangulation) | In this research validity will be attained through the use of investigator triangulation. Validity in research dictates that the researcher offers “a sound representation of the study field” (Mac Naughton, 2010, p. 162). I will ensure that data collected is valid by using the help of another researcher. In so doing, I will compare the responses to get a better understanding of the responses from the children. Ultimately, personal bias will be eliminated and validity attained. Moreover, validity will be enhanced since the study can collect many views from different approaches that eliminating bias. |
References
Mac Naughton, G. R.-B. (2010). Doing early childhood research: International perspectives on theory and practice (2nd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
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