When I Think of Research

When I think of research I think of work and school, but I have realized that though research influences work and school the process is quite extensive and complicated.  I realized the extent of what researchers must consider and evaluate before they even begin the research itself.  The most important thing I have come to understand about research is how much influence the researcher has in the research.  This influence changes the method of the research for each topic or question a researcher has.  The biggest challenge I have had in learning the research process is forming a question that matches the type of research being done, but with the help and feed back from the instructor and class and trying to think scientifically I was able to figure it out…not a pro, but understand it.  My perceptions of early childhood professionals have not changed, modified only in the value I now place on research and the research process.  I understand the importance of research and how it impacts the field.  This deeper understanding is invaluable, allowing me to be more critical of my personal biases when using any king of research process within my field.