In the beginning of the semester, I primarily used broad and general sources to find information on topics that I was researching. However, as the semester progressed, I refined my searches for subjects that were targeted towards my subject. For example, I started using advanced searches in academic databases to find peer-reviewed articles for the sources required to complete the assignment. Additionally, I used Longwood’s Greenwood Library’s databases to find the right library needed to provide the sources needed. This shift caused my research strategies to improve the quality and relevance of the information gathered. As well as engage me with the articles found in a higher level of understanding.
The process used for evaluating and selecting sources for the articles I use start with making sure they are peer-reviewed articles. This is important because peer-reviewed articles are done by experts in the field, undergone evaluations, and reviewed by others to assure that the article is credible and informative. What I did to decide whether or not to use a source or not was how relevant the article was for my topic. The topic I chose was family activities increasing a child’s educational skills and family bonding, so I found articles that were relevant to the topic of the subject. Next, I found the most recent article to find the most up to date information available, allowing me to gather the latest developments in the field of family activities and the subjects I chose. I did not change my sources from the final, the articles I chose were relevant to the topic I chose and I did not feel as though I needed to add or change any.
A challenge that occurred during the research process was outdated information. It was difficult finding articles that were recent. I overcame this problem by using the search option on the library and sorting by date. This helped, but still some articles that provided good information were old and I felt as though the articles weren’t as reliable as the most recent ones. Another problem that I had was the overwhelming amount of information on articles, some articles had an abundance of information that was difficult to go through and understand. For example, an article that I chose for my paper was long and had information that was hard to understand, it felt overwhelming trying to remember and understand the information I read from the article. A strategy that I employed to overcome this challenge was to read the article in pieces and organize them to manage my findings in easily understandable bits. This not only keeps the information from being overwhelming, but also helps the information be understandable.
My attitudes and perceptions have changed doing research over the course of the semester. Typically my stance on research has been neutral, I did not mind doing research and my confidence level was moderate. I consider myself new to research since I only really started it since attending college. However, through the semester I found that research was not my specialty, but I saw it as essential as it deepens the understanding of subjects that require it. While I do not harbor a strong passion for research, engaging in research has revealed to me the intricate and complex processes that are involved in the research process, causing me to refine my skills. For example, doing research for if family activities increased family involvement I approached this with neutrality. Although I didn’t particularly enjoy going into extensive analysis, I realized the crucial role research plays in unearthing the complexities of family involvement. Even though it is not my primary focus, it is important for educational experiences.
Thinking like a researcher involves adopting a different approach to information. Throughout the semester, engaging in research revolving around family activities impact on family involvement required me to think like a researcher. This means evaluating information, and considering whether or not the information is related to the subject, as well as gathering and analyzing data. Thinking like a researcher requires recognizing the complex nature of the research process and adjusting one’s approach. It involves navigating methodologies, critical thinking, and embracing curiosity.