Change can be hard. When it comes to assessing what it means to, “think like a researcher,” the first part to acknowledge is that everything will change. Thinking like a researcher means becoming passionate with the work you are doing. Being humble and accepting the fact that you will not always be right. This is tough as many strive to be correct no matter the evidence. When building and testing your hypothesis, a researcher needs to keep an open mind and continue to be curious. Lastly, “think like a researcher” means to be persistent. Every researcher has at least one test that fails where they need to keep trying. A researcher always needs to be persistent.
When conducting our research for the “family fun time activities,” multiple challenges arose. Specifically, for my group and obstacle course activity, there was not enough data that could be taken for the qualitative analysis section. Being a researcher meant that there was no sort of giving up. Instead, quotes were found that tied into other activities, yet could be similar enough to use for the obstacle course. Although this was only one simple yet challenging encounter that I had to face, this widened my perspectives of social research and just how crucial yet difficult it can be.
Social research has a number of serious problems, one of which is that no one is aware of it. I only know that because I had little to no information regarding social research at the beginning of the semester. Only our capacity to communicate our findings can truly judge the quality of our findings. Because statistics is able to stand out in a variety of research reports, it is important to note that statistical research can be found as difficult. Before receiving data, I was confident in the work that had been done, as well as believing my hypothesis would be correct. This did not turn out to be the case. Multiple occasions where I had been frustrated, anxious, or confused had led me to the final stretch where everything would tie together. Throughout my different attitudes and perceptions within research, I have been able to see just how important research is on a day-to-day basis. As an example, I could not understand how to use R-Studio, a statistical data analysis. After multiple occurrences of confusion and distraught, I was able to learn what was needed and how testing needed to be done with the help of my professor.
Once this research had come to an end, I was able to realize the importance of each and every step. Being able to work alongside the Andy Taylor Center and Head Start to conduct this research had been a privilege, not only for myself, but hopefully for the rest of the community. Knowing that I added my own building block to a community project raises my confidence in being able to say that I played a role. When saying the term, “community project,” this research and the activities within the research are hopefully connecting Longwood University with the surrounding community and making the two stronger together.