My Learning Journey

Each week we are offered the opportunity to do some reading in our required text. Each week I am offered new learning opportunities that I am able to carry with me through my future. Chapters 3, 4, and 5 this week offered lessons on data and information that will be helpful and useful in my Capstone Project research and development. Each area offered important insight to my project and allowed me to integrate it in to the study and teaching of skills.

Qualitative Research Methods

Chapter three – Different characteristics of Qualitative Research: 1. Inquiry of seeking to understand social or human issues and problems 2. Interactions with people give meaning to things and events 3. Meanings change with interactions with new people, so research deals extensively with human interactions - This research method allows for the understanding of different data and how that data effects different characteristics.

Correlation of Data Chapter four – Correlational study involves measurement and determination of the relationship between two variables. Positively correlated data – One variable increases, the other variable increases Examples: Low test score on Test 1 – Low test score on Test 2 Negatively correlated data – One variable increase, the other variable decreases Example: Increase self-esteem – Lower depression Increase positivity – Decrease anxiety and problems - The correlation of the data allows me to see how one variable effects another variable. Sometimes these variables can react positively with one another, or they can react negatively. You are able to see patterns in the data with what works and what does not.

Scientific Method Chapter five – Characteristics of the Scientific Method: 1. Objectivity – Measurements are under consideration. Goal is to be objective as possible in order to deliver clear findings 2. Confirmation of findings – have the ability to verify and confirm information 3. Self-correction of errors or any faulty reasoning on behalf of researcher should be reported 4. Control – Rule out the influence of unwanted factors - The scientific method allows me to use a method of research and execution that is successful and beneficial. The information I have collected can be organized in to understanding and reasonable attributes.

Resources: Smith, R.A., & Davis, S.F. (2012). The psychologist as detective: An introduction to conducting research in psychology (6th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson Education.