Before taking this course about building research competencies, I received  all research information as fact, with no questions. Having explored the many factors that can influence a study from beginning to end, I have many questions. My view when reading new information has changed. Instead of generalizing and accepting the question and the resulting analysis, I look for the researcher's reasons for the study, the context of the research question, the methods used and validity of the study.
     I have learned there are so many ways to approach finding out new information. Researcher's individuality can affect how the question or hypothesis is worded, the design that is followed, and the analysis of the data.  I found the many new terms and ideas difficult to understand at first as this is a subject I was totally unfamiliar with.  By supplementing the required and supplemental resources with explanations from the web, and by reading the information multiple times, I was able to gain an understanding of the material.
    Early childhood professionals must have a difficult time evaluating what new information uncovered is valid, and to what extent. As this field is gaining recognition for its importance in the development of our future generations, more studies are being done. Professionals have a large amount of information to sift through and judge its usefulness.
    I would like to thank all my colleagues for their thoughts, interpretations and real life examples. They have helped me to learn and understand an entire new subject area. Understanding how research is conducted and the many factors that influence it is not only interesting but very useful in discerning which new facts presented will be believed and which will not.