In response to Professor Amidon's blog

In response to Professor Amidon’s blog I don’t have any suggestions for a book. However, I do have opinions reguarding the class. Reading about different methods to research is one thing, it’s another to apply those methods. In my opinion, the actual application of these methods is more important than reading about them. In our class we did a little of that with quantitative and qualitative research, coding, and the free write exercise. In my opinion we only scratched the surface with these. The way I see a research development class is taking every research type and having to do them on a larger scale. Instead of assignments do them in projects either individual or group. The book would be used more of a reference and/or background material. The idea of a major individual project for the end of the semester is great, but adding this experience of applying the different research methods through the semester would benefit the students in a whole new way. The final project would be considered a stepping stone toward applying these methods in the real world instead of trying to choose which type of research method to use and then trying to do it for the first time, if never done before, on the final project. Anyway, this is what I thought about the professor’s request.

Off the subject but onto something I love

This has nothing to do with class, but it is of interest to me. The rock band Pearl Jam is putting out a new album on May 2 and their new single is out. The best part about it, besides it being one of the best things they have done, is you can download it for free at http://www.pearljam.com. Just read down until you see the note about downloading it for free. I wanted to share this with any PJ enthusiasts.

Additional Information about Childrens Book

I was so excited to finally display samples from my picture book I forgot some information that might be pertinent to some. So, here it is.

-The picture book is finished. In fact, I have a homemade hard back of the finished book in my book shelf.
-The book is 33 pages including the title/credit page.
-The age group is anywhere from 2-6. I say this because 2-4 year olds who do not understand the words can still enjoy the book through the pictures. If anything the book is more like a compilation of pictures of a funny looking, yet cut, puppy. The book is mainly for 4-6 year olds and something that can be read alone or with a parent (preferrably with a parent).

There you go. If anyone has any questions or want more information, let me know.

My Picture Book

I have been trying to figure out the best way to display samples of my picture book that I am doing my proposal on. I thought it would give a better understanding of what the book was about. Finally, I decided to post a sample of the book itself. This isn't the complete book but it will give an idea of what is going on in it.

Data Coding

The assignment on coding was an interesting approach to research. I liked the empirical aspect of dividing information into categories. What intrigued me the most was the potential for coding to be best used in qualitative research. Someone mentioned in the discussion how this type of method would help eliminate things “falling through the cracks”, and I could agree more. The previous assignment where we had to analyze a qualitative paper left me with the opinion that qualitative research has more room for error than quantitative research. At least the research paper I analyzed appeared that way. Applying the method we worked on would help organize the qualitative research in a more efficient and effective way. As a result the validity and reliability of the research would increase. If I do any qualitative research I definitely plan to use the data coding research method.