EDCO 741 LU Reflexivity & Role of Faith in Research Discussion Replies – Description
DISCUSSION
Please reply to the following discussion posts:
1.Posted by Yo B
Researcher Reflexivity (The Role of the Researcher)
Researcher reflexivity refers to the awareness of how the researcher and the research process, including the influence of past beliefs, biases, and experiences on the collected data (Creswell & Creswell, 2017). One of my beliefs about research is that it should be evidence-based, objective, and entail empirical data. I’m aware that this belief can limit my acknowledgement of other research, like qualitative research, which obtains data from subjective experiences like observations and interviews and focuses on the meanings and interpretations of the participants.
Doing research has taught me how complex and rigorous the process of creating new and valuable knowledge to advance human knowledge is. You first need to read and understand the previous research in your field to understand what has been done before and then what the important problems in that field are. Once you tentatively figure out the question you want to answer, the following part of the research process involves trying new attack lines for longstanding problems and opportunities or paths others have not tried before. This experience has allowed me to appreciate the strengths of quantitative research approaches. That is why I believe that research should be evidence-based and involve rigorous methodologies to create new and useful knowledge.
Regarding faith and research, I believe the role faith plays in research is trusting that the researchers whose papers we are reading are honest. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (King James Version, 2023). But at the same time, we should know that even when research should strive for objectivity, researchers are not fully disconnected from their personal beliefs and biases. However, faith can guide researchers to conduct research in ways that align with their ethical frameworks. As researchers, it is necessary to understand what we think and believe about research because they may shape how I understand a research topic or how we form a research question during data collection and interpretation.
2.Posted by Jo G
What are my biases, assumptions, and beliefs about research?
I currently need to gain a research background. I took a research course for my master’s program, and I have to say my professor was kind and walked us step by step. However, I have never done any research. This course is a refresher. I have been intimidated to do a research project due to fear that I believed all research was mathematically and scientifically based. I assumed every research project needed to be done using Quantitative methods and approaches. Research is necessary to gain knowledge. It is essential to have evidence-based research in every area of society, but as a counselor, I need to research whether a therapeutic approach works and what interventions may assist a client in their healing process.
What are my past experiences related to research and how do they shape my perspective?
As previously mentioned, I have never done the research. I took a course in my master’s program and started a research course in a Ph.D. program I had started. I had a bad experience with another student on a discussion board. She felt it was appropriate to discuss that what I had stated was not what the research was about, and it continued. I had already felt insecure being in a Ph.D. program without ever taking statistics and conducting research. I ended up dropping the course and the program. I had straight A’s in my completed courses. I just panicked and cried and quit. I wish I had had the confidence to keep going even if I did not pull an excellent grade. I am still confident that I can complete a research project and do it well.
How does my culture, gender, education, etcetera, shape my perspective on research?
I have been blessed to cross many cultures and learn. I am Caucasian and a woman. I believe, as a Caucasian, when conducting research with different minorities or cultures, it is imperative to be non-biased, understand any bias, listen, and be teachable. Sample participants will be more honest and open if I am humble and teachable. Education can also impact my perspective on research. As a post–graduate student, I may have gained more knowledge on a subject than someone with less education. I need to ensure my survey questions are simple and concise and do not use “big” academic terms. I am by no means stating I should “dumb” it down. When conducting any research survey, I should be mindful of ethnicity, culture, language, and education. It is also important not to discount any surveys or participants’ education level unless it is a listed criterion for my research sample participants.
What role can/should/does faith play in research?
One aspect faith can play a role is ethics. Utilizing biblical principles of honesty and integrity is essential in research, especially for a sound ethical research project. An ethical issue that can occur is falsifying data, results, and conclusions. It is essential to honestly report all findings, results, and conclusions (Cresswell & Creswell, 2018).
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