Qualitative and Qualitative Research Methods in Early Childhood Education Essay

The need for scientific research methodologies that would bring about accurate and analytic research findings and results have put early childhood education scholars and researchers into the question of whether quantitative or qualitative methodology would best fit in the studies of phenomena (Shavelson and Towne, 2002). Needless to say, the debate in the early education research literature concerns the need for reliable and validated research studies in order to contribute to the existing literature as well as to aid in the policy making of educational institutions and the government (Cobb, et. al. , 2003). However, the issue of using the quantitative or qualitative methods are still ambiguous for most educational researchers particularly on the issue of which is more scientific between the two (Berliner, 2002). This paper examines two research articles on early childhood education specifically on the promotion and acceptance of young children of their disabled peers in early childhood education. Specifically, the focus of this paper is on the methodological approach of the two articles (quantitative vs. qualitative) and how these articles have contributed to the literature and understanding on the topic. Methods of Research in Early Childhood Education The approaches for the promotion for the acceptance of young children on their peers who are disabled have been an important issue in the inclusion of children with disabilities in regular early childhood education classroom. Two studies using two different research methodologies had explored the attitudes of young children as well as the means of improving their acceptance on young disabled children. The first study conducted by Favarazza, Phillipsen and Kumar (2000) employed quantitative and qualitative research in answering the problem whereas; Batchelor and Taylor (2005) had used the qualitative approach alone. Using the Acceptance Scale for Kindergarten (ASK), Favazza, Phillipsen and Kumar (2000) interviewed 48 kindergarten students and used pre-tests, post-tests and follow up in order to provide a reliable quantitative data from the purposive sampling that was done. The data obtained from their study were then collated and a quantitative analysis was made. Consequently, a qualitative data analysis was made from the responses on the interviews that were conducted from the researchers. Hence, the authors used what is termed as the multi-method research approach wherein, quantitative data is verified and further analyzed through the use of qualitative data. The research findings revealed that teachers and their activities in the classroom can significantly impact on the levels of acceptance of young children on their disabled peers. On the other hand, Batchelor and Taylor (2005) drawing upon the case study of a four year old with a moderate developmental disability had employed interviews, observation through the employment of programs such as the Stay, Play and Talk as well as social integration activities. Before the impact of the program was measured, the researchers had developed a baseline data in order to examine the degree of differences in the attitude of the children and the four year old subject on her peers. The study revealed that social intervention programs can promote a more positive attitude from young children on their disabled peers as well as disabled children’s attitude towards their peers. Primarily, the similarity of Favarazza, Phillipsen and Kumar’s (2000) and Batchelor and Taylor’s (2005) articles includes their use of interviews in order to expound and further analyze the data they have on hand. For instance, both authors had interviewed the teachers of the children in order to determine the attitudes of the children on their disabled peers. Second, both articles had used observation in their analysis- while Batchelor and Taylor (2000) had used observation more extensively than avarazza, Phillipsen and Kumar’s (2000), their recorded observations were significant part of their analysis of the issue. Finally, the result of the studies of both articles is similar: that the attitudes of young children on their disabled peers are positively influenced by the social interaction programs that are implemented by the teachers and the schools. Consequently, both articles contributed greatly to the understanding of the ways to promote positive attitude in inclusive early childhood education programs. While there had been similarities between the two articles, there are more differences in terms of orientation and methodological approach. First, Favarazza, Phillipsen and Kumar (2000) used a qualitative-quantitative method of inquiry- employing both quantitative and qualitative method through the use of a standardized survey (ASK survey), interviews and observation. On the other hand, Batchelor and Taylor (2005) utilized the qualitative approach alone employing a case study approach of one four-year-old girl. Hence, the primary instrument used in their study is observation and report notes including interviews made to the teachers of the child. With the different methods used, the article of Batchelor and Taylor (2005) provided a more in-depth study in the psychological and social impact of social activities in the promotion of positive attitude of young children on their disabled peers. For instance, Batchelor and Taylor (2005) were able to discuss and evaluate the responses of the child on specific activities at different points in time. Hence, the degree of the exploration of the authors on the child’s psychological aspect has been deeper than the results outlined in the study of Favarazza, Phillipsen and Kumar (2000). However, while the case study rendered a better discussion of the psycho-social impact of social activities programs, the study of Favarazza, Phillipsen and Kumar (2000) provides a broader and more general view of children’s responses to their disabled peers. Drawing from forty eight (48) respondents, the authors were able to capture not just an individual response but rather a more generalized response. The use of a bigger population is necessary in order to plot differences and similarities in attitudes- something that was not accomplished in the study of Batchelor and Taylor (2005). Consequently, the use of a standardized survey served not just an empirical purpose but also a theoretical purpose. The study of Favarazza, Phillipsen and Kumar (2000) was able to validate the ASK survey. Hence, the study provided not only empirical significance but theoretical significance as well. Second, the quantitative-qualitative approach of Favarazza, Phillipsen and Kumar (2000) can be considered to be more rigorous and hence, more scientific than that of Batchelor and Taylor’s (2005) study. This is because the study of the former had used pre-tests, post-tests as well as follows up tests in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the survey measure in determining the validity of the opinions expressed in the survey questionnaire. Consequently, the perspectives that were solicited in the study of Favarazza, Phillipsen and Kumar (2000) had come from several numbers of students and teachers while that of Batchelor and Taylor’s came from some teachers and one student alone. Suffice it to say, the attitude of the young children on their disabled counterparts cannot be accurately described and explained by the teachers- it is the students themselves who can accurately express their perceptions and feelings. However, it should be noted that both studies had been objective in recording their observations through careful record keeping. Finally, as concurred by Batchelor and Taylor (2005) in their study, the case study is limited in scope because it only employed one child hence, the need to further explore the topic by including more children. On the other hand, there is a need for Favarazza, Phillipsen and Kumar (2000) to provide a more detailed study on the psycho-social impact of social promotion programs of the children. The method of employing record keeping and direct observation by Batchelor and Taylor (2000) had been effective and important measures in order to provide a deeper psycho-social analysis of young children. Analysis Qualitative and quantitative research methods had been traditionally been seen as poles apart in terms of administration, instruments used as well as the depth and degree of analysis that they contribute in education researches. However, while the difference between these two methods had been pronounced in earlier literature, contemporary research methods in education (McMillan, 2008) recognizes that quantitative and qualitative research methods can be used in conjunction with one other- one can actually validate the other. Hence, multi-method or the use of both qualitative and quantitative research methods had gained acceptance in the literature. In this paper, we have examined the similarities as well as the differences of a qualitative-quantitative research versus that of a purely qualitative research. The result showed that the qualitative-quantitative research provided a broader discussion of young children’s acceptance of their peers than its purely qualitative counterpart. Consequently, the qualitative-quantitative method was able to provide a more generalizable study because of the scope of its respondents whereas the qualitative study through the use of case study of one person is limited- particularly on the issue that it cannot be argued that it is representative of the population. Moreover, a case study would be highly dependent on the individuality of the participant hence; the result would more likely be different with a person in the same situation. However, in the quantitative-qualitative study, the validity of the findings are more general and hence, more acceptable because it was not confined to one person alone but on a sample that is representative of a given population. While the quantitative-qualitative approach is generally seen as more valid, the qualitative study of Batchelor and Taylor (2005) provided deeper analysis on the behavior and the changes that can be made on a young child. By focusing on one person, the authors were able to provide a holistic approach in studying the psychological responses of the child in social interaction programs and activities. Quantitative and qualitative approaches both have their strengths and weaknesses- the goal of early childhood researches are to determine the most appropriate method to be used in the questions that are being ask. Suffice it to say, there is no inferior or superior research method but rather it would depend on the science, objectiveness and the devotion of the researchers to answer the questions. Hence, valuable scientific findings can be found in both modes of inquiry. References Batchelor, D. and Taylor, H. (2005) Social Inclusion-The Next Step: User-Friendly Strategies to Promote Social Interaction and Peer Acceptance of Children with Disabilities. Australian Journal of Early Childhood. 30 (1). Berliner, D. C. (2002) Educational Research: The hardest science of all. Educational Researchers. 31 (8): 18-20. Cobb, P. , Confrey, J. , diSessa, A. , Lehrer, R. and Chasuble, L. (2003) Design experiments in educational research. Educational Researchers. 32 (1): 9-13. Favazza, P. , Phillipsen, L. and Kumar, P. (2000) Measuring and Promoting Acceptance of Young Children with Disabilities. Exceptional Children. 66 (1). Harper, L V, & McCluskey, K. S. (2003). Teacher-child and child-child interactions in inclusive preschool settings: Do adults inhibit peer interactions? Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 18, 163-184. McMillan, J. H. (2008) Educational research: fundamentals for the consumer. 5th Ed. New York: Longman Shavelson, R. J. and Towne, L. (2002) Scientific research in education. Washington D. C. : National Academy Press.

Faith Diversity Essay

This paper will look and examine four diverse faiths: Christianity, Buddhism, Rastafarianism and Islam spiritual perspective on healing. In Christianity, prayer is a way that a person can stay healthy physically, mentally and spiritually. Health is viewed by having a strong spiritual relationship with the Lord and living one’s life by the word of God. Buddhist need a balance of health both mentally and physically in order to achieve optimal health. They way that they are able to restore health would be by practicing healthy dietary habits or meditation. Rastafarianism view on health as a balance of the mind, the body and the soul achieved with a more holistic approach like prayer and herbal treatments. Lastly, Islam reaches ultimate purity by having a clean body and soul. They must cleanse often and pray often. Religions differ in many ways; they could have a different sacred books, have different deities, or have different views on how to live a full life, ultimately they want the same thing, to have their faiths respected and incorporated into the care they are receiving. Introduction Throughout the world, there are thousands of distinctly different religious affiliations. In the United States alone, there are â€Å"approximately 313 religions and denominations† (All Religions and Denominations in the US, 2008). This paper will examine four diverse faiths Christianity, Buddhism, Rastafarianism and Islam. It will look at the philosophy of these four faiths when having care provided to them. It will specifically look at the spiritual perspective on healing. It will examine the critical components of healing for these faiths. Along with looking at these diverse faiths, this paper will look at what is important for people who are receiving care from health care providers whose views differ from their own. Christianity The Christians were the first people to start â€Å"the world’s first voluntary charitable institutions† which were hospitals (Trangelder, 2007). The reason that they started these hospitals is because they wanted to help the poor and those that were sick and dying (Trangelder, 2007). Health care and Christian belief go hand in hand. One of the most crucial components in healing is prayer. The Christians hold prayer in very high regard. They feel that prayer has the ability to make them better. In the book James 5:14-15(English Standard Version) it states, â€Å"Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up†(Biblegateway, 2001). Along with prayer, the bible mentions many ways that a person can stay healthy physically, mentally and spiritually. Ultimately, the way to stay healthy is by having a strong spiritual relationship with the Lord and living one’s life by the word of God. Buddhism The Buddhist has a different holy book then the Christian faith. There sacred book is called Tripitaka. This holy book mentions that the only way to be truly healed is to be healthy in mind and body. Western medicine focuses on curing symptoms to treat medical problems, but the Buddhist see this only as a short term fix. In order for one to be healed one must also treat â€Å"the spiritual aspect of the disease and its mind-based causes and remedies must be the primary considerations†(Buddhism, Medicine, and Health, n. d. ). Buddhist feel that possible reasons for illness or disease would be † 1) an imbalance of the four elements (earth, water, fire, and wind), 2) irregular dietary habits, 3) incorrect meditation methods, 4) disturbances by spirits, 5) demon possession, and 6) the force of bad karma† (Buddhism, Medicine, and Health, n. d. ). They way that they are able to restore health would be by practicing healthy dietary habits, meditation, paying respect to the Buddha, repentance, reciting mantras, reciting the Buddha’s name and using the dharma as medicine† (Buddhism, Medicine, and Health, n. d. ). By doing this they would be able to find a balance physical and mentally and find long-term health. Rastafarianism Like the Christians, the Rastafarians sacred text that they pray to is the Bible, but the difference is how it is interpreted. The Rastafarians also feel that the head or God incarnate is Haile Selassie. He was a former Emperor of Ethiopia (Griffith, 2009). In Rastafarianism health care â€Å"takes a holistic approach to healing; they believe that the concept of health extends to three spheres: the mind, the body and the soul (though sometimes the psychological and spiritual can sometimes be categorized together)†(Rastafari and the Environment, 2012). They cure illnesses by use of home remedies or tonics rather than visiting a doctor. Rastafarians† disown western influences of ideology, diet, lifestyle and religion in favor of belief systems and practices of African origin, which emphasizes the use of natural ingredients and tools†(Rastafari and the Environment, 2012). Islam For the Islam, their sacred text is the Quran. In the Quran, unlike the Christians, Muhammad is the prophet sent to Earth to pass the word of the Lord, Allah. The Muslims feel that good health is one of the ways to get to â€Å"heaven†. In the Quran, it has teachings that show people how to protect his or her health and live life in a state of purity (Muslim Health Network (n. d). The single most important thing for this faith is prayer. Muslims perform it five times a day. â€Å"The obligatory prayers provide a good means for the circulation of blood, breathing and general suppleness of joints† (Muslim Health Network (n. d). Along with prayer they must cleanse after prayer, have a healthy diet, fast and refrain from intoxicates. Despite these religious differences in the United States, people’s only wish is to have their religious views respected and honored if possible. No matter if healthcare providers spiritual beliefs differ from those in their care, patients want their faith to be incorporated into the care that they are receiving. The Christian philosophy as written in the book of Luke 6:31 (English Standard Version) † And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them†(Biblegateway, n. d. ). This goes in line as all people would like to be treated, no matter how different spiritual views might be. In conclusion, the author learned that although many religions differ ultimately they want the same thing, to have their faith incorporated into the care they are receiving. Religions differ in many ways, they could have a different scared book, have different deities, or have different views on how to live a full life. Medication, chanting or prayer can help achieve inner peace to ultimately reach health inside and out. ? References Biblegateway (2001). James 5:14-15 ESV – Is anyone among you sick? Let him call – Bible Gateway. Retrieved from http://www. biblegateway. com/passage/? search=James+5%3A14-15&version=ESV Biblegateway (n. d. ). Luke 6:31 ESV – And as you wish that others would do to – Bible Gateway. Retrieved from http://www. biblegateway. com/passage/? search=Luke%206:31&version=ESV Buddhism, Medicine, and Health. (n. d. ). Retrieved from http://www. blia. org/english/publications/booklet/pages/37. htm Griffith, J. K. (2009). THE RELIGIOUS ASPECTS OF NURSING CARE (4th ed. ). Vancouver, B. C Muslim Health Network (n. d. ). Islam & Health. Retrieved from http://www. muslimhealthnetwork. org/islamandhealth. shtml Tangelder, J. D. (2007). A Christian Perspective on Healthcare. Retrieved from http://www. reformedreflections. ca/faith-and-life/chr-perspective-healthcare. html Rastafari and the Environment (2012). Natural Healing and Medicine. Retrieved from http://caribbeanreligionuvm. wordpress. com/category/natural-healing-and-medicine/

Prepare a legal brief on the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Santa Fe Essay

Prepare a legal brief on the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Santa Fe Independent School Dist. v. Doe, 530 U.S. 290 (2000) - Essay Example They even argued that since these prayers were conducted by the students themselves, these prayers were not anything more than a speech conducted by a student and by no means was a speech that was sponsored by the state itself. This case was a 6 -3 decision in which the court decided that the prayers conducted by students before commencement of football games taking place at a public address system gives an image that the state government is trying to endorse religious activities and due to this such activities were found to be in violation of the Establishment Clause1. The district had failed to persuade the court into believing that prayers conducted before high school level football games were a private matter of the students. These prayers and their content were regulated, administered and monitored by the school and due to this; these prayers were considered as if the government preferred such speeches and prayers which are religious in nature. Secondly, according to the historical background of practices that were religious in nature and were conducted in the district of schools, the policy that was undertaken by the district to elect students seemed to be created to preserve the performance of prayers taking place before the games were held. The court even figured out that the method that was used to elect the prayer participants and to determine whether a particular message should be conveyed or not intensified the issue of violation of Establishment Clause because these voting resulted in rivalry between different individuals who were foll owing different religions. Fourthly, the way the speaker was elected even reflected that prayers of those who were in the majority would take place. Due to all these factors, the court established that such practices were not only perceived to be endorsed by the state, but were actually state endorsed and

Hypothetical Human Resources Department Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Hypothetical Human Resources Department - Essay Example Increasingly, organizations will seek HR professionals who can align HR strategy with business strategy (Bundy, 3). In this paper here is the review of Human Resource roles and responsibilities that will be assigning to this department in response to trends in globalization, technology, diversity, e-business and ethics. Human Resource professionals are increasing their scope when it comes to searching for talent. Globalization has enabled HR professionals to seek candidates from around the world. This trend towards globalization brings up several new factors to consider when hiring employees. For example, HR practices must take into consideration differences in culture and business practices. It would be a mistake to send someone who has been an excellent manager in one country to a brand new country and expect him to be as successful as he was in his own country. Before selecting employees to work in another country, HR must take into consideration the employees ability to understand and respect the cultural and business norms of the host country. In addition, even hiring at home may involve selecting employees from other countries. It is estimated by 2006 immigrants will likely account for an additional million persons in the U.S. workforce (Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart & Wright, 23). Leading todays HR function involves much more than having the right programs in place for employees and managers. Now, one of HRs most important responsibilities is leveraging technology and the Internet to support both the function and the business (Mercer, 2006). Advances in technology have had huge impacts on how HR professionals manage Human Resources. Management and implementation of Human Resource information technology solutions now include highly developed Human Resources programs often referred to as HRIS (human resource information systems) that are used in an effort to maximize productivity throughout an

Writer's choice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 27

Writer's choice - Essay Example Krauss and Reed observe that the increase in the production and supply of oil especially in the case of Saudi Arabia is because domestic consumption oil within the country has increased due to a surge in the number of middle-income class of its population. This has led to an annual growth in domestic consumption of 6 percent over the last ten years. Moreover, this growth in the middle-income proportion of the population has also resulted in an increase in taste and demand for luxurious commodities. To meet this ever-increasing demand, Krauss and Reed observe that the Saudi government has spread its refinery business to other nations such as Japan, US, etc., a factor that gives them a huge refinery network that keeps them abreast their competitors. A point to note is that despite the decline in oil prices, the country has no plans whatsoever to reduce their production in their future. This is because the country wants to maintain its market share, and if possible, even expand it, a dream that cutting on production may curtail. Additionally, Krauss and Reed quotes Husseini, a former vice president for Saudi Aramco as saying that it would be unwise second-guess market trends, hence the need to continue with the current production rate. Regarding how the article relates with the course structure, the article outlines a circumstance where the supply of a product, oil in this case, remains unaffected by a decrease in demand prices. While theoretical market dynamics in such a situation expects a correction mechanism that most likely would have been a decrease in supply in order to raise profit margins as outlined by McEachern (2012), the course is totally different. The theoretical concepts as outlined in the course relate to a free market structure, typical of the one observed in the oil industry. Currently, the oil market is self-adjusting

Role of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Essay

Role of the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Essay Example Sherwood (1997) tells us that environments are still somewhat restricted and that practice varies from state to state which causes some difficulty in efficient use of the NP where needed. The University of Texas Health Science Center defines Advanced Practice Nursing as "as a registered professional nurse who is prepared for advanced practice by virtue of knowledge and skills obtained through a post-basic or advanced education program of study acceptable to the State Board of Nurse Examiners"(Sherwood, et. al., 1997 pg3). The FNP is qualified to be the first person seen on entry to the healthcare system. This is usually client oriented and comprehensive, allowing for a continuum of care based on the collaborative practice studied and provided by the FNP. The focus of the practice is wellness and maintenance which allows the client to see the same practitioner longer before having need to be referred out to a specialist. Alternatively, Bennett defines a FNP as a healthcare professional who works directly with families and physicians to provide the best level of care. FNP's differ from physicians in that they practice in many settings. They possess advanced Masters level nursing degrees which has provided them with special training and experience to assess, treat, counsel, and monitor patients. They perform a collaborative practice in which they work with healthcare professionals as a team. They are able to order testing, refer patients and treat non-life threatening conditions (Bennett, 2004). The Texas Board of Practice on this same thought states that the APN acts independently and/or in collaboration with other health care professionals to deliver health care services (Texas Board of Practice, Section 221). They accordingly accomplish comprehensive health assessments with the goal of managing common acute illnesses, appropriate referral, managing chronic conditions that have remained stable. In t his description there are included; Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Certified Nurse Midwives and Certified Nurse Anesthetists. The role originated in the University of Colorado in 1965. In 1974 the American Nurses Association published educational guidelines for credentialing of a NP. Since then, there have been many changes in the program and of course since there are so many types of programs available, there are concerns as to the quality and effectiveness of those programs. That curriculum includes advanced physiology, pharmacology, and clinical practice emphasizing a particular role. Texas strengthened even more of the program in the sense that they increased content for path physiology, pharmaco-therapeutics, practice roles, and preceptorship (Bennett, 2004). In most cases, registered nurses are required to obtain a Masters degree in nursing and have at least one year of RN experience before they are allowed to enter a Nurse Practitioner program, however, that is not always true. Nurse Practitioners can come from a variety of backgrounds. There are programs that admit students into graduate study without prior experience as a nurse. When that happens they must have a Baccalaureate in a field other than nursing and are required to complete an accelerated program which incorporates a Bachelors in nursing going straight into a Masters level NP program (Rich, Jorden, &

Do the ICU Nurses Experiences Help in Evolving Medical Futility Research Paper

Do the ICU Nurses Experiences Help in Evolving Medical Futility Guidelines - Research Paper Example Findings: - when the contents of the literature are viewed through the glasses of the three extracted views, it is found that experiences of nurses form a great volume of the database. Nurse's perception of medical futility is not given due place in decision making by physicians. Terming the utility behind the medical system and its care oriented activities, as futility is an oxymoron. Treatments that do not fetch results/goals are considered as medical futility. If this can be taken as a rule, then any stage of treatment towards the curative goal can also be rejected as medical futility, because the stages of treatment may not land immediately on the anticipated results. The interactive gap between doctors and patients or their families worsens the situations in many decision-making junctures. Critical situations like withdrawal of life support systems and stoppage of ineffective medical interventions are to be managed in consensus with the patients and families. To achieve this consensus more than five sittings of negotiations are needed at times. Lack of skill in maneuvering the negotiations in the interest of patients on the part of doctors and physicians of entry-level forms the crux of the problem. The term futility is associated with the target-missed. When maintaining the quality of life of the patient is the target, the medical futility makes no sense. Only when life-saving is the issue, medical futility works; that too because of the occurrence of death, which is never in the hands of us. Thus keeping a negative target-- that is death-- as a measure to judge the medical interventions seems quite irrelevant. During the last decade of the 20th Century, medical futility guidelines began to emerge at different levels in many institutions. The role of the nursing community in ICU and their perception of medical futility were unfortunately given less importance in evolving the guidelines.  Ã‚