Research Use for Academic Purposes - Personal Statement Example

?The most challenging task that I faced, like any other was the problem of gathering important and relevant information and resources for myresearch. Initially I did not know where do you go to get the information, and how do you gather data. Hence I started with internet search and slowly graduated towards using online libraries. I had to train myself on computer use and internet use skills as it was crucial to use computers for accessing websites, to identify authentic websites, to have accounts in credible and comprehensive online libraries and also to use the right key words while searching for resources. I already had the basic computer skills but yet I consulted certain friends who could assist me in refining my computer skills. It was only after a while that I realized that I needed to have a plan and schedule to achieve results in a time-bound manner. Hence I prepared a detailed plan and time table. It was a step by step guide that I gave myself to go about my research work. I also trained myself to become a persistent investigator rather than being frustrated by initial failures and giving up easily. In dealing with problems, I developed myself a method. First I would think about the problem and with the assistance of relevant information, arrive at a solution that seemed to me most effective and appropriate. I did not end my problem-solving exercise at this point. Instead, I then, though about what other possible solutions could be. I also thought about the negative aspects and possible errors in the solution of my choice. Only after this process is completed did I finalize my solution option. I was enrolled in the Doctoral program through Walden University. As I had always been a conscientious student ever since grade school, and have always been responsive to learning, I could enjoy the work I did. Learning and researching was a pleasurable experience for me. I completed this project in time as I always did with all my other important projects and assignments. This was also an exercise for me that increased my confidence in doing research. This work made me identify my research skills as being excellent and motivated me to do further work. Me neither being the most intelligent nor the most gifted student, could achieve good results through my never-say-yes-to-failure attitude. It was also my willingness to do hard work that gave me success. I use research for a host of things. At an academic level, I always try to prepare myself for particular subjects. So, if ever there are assignments, I would research the information on them further so that I can provide far more comprehensive information and become, in my mind, very familiar with the subject. So this helps my papers, my essays and preparing me for class discussion. At a personal level I research information about certain products I want to purchase, places I want to visit, or ideas I need to clarify. Research is all about searching for an answer as careful as possible, sifting through available material to ask the right questions to get the right answers that inform decisions. For instance, I would normally research the weather and way of life in a place I would visit for a holiday. Since the beginning of this course, I have also fine-tuned and refined my research skills. The most surprising aspect of research that I learned through this process was that research was not a mechanical act of gauging, putting into categories, and calculating results, but was an organic search into life’s questions. I was amazed by the intellectual freedom that one can have while doing research. My initial perceptions on research viewed it as purely empirical and statistical exercise. The broad avenues offered by qualitative research and also the infinite possibilities of triangulation using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, were new information to me. I understood that one can be immensely creative while doing research and one can freely follow the paths developed by one self as far as they are logically sound. As I continue taking courses in research methods and work towards my dissertation, I see many opportunities for improvement of my skills. I have set myself a goal of developing my skills towards theoretical research, though it is too high an aim to set, given my present abilities. As I go on acquiring more knowledge on research methodologies, I am having an increased interest in new technologies that can assist research tabulations and presently I am trying to familiarize with them. I am also thinking about using unconventional technologies in research. For example, I have been thinking of the possible uses of social networking sites to generate innovative kinds of data. Whenever I encountered certain problem in research, I improvised my design and also had a revisit of my research questions, data collected, and methods used. This helped me to be sure that I was not making errors in any stage. I also kept an open mind to new information and remained careful of not becoming restricted by my preconceptions. I designed my experimental set-up not by following completely any established design but bringing in fresh ideas and innovation. I also was careful about the personal biases that could be there in my approaches and inferences. When dealing with people from cultures unfamiliar to me, I used a questionnaire to find out which kind of questions did they find culturally inappropriate or politically incorrect. This questionnaire helped me interact with participants from other cultures and societies, without hurting their feelings or causing my biases affecting their responses in any manner. By reading a lot on methods of research and theory-building, I have gained the skill to locate an issue or research question in its social context, to draft effective and appropriate research questions and to easily locate the resources needed. In data analysis also, I have learned to select the most useful tool including advanced software options. This project has taught me how important social science research is to social change as the results from such research can help policy decisions that affect vast sections of the society. I have understood how trendy ideas and common perceptions on social phenomena could be misconceived by opinion makers and peer leaders resulting in a whole society being misled with wrong information. But social science research can rectify this problem through presenting authentic information. It can also throw light upon less revealed and yet important aspects of a known issue. As a researcher, I became aware of my social role as I went through the process of research. Earlier to that, I had thought that research was simply an academic exercise and had nothing directly to do with the society. Now I realize that research can put forward revolutionary information that can in turn motivate social change. For example, when a research proves that above normal childhood obesity is prevalent in a society, then only the members of the society would become aware of the gravity of the situation. The result could be that parents become more conscious of what their children eat and how much exercise that they get. Similarly, this result would prompt policy makers and governments to formulate steps to tackle the issue. I have also analyzed the possible social changes that can happen through my research. I have been convinced that the more I become well-versed in my research skills, the more I could contribute to the society. My next step in becoming a successful researcher and doctoral student will be to pursue an academic career that will help me develop myself as a full-fledged researcher. I am also specific about practicing in my field of research so that I can substantiate my research inferences with practical, field level experience. I believe such practical experience, and of course, certain level of teaching experience that demands you confront fresh minds, will help me more aware of the ground realities involved. In this process, I anticipate hurdles as well. One such hurdle might be the availability of financial resources but I am optimistic that through my ability to present a convincing research proposal, I can overcome that. The second hurdle that I anticipate is the possibility of loosing imagination and creativity when research becomes a career for me. This is a danger that all individuals face at some point in their professional growth. I believe that this risk of being establishment-bound can be overcome through keeping alive debates with people working in the same field and keeping oneself updated on modern developments in research designs. At Walden University, I was fortunate to have all modern facilities that can be used in doing research. The support and guidance that I received from the academic community here has been very crucial in my completing the research project successfully. The profuse academic environment in this University was a perfect setting for me to concentrate in the work that I have been doing. The meaningful discussions that I have been regularly having with my co-researchers here were also highly illuminating. Read More