Features of the Research - Report Example

Reflection research essay Part One: Research Diary Among the successful features of the research were the effective data collection strategies I used. These included the use of structured questionnaires and interviews, the two techniques provided a platform for interacting with the respondents thus enabling exhaustive data collection. The quantitative research required a definite structure coupled with systematic questions in order to enhance the subsequent computation of the research findings; In this case, the questions that were to be used in the tests were provided by the university. Additionally, by structuring a series of closed ended questions, I improved the efficiency of the research since with such questions it becomes possible to collect the data faster thus saving on time, five weeks was a short duration and therefore required constructive use of time. Effective researches structure to create new information by striving to fill a specific information gap. This requires an extensive analysis of associated literature in order to determine the existing knowledge on the topical issue thus identifying the gap. In this case, there are previous researches that have been conducted to test the human mind. Memory is an important attribute of human mind. The research was therefore conducted against the backdrop of similar studies conducted in the past. I succeeded in doing this by both analyzing existent literature on the topical issue and observing prevailing trends in the society. However, among the difficulties I encountered during the research included getting suitable participants. In conducting the research, the participants had to be tested. The tests that were provided were in the aim of finding the mental ability of the participants. It is notable that one of the challenges for this research was finding the participants. Among the participants, the tests were to determine the levels of mental capabilities. There participants would definitely have varying levels of mental abilities. The questions that were to be followed were administered by the university. Looking back, I had some challenges in the course of the research. For instance, some of the tests were also unfamiliar to me. Consequently, it took me quite some time to get myself to know what was required of me. Besides, the focus group of the research meant that it was a hustle getting participants. This is because having participants which were over sixty years old was a challenge. This was coupled by the fact that my grandparents are not able to communicate in English. This meant that they could not answer the tests. In addition, some participants would later drop out of the research. This compelled me to find ways of overcoming such obstacles. However, in another way, this came to show my ability to solve problems. I eventually found persons who were suitable participants within that age group. Communication is a fundamental feature in a research project, the intellectual inabilities of the research sample curtailed effective interactions and data collection thus inhibiting effective data collection. Preparation for the research project is essential in undertaking the roles. Among the basic skills required in the project were the interpersonal skills. The fact that the project required extensive interactions with different people coupled with the need to investigate social features from the society required effective interpersonal skills in order to interact with the numerous people appropriately. I therefore developed a positive attitude with the view of appreciating everyone I was to interact with during the entire service. Coupled with respect and discipline, I interacted constructively with the members of the society I met during the project. The basic preparations for the research project included perfecting the interpersonal skills and carrying out extensive academic research in order to discover the prevailing features. Literature review is an important aspect of the research that provides secondary data in the research (Bernard, 2005). Before taking part in the research, I therefore read numerous materials that address the topical issue. With such extensive knowledge, I was thus developed relevant research questions and objectives thereby narrowing the research project. The questions and objectives influence the nature of the research project by pointing out the features to investigate in the project. As such, I took part in the organization of the research apportioning every function an appropriate time in order to enhance the efficiency required in such undertakings. As explained earlier, the preliminary research did not only provide secondary data but also provided extensive exposure to the topical issue. Among the features of the project, that were successful was the efficient interactions with the participants and the other members of the society who were part of the research especially as the research samples. I collaborated and interacted with the people efficiently thanks to my outgoing spirit. Furthermore, the people exhibited positive spirit with each member respondent portraying zeal and eagerness to participate in the research. Individually, I exhibited the ability to be creative and dexterous in the wake of challenges. I would come up with creative ways of solving any problem that arose. I appreciate most of the respondents who portrayed the eagerness to help and therefore participated in the research whole-heartedly thus offering extensive information without any form of coercion or blackmail. The effective structure of the project enhanced its success since I worked efficiently often following the laid structure and timetable. Part Two: Reflective Practice Among the basic skills that I perfected in the research project were interpersonal skills. As expected, the research project required extensive interaction with people from varied backgrounds. The success of the project relied on the effective organization of the duties involved in the research process and effective utilization of the short research duration. I thus perfected my organization skills as I developed an effective research structure and utilized he short duration constructively thus ensuring a successful project. Time management is a basic yet functional skill that every learner requires. My ability to undertake both the numerous functions required during the research project and my coursework concurrently proved my ability to organize and prioritize work. As such, I developed both my leadership and problem solving skills. The short research period required effective coordination and planning of the research project in order to expedite the data collection and processing of the research findings in time. Time management was therefore an equally important skill I acquired from the research project (Babbie, 2008). Another equally important skill I acquired includes the analytical skills (Merriam & Merriam, 2009). This is important in discerning information while conducting the research. While I learnt a lot and perfected numerous skills during the research project, I still need to acquire some strategic skills that I did not acquire during the project. Among such are problem resolution and communication skills. I also developed an attitude which saw me complete the project in time. Besides, handling the participants made learn different attributes of human life. For instance, the social ties in the communities are so important (Shrader-Frechette, 1994). In order to perfect such skills, I will intensify my social interactions by creating constructive friendships. This way, I will increase my social circles by having more friends and learn the structure of the society. Additionally, I purpose to always remain disciplined and time conscious (Booth, Colomb, & Williams, 2008). Despite the success of the project, I would still change certain features of the project including the research duration. The research sought to investigate important features of the society. The findings of the research were essential determinations that would change the work of the medical practitioners in different health facilities both nationally and internationally. This implies that the research required adequate time to investigate the features of the society besides providing the researcher with adequate time to interact with the society thus perfecting the interpersonal skills. Among the fundamental benefits of research project is to help develop the inherent skills of the learners. The research therefore required a minimum of five weeks in order to enable the learners interact and perfect their skills. Works cited Babbie, E. R. (2008). The basics of social research. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth. Bernard, H. R. (2005). Research methods in anthropology: Qualitative and quantitative approaches. Lanham, MD: AltaMira Press. Booth, W., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. (2008). The Craft of Research. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Merriam, S. B., & Merriam, S. B. (2009). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Shrader-Frechette, K. S. (1994). Research ethics of scientific research. Lanham, Md: Rowman & Littlefield. Read More