“The issue that many beginning researchers face is not
finding a topic but selecting one from all their ideas and the possible
directions they might take” (Mac Naughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010
p. 24). I definitely found this to be true the last couple of weeks. It is
difficult to come to the final decision on a topic. Furthermore, without having
completed a research project like this before I am unsure how much to narrow
down the research topic and what type of resources I will need available. I am
worried that the time frame to complete this project is very short compared to
the work that it may take. According to this week’s reading, this step of refining a research topic is pivotal, and it is better to simplify the research question
too much than not enough (Mac Naughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010). I
chose to research technology and media influence on young children. I chose this topic because I work with high school students who sometimes have a very difficult time keeping electronics put away. I think that technology has become such a big part of our daily lives it is important to understand its influence on young children. After
completing the abbreviated literature review I found the following key points
from reading the current research on the topic:
1) Children can learn from educational media if it is
quality programming, but not infants and toddlers under the age of two.
2) It is important for children to view television in
moderation rather than too much.
3) The content and quality of the screen time is of utmost
importance in relation to the effects on the child.
4) More research is needed to determine how screen time
effects children under the age of two.
5)It is important that screen time does not interfere with
time to play, read, interact with others, etc.
6) How the child interacts with the media is an important
factor to consider.
7) Adult-directed media and violence in the media have
negative affects on children including slower learning and behavior problems.
If anyone has any resources on this topic, I would greatly appreciate any input.
If anyone has any resources on this topic, I would greatly appreciate any input.
References:
Barr, R., Lauricella, A., Zack, E., & Calvert, S. L. (2010). Infant and early childhood
exposure to adult-directed and
child-directed television programming:
Relations with cognitive skills at
age four. Merrill – Palmer Quarterly, 56(1),
21-48. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/230106685?
Kirkorian, H. L., Wartella, E. A., & Anderson, D. R.
(2008). Media and Young
Children's Learning. Future Of Children, 18(1), 39-61.
Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S.A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I.
(2010). Doing early childhood
research:
International perspectives on theory and practice (2nd ed.). New
York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
National Association for the Eduaction of Young Children.
(2012). Technology and
interactive media as tools in early
childhood programs serving children from
birth through age 8. Retrieved from
Zimmerman, F. J. (2007). Early television – widespread, with
uncertain
consequences for children’s
development. Pediatrics for Parents, 23(7), 4-5.
Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/200482321?accountid=14872
Mary, I had posted this article on my FB page last week and thought I would pass it along. I did not check the validity of this source, but preliminary scanning seems to show quality in the findings. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cris-rowan/10-reasons-why-handheld-devices-should-be-banned_b_4899218.html
ReplyDeleteI received good and bad responses from my "friends" about this article. Many felt it was biased, and that being exposed at an early age makes their children proficient in a growing field that is only going to get more complicated.
Others felt it was written to alarm parents, and was not credible because of that. You can decide for yourself.
I am looking forward to your research, because I have always suspected that the increase in autism spectrum disorders is somehow related to the child's (or even parents) exposure to flashing images.
Mary,
ReplyDeleteI completely understand where you are coming from! In conducting my initial research to find a topic, I experience the same questions and worry as yourself when you state, "Furthermore, without having completed a research project like this before I am unsure how much to narrow down the research topic and what type of resources I will need available. I am worried that the time frame to complete this project is very short compared to the work that it may take." I am, also, concerned about the time frame and all the research that it will take to make this project successful. Hopefully, we will be able to encourage each other!