Working on analyzing survey responses

My name is Emily Brewer and I’m a Senior here at the University of Arkansas. I am majoring in Communication sciences and disorders and I am minoring in Human Development. I am an honors student and received the Honors College Research Grant.

My research project investigated the counseling provided to caregivers of children with Down syndrome and hearing loss. This study was conducted through the use of a survey to caregivers of children with Down syndrome and hearing loss to find out what counseling was provided, if any, for auditory skill development of their child. There is little research on this topic, so this study provides initial information about current state of such counseling. With this information, directions for future research and clinical work related to caregiver counseling can be suggested. Understanding ways in which caregiver counseling on auditory skill development can be expanded could ultimately improve communication development in children with Down syndrome who experience hearing loss.

I learned so far through my research that surveying can be very helpful and a lot more people in the community are excited to get involved with this research than I could have imagined. I’m still in the process of collecting all of my data, but so far seventy-four caregivers of children with Down syndrome and/or hearing loss have taken the survey. I’m excited to continue to recruit caregivers to take this survey in order to find out even more information from people around the United States. This information will allow us to evaluate the amount of caregiver counseling. I’ve learned so much about myself throughout these past two semesters of working on this research project. I have learned the importance of making a schedule for myself, working ahead, and being dedicated to my research. I’ve learned throughout this process that my main strength is in planning. I have also learned that research style writing was a weakness of mine, but I’ve definitely become stronger in this area. I’ve seen that it is important to ask for help when it is needed and to strive to achieve the best work possible. Overall, all of these skills have helped me see the importance of hard work and that it does pay off.

The faculty member who works with me on my project is Dr. Glade and my student research partner is Lauren Lynch. These two have helped me so much and have allowed this survey to reach so many caregivers already. Dr. Glade is great at leading both Lauren and I in the right direction and giving us guidance on writing tips, research information, and she is always there to help! Dr, Glade assisted Lauren and I in crafting survey questions and finding resources to create our literature review.  Lauren is such a good accountable partner for me and we help make sure to keep each other on track and working hard. I appreciate both of their help so much.

This semester has been a great process and we’ve completed our research. I presented my honors research at the ArkSHA state convention for speech-language pathology. My proposal was also accepted by ASHA, but unfortunately due to COVID-19 the convention was cancelled. I’m very hopeful that this research will make an impact in the lives of others and bring about any needed change. This research has the potential to impact curriculum development, intervention plans, and possibly policy makers with respect to working with children with Down syndrome and their families.