Researching Young Children's Perspectives

How can childrena (TM)s understanding of the research process be supported?

What factors "get in the way" when working with young children?

How can all young children be assured of a voice in research?

How can participatory research methods be designed so that they benefit children?

What advice should be given to the research community about working with young children?

Students who are engaging children in rights-based, participatory research face a number of ethical, methodological and theoretical dilemmas. Rather than approaching these challenges and complexities as problematic issues, this book positions these dilemmas as core topics for discussion and reflection.

Drawing from the challenges and complexities of their experiences as research collaborators with young children in internationally diverse settings, the authors tell the stories of their success, consternation, reflection and practice as advocates for including young children in research.

Part one considers the ethical, methodological and theoretical frameworks that guide high quality practice in research with young children. The wide-ranging perspectives discussed in this include:

• reflections on the rights of children with special needs.
• The processes of informed assent
• the distinction between methodologies and methods.
• the influence of rights on childrena (TM)s participation.

Part two provides examples of high quality research with young children which are accompanied by a commentary from the researchers, highlighting issues faced and proposing potential solutions/suggestions. This book also provides a specific framework that addresses the unique challenges and complexities that researchers have identified when collaborating on research projects with young children birth to 8 years of age. Any student undertaking research with children at undergraduate level and above will find this book engaging and helpful.