Doing research with ChildrenDoing research with Children

““Adults in Waiting”Adults in Waiting”

Children everywhere

What If….

– What if they don’t say anything?– What if they just walk off when I am talking?– What if they cant understand what I ask them?– What if I can’t understand their replies?

Research methods

• Participant Observation• Open-ended questions• Focus group and “activity days”• Use of visual and task-based techniques • Etc……

Research methods

• Participant Observation– Involves social interaction

between researcher and the other person.

– Watching, listening, reflecting and engaging with children in conversation.

– The best method for children in age 5-6 years old.

– Researcher establishes relationship with the child.

Research methods

• Open-ended questions– Who, what, where, why, when and how– Tell more about that– What happened next?

Research methods

• Focus group and “activity days”– Very popular method– Used for generating ideas

• Use of visual and task-based activities– Research is not only about talking– Not all children like to talk! – Children don’t like to give long answers

Visual and task based techniques

• Drawing and other art forms– Most popular & effective

technique– Gives children time to think,

the drawing can be changed or added

– “Your favorite place”, “what do you want to change to”, “past, present and future”

– Good starting point for one-on-one interviews

Visual and task based techniques

• Maps– Uses to describe neighborhood or family members– Provide rich data – Daily activities

Visual and task based techniques

• Photography– Access to children’s private worlds on a 24 hours

basis – Giving children a camera– Analyzing the photos with children “why this

photo? What it can represent”

Visual and task based techniques

• Spider diagram– Identifying main sources of support– Identify people that were important for the child

Visual and task based techniques

• Role Plays and Drama– Expose events, life stories or

issues that concern children – Researcher need to be

careful with this technique – Children with less

confidence may feel uncomfortable

Thank youThank you