Can't Talk, Won't Talk?: Methodological Issues in Researching Children

Abstract

In this paper we explore some current issues in, what has come to be called, the new sociology of childhood and how these relate to the process of researching children's lives in general, and to our own research in particular. We discuss the developmental model of childhood, before going on to explore ideas about children as, on the one hand, inhabiting a relatively autonomous realm and, on the other as part of the same social world as adults but with different sets of competencies. The implications of these differing positions for researching children will be assessed prior to a discussion of the design of our current research, on children and risk, and the wider implications of our reflections on the research process.

Childrens', parents' and teachers' perceptions of child wellbeing

“…However, this raises a further ethical issue; although informed consent was obtained from parents / guardians, teachers, parents and children, with participants proffered the opportunity to withdraw at all points of contact, consent was not obtained from those pictured in the photographs. Participation in analysis may be questioned as without academic analysts, research may produce nothing more than lay understandings (Harden et al, 2000). However, as in this case, if the aim is to give children a voice and to gain their perspective in order to contribute to adults' understanding of child well being, it would appear necessary that children undertake the analysis to reduce the imposition of an adults' view through the adult analyst's interpretation of the data.…”

“…However, the research process through which this perspective is accessed can be problematic as, Harden et al, (2000) argue, it reinforces inequalities in power between adults and children. This can be negated to some extent by the active and meaningful participation of children throughout the research process (Darbyshire et al, 2005), including the analysis stage where power differentials are particularly manifested (Mayall, 1994).…”

“…The technique, while groundbreaking in its time with its implicit recognition of the need to seek out the child's perspective, has recognised limitations (Backett Milburn and McKie, 1999; Kelleher et al, 2001; Nic Gabhainn and Kelleher, 2002. One of the constraints of the 'draw and write' technique is the school setting, rather than the approach itself, with its organised physical and social boundary (Coad and Lewis, 2004), overseen at all times by adults (Harden et al, 2000) suggested to influence the participation of children in 'draw and write' activities (Backett Milburn andMcKie, 1999; Nic Gabhainn andKelleher, 2002). Children's perception of their own abilities in drawing may also restrict their participation (Backett and Alexander, 1991).…”

Connecting a sociology of childhood perspective with the study of child health, illness and wellbeing: introduction

“…How can we access children's perspectives and lived experience? One avenue suggested is to use a range of methods to take account of diversity between children (see, for example, Christensen and James 2000) or to involve children as actors in research as a way to overcome the power imbalance between the child and the researcher (Alderson 2000, Mason and Hood 2011) which, however, might create new methodological problems (Harden et al 2000). On the other hand, whether research with children is necessarily different from research with adults is also being questioned.…”

‘I Felt they were Ganging up on me’: Interviewing Siblings at Home

“…This visual representation was used to compare children's sibships with other important relationships in their lives, such as their friends or parents. Some children appeared at ease and confident with straightforward talking (Harden et al, 2000), whereas others seemed to prefer the visual task-based activities. However, to avoid making incorrect, possibly 'adultist' assumptions, I offered them the choice of whether they preferred to talk, write or draw about their social networks.…”