Demonstrating the Merits of the Peer Research Process: A Northern Ireland Case Study

Abstract

This article discusses the benefits and challenges of involving peer researchers in social research projects. A research project on pupil participation in policy making on school bullying in Northern Ireland's schools was commissioned by the Office of the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People and undertaken by the National Children's Bureau in conjunction with researchers from Queen's University Belfast in fourteen schools across Northern Ireland, utilizing a mixed methods approach. We trained and employed nine 15—18-year-old peer researchers to support them in this project. After the project's completion, we conducted interviews with six of the peer researchers to investigate how they experienced their involvement in the research. We discuss the findings from these interviews and contextualize in a review of literature on research involving children and young people.

Participatory peer research methodology: An effective method for obtaining young people’s perspectives on transitions from care to adulthood?

“…Mutual understanding of the research topic and a shared language also help build rapport and support effective communication (Alderson, 2001cited in Fleming et al, 2009Greene et al, 2009;Kilpatrick et al, 2007;Kirby, 1999Kirby, , 2004Murray, 2006). Evidence suggests that young people may be willing to discuss issues with peer researchers that they would not be willing to raise with academic researchers, thus improving our understanding of the topic and securing accounts that are not tailored for adult ears (Burns and Schubotz, 2009;Fleming et al, 2009;Kirby, 1999;Smith et al, 2002). Smith and colleagues (2002) conclude that 'participatory research is beneficial both because of its implicit values (such as empowerment and inclusion) and also because it improves our level of understanding of the substantive subject area' (p. 2).…”

Sexual risk and healthcare seeking behaviour in young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in North Queensland

“…The non-random selection of the sample means that results may not be generalisable to the broader population of young Indigenous people. While we attempted to minimise social desirability bias through the use of peer interviewers (18)(19)(20), the relatively close-knit Indigenous community meant that peer interviewers were known to some participants which may have impacted on both social desirability bias and willingness to participate. The use of self-reported data may also be subject to recall bias.…”

Youth ‘At the Margins’

“…Age proximity is particularly helpful in making young people feel comfortable enough to discuss "taboo topics" such as SRH (Kirby, 1999). Others have argued that the youth who gain the most from such research are youth researchers (YRs) themselves as they develop valuable skills and social networks which enhance their employability (Burns & Schubotz, 2009;Jones, 2011).…”