Reflexivity and ethical mindfulness in participatory research with children: What does it really look like?

Abstract

This article draws attention to the ethical nuances of conducting participatory research with children and young people growing up in a popular tourist destination in Australia. It responds to calls for more reflexively oriented approaches to documenting the ethical dimensions of qualitative research, particularly with children. Prolonged engagement in the field facilitated a deeper understanding of young people's lived experiences and the challenges they face in negotiating identity, belonging and connection with community. Findings reveal there are a number of important benefits when actively involving young people in research. With the democratisation of the research process, however, comes an increased ethical responsibility which requires a reflexive and relational approach if meaningful and inclusive participation is to be achieved.

Senses of belonging when living in foster care families: Insights from children’s video diaries

“…Within childhood studies discussions on how to best capture the voice and experiences of children has been intensely debated (see Canosa et al, 2018), and the use of alternative methods, such as video diaries, has been welcomed (Noyes, 2008; Ross et al, 2009). The use of video diaries in our study derives from our desire to provide children with an image-saturated way of telling about their everyday family life (Sturken and Cartwright, 2008).…”

Regulating Bodies: Children and Sexual Violence

“…There is a fast-growing body of work that seeks to promote children’s participation in research while emphasizing the ethical imperative of the researcher to promote meaningful and effective involvement throughout the process (Martins, Oliverira, & Tendais, 2018). Not surprisingly, research involving child-centered scholarship and the innovative methods to involve young people in research extends far beyond the scope of IRBs (Canosa, Graham, & Wilson, 2018; Phelan & Kinsells, 2013; Spyrou, 2011; Swauger, 2009). These imperatives include feminist epistemological positioning and methodological decision making (Harding, 2004); mediated informed consent and assent at all stages of the research process and with various people, including families, caregivers, teachers, and other gatekeepers when applicable (Canosa et al, 2018; Martins et al, 2018; Oulton et al, 2016; M.…”

“…Not surprisingly, research involving child-centered scholarship and the innovative methods to involve young people in research extends far beyond the scope of IRBs (Canosa, Graham, & Wilson, 2018; Phelan & Kinsells, 2013; Spyrou, 2011; Swauger, 2009). These imperatives include feminist epistemological positioning and methodological decision making (Harding, 2004); mediated informed consent and assent at all stages of the research process and with various people, including families, caregivers, teachers, and other gatekeepers when applicable (Canosa et al, 2018; Martins et al, 2018; Oulton et al, 2016; M. A. Powell et al, 2012; Stanley & Wise, 1990); issues of privacy, confidentiality, and compensation (Canosa et al, 2018); feminist attention to and rejection of hierarchical relationships in the research process; concerns with reflexivity and participation (Maynard, 1994); and interpretation of the research as a collaborative exercise (M.…”

“…These imperatives include feminist epistemological positioning and methodological decision making (Harding, 2004); mediated informed consent and assent at all stages of the research process and with various people, including families, caregivers, teachers, and other gatekeepers when applicable (Canosa et al, 2018; Martins et al, 2018; Oulton et al, 2016; M. A. Powell et al, 2012; Stanley & Wise, 1990); issues of privacy, confidentiality, and compensation (Canosa et al, 2018); feminist attention to and rejection of hierarchical relationships in the research process; concerns with reflexivity and participation (Maynard, 1994); and interpretation of the research as a collaborative exercise (M. J. Burman, Batchelor, & Brown, 2001), as well as the effects on researchers involved and participating in sensitive research with children (Brannen, 1988; R.…”

Research ethics in practice: challenges of using digital technology to embed the voices of children and young people within programs for fathers who use domestic violence

“…This form of research is accompanied by a need to consider necessary ethical protections to ensure participant rights and safety (Martino and Schormans, 2018). When research involves children, this can add additional layers of ethical complexity (Canosa et al, 2018).…”