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Research with Children
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Research with Children
Theory and Practice



February 2013 | 312 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
Thought-provoking, pertinent and engaging, this book provides an overview of every aspect of carrying out research with children. It is unique in its particular focus on vulnerable groups of children such as those with mental-health problems, physical health problems and learning disabilities, along with young offenders and looked after children.

The book helpfully addresses each stage of the research process:

-Part I introduces the main elements of doing research with children, including seeking ethical approval for sensitive research topics.

-Part II guides the reader through the initial stages of the research project including recruitment issues and communicating with gatekeepers.

-Part III outlines the data collection, data analysis, writing up and dissemination stages of research and covers both quantitative and qualitative methods.

Filled with practical advice and useful activities for each chapter, this book is an essential resource for any student, academic or professional working with, or doing research with, children.

 
Introduction: Setting the Context
 
PART ONE: PRELIMINARY ISSUES
 
Cultural and Diversity Issues
 
Ethics in Child Research
 
Children's Capacity to Make Decisions
 
PART TWO: STARTING A RESEARCH PROJECT WITH CHILDREN
 
Planning to Do Research with Children
 
Getting Started in Research with Children
 
Children with Specific Characteristics
 
Recruiting Children and Families: Communicating with Gatekeepers, Parents and Children
 
PART THREE: PRACTICAL ISSUES
 
Choosing a Method for Your Research
 
Quantitative Methods of Data Collection and Analysis
 
Qualitative Methods of Data Collection and Analysis
 
Writing-up and Dissemination
 
Answers to the Activities
 
Glossary
 
References
 
Index

This is an excellent resource for all those interested in undertaking research with children and young people in a variety of contexts. It will be particularly valuable for students and practitioners working with children in education, health, social work and in communities, as it provides valuable practical advice, with examples from a range of professional contexts. The authors have written an exceptional step-by-step guide, which supports the reader from the design stage to dissemination, and is packed with ideas on how best to engage children of all ages in research and how to be respectful of their views and rights in the process. An invaluable resource for students, practitioners and others interested in researching children's views in a respectful manner.
Daniela Sime
Senior Lecturer in Education, University of Strathclyde


Research with Children is an accessible, comprehensive introduction and step-by-step guide to thinking about and developing research with children and young people within sociology, education, psychology and health. This book will be useful to practitioners, policy-makers and students working at undergraduate, Masters and even doctoral levels.
Claire Maxwell
Senior Lecturer in the Sociology of Education, Institute of Education, University of London


A very clear, accessible and comprehensive overview of how to undertake research with children. The authors walk the reader through key concepts, considerations and questions to ask, providing a range of practical examples and templates to assist new researchers. An extremely useful text!
Phil Crane
Senior Lecturer in Services to Young People, Queensland University of Technology


Michelle O’Reilly, Pablo Ronzoni and Nisha Dogra contribute significantly to what it means to conduct research that privileges the interests and concerns of diverse children. They demonstrate a clear understanding of the key issues involved in conducting research with children. As a result, they produce a detailed, practice-oriented book that is indeed beneficial to "researchers who are new to research with children" (p. xii) and which at the same time reminds experienced researchers to conduct research with children in ways that value their lives and social situations.

Dudu Jankie
University of Botswana
The Qualitative Report

Very clear and comprehensive guide on how to conduct research with children. Covers essential issues, invaluable resource for practitioners and researchers alike.

Mrs Laura Ashton-Goldthorpe
Faculty of Health & Social Care, Edge Hill University
April 7, 2016

This book is a significant contribution to the available resources on doing research with children. It provides a step-by-step guide through all the phases of the research process. The author’s emphasis on research with vulnerable children is outstanding. It also addresses the various ethical issues in a very clear and practical way, even providing an example of a consent form. It is written in an easy to read and accessible style and is comprehensive enough to enhance the research skills of people on different academic levels.

Dr Jan Grobbelaar
Post-graduate faculty - Practical Theology, South African Theological Seminary
August 11, 2015

This is a fantastic book giving foundational knowledge to my students about carrying out research with children. From ethical considerations to methodology and beyond, this informative book is a recommended companion for all those on the Foundation Degree in Early Years Care and Education.

Miss Jo Button
Education , South Devon College
March 19, 2015

An easy to read text that introduces research with children.

Ms Allison Dunhill
Centre for Educational Studies, Hull University
February 8, 2015

This book is divided into three distinctive sections that guides the reader through the ethics, preparation and planning of a research project with children. There are activities and practical advice throughout to highlight the essential elements of conducting research with children.

Mrs Marion Farnworth
Centre of Health & Childhood Studies, Hopwood Hall College
August 18, 2015

A good book but not as relevant to the course that i am teaching as I had hoped. Useful for practitioners planning or carrying out research with children.

Dr Sarah Rose
Psychology & Mental Health, Staffordshire University
October 30, 2014

Really Useful with dissertation students.

Dr Jacky Tyrie
Cardiff School of Education, Cardiff Metropolitan University
October 6, 2014

This was used widely by the previous years second years to support their Individual Reserach Project.

Mrs Nancy Small
Health and Social Care, K College
July 1, 2014

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1


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