What ethical dilemmas face researchers who work with young children?

Researching Young Children's Perspectives critically examines the challenges and complexities of rights based, participatory research with children. Rather than approaching these dilemmas as problematic issues, this book positions them as important topics for discussion and reflection.

Drawing from their own rich experiences as research collaborators with young children in internationally diverse settings, the authors consider the ethical, methodological and theoretical frameworks that guide best-practice in research with young children. Each chapter poses points for consideration that will inform and challenge both the novice and experienced researcher, such as:

• How 'participatory' can research be with infants under eighteen months?
• When should listening through observation stand alone?
• What is the distinction between methodologies and methods?
• How can all young children be assured of a voice in research?

The authors also present seven separate case studies which demonstrate exemplary research with young children. Each study is accompanied by insightful commentary from the authors, who highlight the issues or difficulties faced and propose potential solutions.

If you are a student at undergraduate level and above, this book will give you all the confidence you need to conduct your own high quality research with children.

About the Author

Deborah Harcourt is Professor of Early Childhood at the Australian Catholic University, based in Brisbane, Australia.

Bob Perry is Professor of Education in the Murray School of Education at Charles Sturt University, Albury-Wodonga, Australia.

Tim Waller is Reader in Early Years Education and Coordinator of the Childhood Research Cluster at the University of Wolverhampton, UK.

Reviews

'Deals with topic of central importance to all of our students and highlights the issues which they need to consider in a clear and informative way. Up to date and a good read.' - Jane Read, University of Roehampton, UK

'This is a clearly written book that provides students with useful information on issues surrounding research and children. Many of our students indicate that they find interaction with children and their carers / teachers problematic and this text goes some way to providing them with the practical guidance to approach their research.' - Robert Watts, University of Roehampton, UK

'The book offers an engaging and practical approach to ethical issues. The range of contributions from researchers with substantial experience in the field makes this a very valuable book.' - Ros Garrick, Sheffield Hallam University, UK

'This is a very comprehensive text book for undergraduate education studies students. My students all work in schools and this book provides the answers to all their questions when researching their own classrooms and schools.' - Carmen Mohamed, University of Leicester, UK

Book Information
ISBN 9780415604949
Author Deborah Harcourt
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 410g