Research with Children: Theory and Practice

by Michelle O'Reilly, Nisha Dogra, Pablo Daniel Ronzoni

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781446208489
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	03/06/2013
Pages:	312
Product dimensions:	6.60(w) x 9.60(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Michelle O’Reilly (BSc [hons], MSc, MA, Ph D, PGCAPHE) is an Associate Professor of Communication in Mental Health at the University of Leicester and a Research Consultant for Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust. Michelle is also a Chartered Psychologist in Health. Michelle has specific interest in child and adolescent mental health and has been investigating the relationship between mental health and social media as part of that work. Michelle has made several media contributions about the research with adolescents, educationalists, and parents, as funded by the Wellcome Trust. Additional to her research interests in mental health and social media, Michelle also undertakes research in self-harm and suicidal behaviour, neurodevelopmental conditions, and child mental health services, such as mental health assessments and family therapy. Michelle recently won the Anselm Strauss Award for Qualitative Family Research for her co-authored contribution on discursive psychology in this area. Michelle has expertise in qualitative methodologies and specialises in discursive psychology and conversation analysis.

Nisha Dogra (BM DCH FRCPsych MA [Socio-legal studies, children], Postgraduate Certificate in Systemic Practice, Ph D) is Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry Education at the Greenwood Institute of Child Health, University of Leicester. She is an external lecturer on the MMed Sci Medical Education Masters at the University of Nottingham. She was until her retirement working as a generic child and adolescent psychiatrist. Currently, her work in child mental health is focused on how young people see the relationship between mental health and social media. Throughout her career Nisha was been involved in the development and delivery of a wide variety of teaching and training events in undergraduate and postgraduate education, locally, nationally, and internationally in both psychiatry and diversity. She has published widely including peer reviewed publications, edited and written books as well as contributing chapters to edited books related to psychiatry and education.

Table of Contents

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

Editorial Reviews

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.

The Qualitative Report - Dudu Jankie

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

From the Publisher