CYP Now - Resources: Review - Research is seldom straightforward

This book is not a set of instructions on how to conduct research with children and young people. But it does provide a thoughtful and thought-provoking review of the background to research. Aimed at those preparing to research in fields such as education, health, welfare, childhood and youth studies, psychology and sociology, it is well-researched, scholarly, informative and, for the most part, easy to read.

For example, it discusses consent and confidentiality, and a legal context that places emphasis on whether the child has "sufficient understanding" to consent to medical treatment - or to take part in research. There are examples of explanations a child can be given of what it means to take part in research, and what their rights are. However, the area of disclosure relating to self-harm is not tackled.

Perceptions of childhood are also explored, and how these may affect adults' judgments about a child's competence. The fascinating chapter on the legal context ends provocatively: "Researchers must be prepared to face some antagonism from adults who continue to view children as objects for concern and protection, rather than as individuals who have the right to be heard."

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