Children’s reasearch. Problems and pointers in helping overcome them

Abstract

Thesis. The approach of the new sociology of childhood (James, Prout, 1997) has turned the eyes of researchers on children as competent social actors whose knowledge (Mayall, 2008) about the reality which surrounds them can serve scientific purposes, in other words, to look for the truth through the fullest possible description of the world. This approach also applies to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and particularly to Article 12, which calls for the child to be able to form its own views and opinions and be heard freely, considering its age and maturity (Brzozowska-Brywczyńska, 2014). Children's research may broaden the research perspective of the reality investigated, but at the same time it is burdened with numerous difficulties, which if the research process is well planned and the researcher follows an ethical approach, can be overcome.

Concepts. The article presents the perspective of a new sociology oriented towards a child as a subject of research and the difficulties resulting from this approach. When deciding on the nature of research activities, at the very beginning, one must consider the semantic problem, in other words determine whether we are involved in the study of childhood, children's research or research with children. Depending on this choice, the research process should be carefully prepared, with the consideration of ethics and a properly selected methodology.

Results. We need to be prepared for the difficulties we may encounter when conducting research with the participation of children. We should abide by the law and ethical principles and methodological guidelines to minimize these difficulties. Problems are a frequent reason for giving up the inclusion of children in research, which is why developing proposals for their solutions is important and necessary.

Value. Examples of methods to overcome the most common difficulties of research involving children's participation.