What you will study
This module will be attractive to anyone with an interest in and concern for research with children involving children and young people, from very young children to adolescents, right through to early adulthood. It will interest those who work with, volunteer or care for children and young people in various settings and contexts and who want to learn more about different approaches to amplify their representation, voice, and participation through inclusive and ethical research practices.
The module draws on contemporary theories and examples from various disciplines, including Childhood and Youth Studies, Education, Psychology and Sociology. This shows you the many varied ways of doing research, including through both traditional and contemporary and creative research methods.
Block 1 introduces the foundations of social research with children and young people. The units give you the key concepts, core knowledge and understanding of the principles of research design, qualitative and quantitative research methods and the beliefs and assumptions that shape research methods. You'll be encouraged to actively question, evaluate and see research as more than simply collecting facts and consider why and how children and young people are involved in research. You'll also begin to identify and think about topics and research issues that interest you.
Block 2 focuses on the opportunities and challenges of participatory, creative and reflective research practices. You'll examine issues of diversity, representation and inclusion and the opportunities for including diverse groups in research. This includes challenging racism and empowering young people of colour, LGBTQI, disabled and neurodiverse children and the role of power and participation through practitioner and insider research as a tool for social change. You'll also reflect on aspects of your own identity, motivations, and interests as a researcher.
Block 3 addresses the importance of ethical principles and values in research involving children and young people, including their rights, consent and safeguarding. Through scenarios and real-world examples, you'll consider and reflect on the complex and nuanced dilemmas that might emerge when planning your own research project, and why research roles and relationships matter when studying sensitive topics and/or working with children and young people with different needs.
Block 4 brings together the topics, issues and approaches covered in the module, and you are guided through the step-by-step process of designing your research project for your end-of-module assessment. The units include forming a research question, carrying out a literature review, choosing a method and how to write a research proposal.
In addition to the set text in the E320 Module Reader, there are weekly interactive online activities throughout the module to support your learning. The audio and video resources have been specifically created to support your understanding of core issues and research concepts and make links with ‘real life’ issues.
Vocational relevance
This module will be of relevance if you're:
- currently working, volunteering or aspiring to work with children and young people (age 0-25 years) in a range of settings and sectors who wish to develop their knowledge and understanding of social research to inform practice
- considering further study at postgraduate level.