Conducting Research with Children on Sensitive Topics – Ethics in Research Design and Implementation
Abstract
The aim of this article is to reflect on the methodology and ethical challenges that arose during a study involving children of early primary school age. Using the example of exploring the subject of death, ways of implementing international ethical standards are presented in situations where the subject of the study is sensitive and may cause discomfort to the participants. The issue of adults’ and children’s informed consent to participate in this type of research and the special care taken to ensure their emotional well-being at various stages of research planning and implementation are discussed in detail. The choice of research methods and techniques that minimise the risk of causing stress to the subjects when talking about a difficult topic is justified. Selected statements by children that, from the researcher’s point of view, may pose an ethical challenge are quoted, along with corresponding examples of the researcher’s responses. A basic model of researcher responses in line with ethical standards for research conducted in children’s focus groups is also presented.
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