Adolescent engagement in psychological research

Abstract

Relatively few studies recruit adolescent samples and there is a paucity of information relating to adolescent experiences of psychological research. Those researchers investigating adolescent participation have often focused on issues such as adolescent capacity to provide informed consent. However, positive outcomes such as increased scientific literacy may also arise when participants engage in psychological research. The current study investigates adolescent experiences of psychological research in order to improve current practice. Focus groups were conducted with adolescents (N = 87) aged 12–16 years, following participation in a series of psychological studies. Analyses revealed four themes: autonomy, information, learning and variation. Findings highlight those issues of importance to adolescent participants and suggest areas of potential future research.