Shoulder-to-shoulder research with children: Methodological and ethical considerations

Abstract

This paper presents a methodological study with children where two different interview methods were utilized: the walk-around (a form of mobile interview) and the shoulder-to-shoulder. The paper reviews the methodological aspects of the study then provides a brief review of the history of methods employed in research with children. Finally the paper considers issues around conducting research with children in the areas of data generation, interview environment, power, and participant engagement. Throughout the article, narrative interludes, and the author’s personal reflections as parents and researchers are provided space for thought and narrative glimpses into the research experience.