Pupil researchers generation X: educating pupils as active participants
An investigation into gathering sensitive information from early adolescents

Author: Symonds, Jenny E.

Source: Research in Education, Volume 80, Number 1, November 2008 , pp. 63-74(12)

Publisher: Manchester University Press

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Abstract:

Developmentally appropriate research techniques were uncovered by involving ten Year 7 pupils as researchers in a four-hour workshop that investigated the effectiveness of multiple methods in gathering sensitive information from early adolescents. The pupils learned about, tried and evaluated the methods of generating interview questions, peer and self interview, stimulated video recall, projective tests and social and geographic mapping. Their anticipations and evaluations of using the methods revealed that authentic responses were most likely to occur when pupils were familiar with the researcher, the research purposes, the interview questions and the method of responding. Restrictions on authentic responses were anxiety, pressure to respond, fabricating information and generating simplistic answers and questions. By educating participants about research and response techniques, their communication and reflectivity, autonomy and responsibility for data validity should be improved. It is suggested that schools and teachers can provide developmentally appropriate research techniques for early adolescents by increasing the 'activeness' of their participation.

Keywords: PUPIL RESEARCHERS; PUPIL VOICE; DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY; EARLY ADOLESCENCE; ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2008-11-01

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