led by Dr Robin Dallas-Childs and Dr Colin Brough
This session will explore the ethical and methodological considerations for research with young people, especially those who might be considered ‘vulnerable’. Research with these groups is sometimes perceived as daunting and ethically complex, reflecting the dilemma of ensuring the perspectives of marginalised individuals are captured in the literature, whilst maintaining the ethical principle of ‘doing no harm’. Conceptions of research participant ‘vulnerability’ will therefore be explored along with the ethical and epistemological implications for research design. Relational ethics and phronesis (or practical wisdom) will be presented as a way to conceive of and translate universal ethical commitments to context bound, unique and sometimes unpredictable research settings. Reflections on managing elements of research design, from working with research gatekeepers to managing insider/outside status, power dynamics and the role of researcher reflexivity in research credibility will be explored. Workshop attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on how these topics might apply to their own research.
The session will be most suited to those planning or conducting research with young people and/or ‘vulnerable’ groups.