Revisiting Mandell’s ‘least adult’ role and engaging with children’s voices in research

Abstract

To evaluate research with children, research reports need to include discussions of how the researchers addressed Mandell's principles and built trust. Data given by children are influenced by how social differences are minimised, the perceived value the researcher places on children's social worlds and how children are engaged in the research process. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE/RESEARCH: Further research is required to understand how various approaches to minimising social difference, valuing children's social worlds, joining children in activities and building trust can influence children's participation and the data they give.