Children’s Voices on Ways of Having a Voice

Abstract

Drawing on relevant literature and a study carried out by the author and colleagues, this article reviews the evidence about children’s expressed views on methods used by adults to obtain chil dren’s views. It identifies key considerations deployed by children to account for those prefer ences. Children are normally passive with respect to method choice, but they negotiate differing degrees of engagement related to considerations such as time control, comfort with the research medium, rewardingness and privacy. Their views about methods of research and consultation are sharply affected by notions of inclusiveness and fairness.