Qualitative Research

To get the most out of research with children needs specialist expertise, understanding the best ways to talk to children across the age range, and keeping in touch with the wider aspects of their daily lives. At CHILDWISE we work regularly with children on many different projects and topics, giving unique insight into their interests and concerns.

  •  Our approach to qualitative research combines the rigour of traditional methods, alongside new and dynamic techniques that today's children can relate to
  •  We believe it is important to select research techniques that our respondents are comfortable with, providing an environment in which they are relaxed and receptive
  •  Our experienced moderators are skilled at making the most of the time available, delivering consistent and credible results
  •  We work within the MRS guidelines on child research, including research content, parental consent, and CRB checked moderators


Classic qual – tightly focused groups with children

  •  Typically six children per group, same age and sex
  •  Providing an environment where children contribute with enthusiasm, free from inhibition
  •  Flexible and informal approach, allowing us to understand the issues that are important to children, and to see the world from their perspective
  •  Quick and cost-effective approach to scope out new areas, collect response to ideas, and explore motivations and behaviour
  •  Opportunity for clients to observe at first hand

 
Friendship pairs and trios

  •  Exploring children’s individual experience and behaviour in detail
  •  Pairs or trios allow mutual support of friends, making it easier for children to speak out
  •  Interviews in home give the chance to observe and get feedback on the child’s possessions, technology, décor etc, to add a further dimension


Cross generation / Family focus – parent and child, or wider family

  •  Getting all sides to the story
  •  Using scenarios, role play and games to explore and understand transactions and relationships

 
Show and tell – observation sessions

  •  In home, out shopping, eating out, activities, entertainment
  •  Friends, families, mums and kids
  •  Seeing for real what happens next, exploring reasons, motivations, experience

 
Online qual

  •  Children and young people are increasingly at home in the virtual world making this a productive environment to explore their views

 
Junior experts forum

  •  Children recruited as informed advisers

 
Qual with adults

  •  Parents, grandparents, teachers, youth professionals
  •  Groups, depths, pairs
  •  Supporting feedback from children, and independently

 
Workshops – Co-creation

  •  Getting children’s ideas as input into the creative development process