The ‘other participant’ in the room: The effect of significant adults in research with children

Abstract

This article discusses the practical implications and ethical dilemmas of ‘other’ adults being present in a research setting where the participant is a child. The article focuses on three key issues in relation to this theme. First, the range of ways that ‘other’ adults (for example, parents or guardians, teachers or youth workers) may become involved in the process of research is discussed. Second, the article considers how the presence of ‘other’ adults may raise ethical challenges, impact on the research process, and ultimately affect the data collected. Finally, suggestions are offered for the range of strategies open to researchers in negotiating the involvement of ‘other’ adults within a research context.