Navigating participatory methods in childhood research: a qualitatively driven approach to case study design

This chapter explores a range of child-centred participatory research methods commonly used in early childhood research, and their applicability to case study approaches. Specifically, it addresses child-centred methods such as observations, documents, journal/diary entries, interviews and focus groups. It also considers a variety of interviewing tools and techniques to generate data with children, including concept maps, photography, drawing, play and puppets, and a combination of these. To help differentiate between these methods and to clarify their purpose and rationale, a critical reflection on these methods and the insights they generate in the context of conducting research with young children is presented. Underpinning this discussion is the recognition that child-centred research needs to be sensitive to children’s needs, rights and experiences, and therefore, ethical challenges are also considered. This chapter concludes with a discussion of the methodological and practical challenges of qualitative case studies in early childhood research.