Ethical Research Involving Children

Informed assent: Ethics and processes when researching with young children.

Harcourt, D., & Conroy, H. (2005). Informed assent: Ethics and processes when researching with young children. Early Child Development and Care, 175(6), pp. 567-577.

Abstract: This paper presents the initial findings of an ongoing research project conducted at the International Centre for Early Childhood in Singapore. The researchers have been collaborating with a group of student teachers who conduct research with young children in early childhood settings, for the purpose of assignment requirements. Prior to any research being carried out, a requirement of the institution is that informed assent is obtained from the children. This has raised issues of presumption of young children’s understandings of the research process, images held of young children in an Asian context, and children’s right to be part of a decision-making process. The initial findings will impact on the way that researchers in general must approach the inclusion of young children in participatory research. (Abstract © Taylor & Francis, reprinted by special permission from Taylor & Francis Group, a division of Informa UK, http://www.tandf.co.uk).