Research Characteristics (pupils) Flashcards
How does power and status cause difficulties investigating pupils?
How do schools reinforce power hierarchies in research?
Schools are hierarchical institutions where teachers hold authority over pupils. Teachers may influence which pupils participate to present a favorable image of the school
How do structured research methods reinforce power imbalances?
In structured interviews and questionnaires, the researcher controls the questions and response format, limiting pupils’ input
How do pupils’ cognitive abilities impact their participation in research?
Their vocabulary, self-expression, and ability to grasp abstract ideas are less developed than adults, making complex concepts harder to understand
Why is careful wording of research questions essential when studying pupils?
If questions are too complex or abstract, pupils may misunderstand them, leading to unreliable responses
Why is obtaining informed consent from pupils challenging?
They may struggle to fully comprehend the purpose, risks, and implications of the research, making genuine informed consent difficult
How does language use among young people impact research?
Pupils’ speech patterns and terminology differ from adults’, requiring researchers to adjust language for clarity
What role does memory play in pupils’ research responses?
Pupils’ memory is less developed than adults’, so they may struggle to recall detailed information accurately
Why is it important to consider diversity among pupils?
Age, class, gender, and ethnicity influence language use, comprehension, and response styles, affecting research outcomes
Why are young people more vulnerable in research?
Their limited power and maturity make them more susceptible to psychological stress, coercion, and harm
What safeguards should be in place regarding pupils’ personal data?
Data should only be collected and retained if essential to the research, ensuring confidentiality and protection.
How do ‘gatekeepers’ affect access to pupil research participants?
Parents, teachers, and school authorities regulate access to pupils, making research approval and data collection more challenging
