Evidence Library
Title: Young service users as co-researchers. Methodological problems and possibilities.
Author: McLaughlin, H.
Date Published: 2005
Reference: Qualitative Social Work, 4(2), 211-228.
Are service users or carers authors: No/Not Known
Abstract:
This paper explores the challenges in working with young service users as co-researchers. It also highlights some of the benefits including:
- young co-researchers are better able to understand the language of young people and to create rapport in an interview. This gives them access to information that may not be obtained by adult researchers.
- young co-researchers have distinct insights which can inform the analysis of interviews in a different way to adults.
However, the author notes that it is not always true that young researchers are better able to engage with other young people and provides examples of where this has not been the case. He concludes that the benefits of working with young people need to be weighed up against the extra effort and resources required to equip young co-researchers and enable them to benefit from the experience.
Related entry: none currently available
Categories: social care
Undertaking research
Analysing and interpreting
impact on research
impact of public involvement
journal article
Date Entered: 2007/03/01
Additional Info: