Considering Pedagogies for Consent in Research with Children

Abstract

This article explores some ethical considerations involved in a research project which aims to establish the understandings children have of a frequently viewed video film. Some of the assumptions underlying 'informed consent' and the notion of 'consent pedagogy' will be explored. Then the process of obtaining consent in this research is described and discussed. The process included showing potential participants (aged 9 and 10 years) a video of the research process being acted out and group interaction with the researcher during the showing to clarify the research process. The children's and parents' responses to these procedures are then discussed and some implications of consent pedagogy for future research outlined.