Eliciting children's voices in qualitative research.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this literature review was to summarize the issues and techniques involved when incorporating preschool and elementary-school-age children as informants in qualitative research.

METHOD

Literature on children's studies, qualitative research with children as informants, and methods for obtaining children's perspectives were examined.

RESULTS

Conducting qualitative research with children involves different challenges and research techniques than research with adults. The researcher needs to examine beliefs regarding children's competence, address the inequality of power in the adult-child relationship, and bridge different communication styles. The researcher can employ a variety of techniques and adaptations to help children express themselves.

CONCLUSION

This review adds to the understanding of occupational therapy researchers about children as informants in research. The practical suggestions presented can also be used in clinical practice to strengthen children's voices in therapy.