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Arts-Based Methods for Research With Children: Studies in Childhood and Youth

Dwight Blair

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Published in Arts Based Methods For Research With Children (Studies In Childhood And Youth)

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Arts-based methods are increasingly being used to research children's experiences and perspectives. These methods offer a unique way to engage children in the research process and to gain insights into their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

There are many different types of arts-based methods that can be used with children, including:

Visual arts (e.g., drawing, painting, sculpture)
Music (e.g., singing, playing instruments, composing)
Dance (e.g., movement, choreography)
Drama (e.g., role-playing, storytelling, puppetry)

Arts-based methods can be used to research a wide range of topics relevant to children's lives, such as:

Arts-Based Methods for Research with Children (Studies in Childhood and Youth)

by Anna Hickey-Moody

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Their experiences of family, school, and community
Their thoughts and feelings about themselves and others
Their hopes and dreams for the future

Arts-based methods can be particularly useful for researching children who are marginalized or who have difficulty communicating verbally. These methods can provide a safe and supportive space for children to express themselves and to share their experiences.

There are many benefits to using arts-based methods with children. These methods can:

Engage children in the research process. Arts-based methods can be fun and engaging for children, which can help to keep them interested in the research process.
Provide a safe and supportive space for children to express themselves. Arts-based methods can provide a safe and supportive space for children to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This can be especially important for children who are marginalized or who have difficulty communicating verbally.
Generate rich and nuanced data. Arts-based methods can generate rich and nuanced data that can provide insights into children's experiences and perspectives. This data can be used to inform policy and practice and to improve the lives of children.

There are also some challenges to using arts-based methods with children. These challenges include:

Time constraints. Arts-based methods can be time-consuming, which can be a challenge for researchers who are working on a tight deadline.
Resources. Arts-based methods can require specialized resources, such as art supplies, musical instruments, and dance space. These resources may not be readily available to all researchers.
Training. Researchers who use arts-based methods need to have training in the arts and in research methods. This training can be time-consuming and expensive.

Despite these challenges, arts-based methods can be a valuable tool for researching children's experiences and perspectives. By carefully considering the benefits and challenges of using these methods, researchers can design studies that will generate rich and meaningful data.

There are many examples of studies that have successfully used arts-based methods with children. These studies have explored a wide range of topics, including children's experiences of bullying, poverty, and immigration.

One study, conducted by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, used arts-based methods to explore the experiences of children who had been bullied. The study found that children who had been bullied were more likely to express their feelings through art than through words. The researchers concluded that arts-based methods can provide a valuable way to reach children who are struggling with difficult experiences.

Another study, conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto, used arts-based methods to explore the experiences of children who were living in poverty. The study found that children who were living in poverty were more likely to use art to express their hopes and dreams for the future. The researchers concluded that arts-based methods can provide a way for children to cope with the challenges of poverty and to imagine a better future.

A third study, conducted by researchers at the University of New South Wales, used arts-based methods to explore the experiences of children who had immigrated to a new country. The study found that children who had immigrated were more likely to use art to express their feelings of loss and longing. The researchers concluded that arts-based methods can provide a way for children to process the challenges of immigration and to build a new sense of belonging.

These are just a few examples of the many studies that have successfully used arts-based methods to research children's experiences and perspectives. These methods can provide a valuable way to engage children in the research process, to provide a safe and supportive space for children to express themselves, and to generate rich and nuanced data.

Arts-based methods are a valuable tool for researching children's experiences and perspectives. By carefully considering the benefits and challenges of using these methods, researchers can design studies that will generate rich and meaningful data. Arts-based methods can help us to better understand the lives of children and to improve their lives.

Arts-Based Methods for Research with Children (Studies in Childhood and Youth)

by Anna Hickey-Moody

4.7 out of 5