Methodological and Ethical Considerations of Child Participation in Research: Evidence from Three Empirical Studies in Hungary

Abstract

There is a growing interest worldwide, including in Hungary, in involving children in research. The child rights–based approach to participatory research is gaining increasing importance, offering new perspectives for addressing methodological, legal, and ethical questions. Research adopting a child participation perspective highlights that children can take part in different stages of the research not only as respondents but also as consultative, collaborative, or even leading participants. This approach is grounded in partnership, mutual respect, and the creation of conditions for meaningful participation. The paper presents the specific features of research involving children’s participation through three Hungarian examples, including a quantitative and qualitative study. The analysis builds on the varying levels of empowerment and responsibility, following the forms of participation through the different phases of the research process and addressing the related ethical considerations. The presented examples reveal the practical challenges of implementation - such as difficulties in reaching the target group or issues of ethical involvement - while also emphasizing the opportunities and added value of children’s participation, particularly in the processes of data collection, tool development, and analysis. The aim of the study is to contribute to the dissemination of the child participation approach, the sharing of experience, and the strengthening of interdisciplinary dialogue through the presentation of these examples.