Reflective Journal Entry #2

Description: 

In chapter 3, William Corsaro discusses the trend of research on children to researching with children, macro and micro level methods of research, nontraditional styles of researching children, and ethical issues that can introduce themselves when it comes to researching children. In this chapter, Corsaro explains the different methods by giving descriptive examples. 

Analysis:

One important aspect of this chapter was the discussion of legalities in researching children. Before any educational research can be conducted it is critical to gain permission through the IRB. To the IRB children are considered a "vulnerable population" meaning, many risk may come along with researching minors. Researching children requires special consideration and treatment. When parents sign their consent and rights form this gives them rights to review the research data and field notes before publication. (Corsaro, 2011, p.59)  Before the IRB became more strict on their requirements, the researcher could send home a simple "check yes or no" letter. Now consent forms also require a detailed explanation of the research that will be conducted in the classroom as well as the researchers contact information. Children who do not sign the consent form may not participate in any data, notes, audio observations, or video observation. (Corsaro, 2011, p.59). I can easily see how this could be problematic for educational research. 

Reflection:

The concepts in this chapter are significant to me because in my Applied Educational Research class I am currently working on a research proposal. Although my proposal would deal more with administrators and teachers, I am aware now of the extra hoops I would jump through if I had chosen to study children. Prior to this presentation I did not know that there were strict IRB requirements to follow when conducting research, especially with students. I also was unaware that the parents are allowed to review everything before publication. Based on this information, something I would handle differently would be ensuring I have both child and parent consent with any future research conduction. I normally would assume parent consent is enough, not thinking to include student permission. A positive aspect of this concept is that by having consent from all parties you are legally covered if anything were to go wrong. The researcher would have written documentation where parents and children have agreed to the terms. A negative aspect for this concept would be the intrusive involvement of certain parents. What if a parent doesn't like the data or observations being revealed? Suddenly, you would have an issue, and this could impact your research and timeliness. 
References
Corsaro, W. A. (2011), The Sociology of childhood (4th ed.). London: SAGE Publication.