Reading list for Researching Children

Researching Children via Johnny Saldana on Method Space (Sage)

Christensen, Pia, and Allison James. Research with Children: Perspectives and Practices, second
edition. New York: Routledge, 2008.
Collection of essays about theoretical and social dimensions of researching children; includes chapters on working with children in war-affected areas, street children, and the disabled.

Fine, Gary Alan, and Kent L. Sandstrom. Knowing Children: Participant Observation with
Minors. Newbury Park: Sage Publications, 1988.
Monograph on the techniques and ethical issues of research with preschoolers through adolescents.

Freeman, Melissa, and Sandra Mathison. Researching Children’s Experiences. New York: Guilford
Press, 2009.
Superior, straightforward survey of researching children from a constructivist perspective.

Graue, M. Elizabeth, and Daniel J. Walsh. Studying Children in Context: Theories, Methods, and
Ethics. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 1998.
Overview of methods of social science research with children; includes sample studies and excellent advice through all stages of the research process.

Greene, Sheila, and Diana Hogan. Researching Children’s Experience: Approaches and Methods.
London: Sage, 2005.
Excellent chapters on qualitative research with children, from interviews to participant observation to arts-based methods.

Greig, Anne, and Jayne Taylor. Doing Research with Children. London: Sage, 1999.
Overview of classic/traditional and contemporary methods of data gathering from children; focuses primarily on preschool and younger children; excellent theoretical overview.

Hatch, Amos, ed. Early Childhood Qualitative Research. New York: Routledge, 2007.
Collection of essays including digital video, action research, focus groups, etc. in research with young children.

Heiligman, Deborah. The New York Public Library Kid’s Guide to Research. New York:
Scholastic, 1998.
Designed for upper elementary grades, an overview of basic research strategies and tools including the Internet, conducting interviews and surveys, and fieldwork.

Holmes, Robyn M. Fieldwork with Children. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 1998.
Practical advice on interviewing and observing children and gaining entry to their world. Focuses on how gender interplays with rapport.

Lancy, David F., John Bock, and Suzanne Gaskins, eds. The Anthropology of Learning in
Childhood. Walnut Creek, CA: AltaMira Press, 2010.
Outstanding chapters on how children from various cultures "learn," in its broadest sense; rich concepts yet written in accessible language; not a "how to" book, but an exceptional model for documenting participant observation.

Mukherji, Penny, and Deborah Albon. Research Methods in Early Childhood: An Introductory
Guide. Lonson: Sage Publications, 2010.
Readable overview of quantitative and qualitative research design approaches to research with young children; emphasizes British perspectives, but applicable to U.S. youth.

Tisdall, E. Kay M., John M. Davis, and Michael Gallagher. Researching with Children & Young
People. London: Sage Publications, 2009.
Superior collection of methods and case study profiles for designing and conducting research with children; geared toward UK programs, but still has relevance for US readers.