Emeritus Professor Sue Dockett presents a talk on ethically engaging children in research

Emeritus Professor Sue Dockett’s workshop delves into the ethical dimensions of involving young children in research.  

On 7 November, Sue Dockett Emeritus Professor, Charles Sturt University, Australia, and Director at Peridot Education Pty will give a workshop on the ethical practice of involving young children in research. This talk forms part of the Norland Educare Research Centre’s webinar series, which brings early years experts to Norland to share and discuss research with staff and students.  

Whilst retired from university lecturing, Professor Dockett maintains active research in the field of early childhood education and has been a long-time advocate of the importance of recognising and responding to young children’s perspectives. 

Professor Dockett’s workshop will delve into the ethical dimensions of involving young children in research. While the value of children’s participation is widely recognised – highlighting their perspectives, agency, and role as competent community members – the session will explore the complexities of achieving meaningful engagement while considering ethical practice. 

Concepts of informed assent, consent and dissent, and how these can be respectfully acknowledged throughout the research process will be explored. Professor Dockett will examine how researchers can navigate the balance between recognising children as rights holders and knowledgeable participants, while also addressing power imbalances and potential vulnerabilities of children’s engagement in research.