ABSTRACT

Background

In comparison to adult-centred research in physical activity, there are far fewer studies which concentrate on hearing children’s voices in physical activity research. Additionally, despite a number of studies which utilise a child-centred approach, the number of papers which concentrate on the complexities when conducting research with young people are extremely limited.

Purpose

To consider power relationships between adult researchers and young participants. Also, to provide empirical examples of considerations related to an organic research process and the complexities that may arise during research with children.

Data collection and analysis

An ethnographic approach is deemed useful when conducting research with children (Davis and Watson 2017), but particular considerations need to be taken into account as an adult conducting research with young people. The data for this paper was drawn from a year-long ethnographic study with junior korfball players (aged 11–13 years of age). The study involved participant observation where the researcher’s role was ‘coaches’ help’. Nine semi-structured interviews took place 10 months into the study, and numerous informal conversations occurred throughout the research. Some of Foucault’s ideas related power were utilised to discuss the way relationships were negotiated with children to maintain a child-centred approach to the research.

Final thoughts

Adopting an organic approach to research may help reduce young participants’ perceptions of adult power. Adopting a Foucauldian lens can also heighten awareness of power divisions and aid the researcher’s sensitivity to their own use of techniques of power whilst in the field. Additionally, an organic approach can also help facilitate child-centred research which empowers participants and supports their voices being heard.

中文翻译：

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有机过程在民族志研究中的重要性：在体育活动环境中与儿童一起工作

摘要

背景

与以成人为中心的身体活动研究相比，在身体活动研究中专注于倾听儿童声音的研究要少得多。此外，尽管有许多研究采用以儿童为中心的方法，但在对年轻人进行研究时专注于复杂性的论文数量极为有限。

目的

考虑成人研究人员和年轻参与者之间的权力关系。此外，提供与有机研究过程相关的考虑因素的经验示例，以及在儿童研究过程中可能出现的复杂性。

数据收集与分析

在对儿童进行研究时，民族志方法被认为是有用的（Davis 和 Watson，2017 年），但作为成年人对年轻人进行研究，需要考虑特殊的考虑因素。本文的数据来自对青少年合球运动员（11-13 岁）进行的为期一年的民族志研究。该研究涉及参与者观察，其中研究人员的角色是“教练”的帮助。在研究的 10 个月内进行了 9 次半结构化访谈，并且在整个研究过程中进行了许多非正式对话。福柯的一些想法与权力被用来讨论与儿童协商关系的方式，以保持以儿童为中心的研究方法。

最后的想法

采用有机的研究方法可能有助于减少年轻参与者对成人权力的看法。采用 Foucauld 镜头还可以提高对权力划分的认识，并帮助研究人员在现场对自己使用权力技术的敏感性。此外，有机方法还可以帮助促进以儿童为中心的研究，从而赋予参与者权力并支持他们的声音被听到。