Power and
Voice:
This session involves examining power issues in research; how they affect
the research topics selected, the formulation of the research question, the
design of the study and the interpretation of the data. Examples are
explored of both quantitative and qualitative research which gives voice to
groups formerly powerless to have their perspectives recognized or
appreciated. These latter examples involve quantitative and qualitative
research of children's perceptions of their rights and living situations,
perceptions of the disenfranchised such as the poor, street children, and
other historically disadvantaged groups such as the disabled.
Suggested
Advanced Readings:
Barron,
C.L. (2000). Giving Youth a Voice: A basis for re-thinking adolescent
violence. Halifax: Fernwood Publishing. (example of a qualitative study)
Irving, K
(2001) Australian Students' Perceptions of the Importance and Existence of
Their Rights. School Psychology International Vol 22, No. 2 224-240.
(survey research)
