This practical guide can serve as either a student textbook or an instruction manual for a researcher entering the field. It introduces key issues in undertaking a child mental health research project. The authors detail the necessary or typical steps involved in such a project, from conception to publication. Part One, "Theory and Background," distinguishes between qualitative and quantitative research, identifies different theories and methods, explains the need for qualitative research and how to recognize quality markers, discusses how to recognize the impact of the researcher's role on the process, and goes over ethical principles. Part Two, "Getting Started," deals with nuts and bolts of getting a study underway. Among the topics addressed are: choosing a study question; constructing a proposal; undertaking a pilot study; recruiting subjects; communication strategies; and the challenges associated with different research environments. Part Three, "Data Collection," has to do with designing questionnaires, making observations, and comparing different methods of data collection; carrying out interviews and focus groups with children; recognizing and evaluating naturally occurring data; internet methods; and recording and transcription. Part Four, "Analysis and Writing-Up," gives direction for making informed choices among analytic approaches, explains the use of a diary for reflective practice to improve skills, and finishes by discussing how to disseminate research. Annotation ©2015 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)
Researching child and adolescent mental health can be a daunting task, but with the right practical skills and knowledge your students can transform the way they work with children and young people, giving them a voice through their research in the wider community.
Michelle O'Reilly and Nikki Parker combine their clinical, academic and research expertise to take your students step-by-step through each stage of the research process. From first inception to data collection and dissemination, theyll guide them through the key issues faced when undertaking their research, highlighting the dilemmas, challenges and debates, and exploring the important questions asked when doing research with this population.
Providing practical advice and strategies for dealing with the reality of conducting research in practice, this book will;
- Provide your students with an overview of the theories that underpin methodological choice and the value of using qualitative research.
- Guide them through the planning stage of your project, clearly outlining important ethical and legal issues.
- Take them through the most popular qualitative data collection techniques and support them with their analysis.
- Help them write up their findings and demonstrate how research evidence translates into effective clinical practice.
Supported by helpful hints and tips, case examples and definitions of key terms, this highly practical and accessible guide throws a lifebelt to any students or mental health practitioner learning about the research process for the first time.
'For those researching with children, this is essential reading. Whether a research student or experienced researcher, this book comprehensively explains how to conceptualise and ethically conduct research, analyse and theorise from multiple perspectives, and disseminate and publish. I wish this book had been available when I first started applying for grant funding' -Professor Susan Danby, Faculty of Education, Early Childhood, Queensland University of Technology