From Active Participant to Active Researcher: What Do Young People Understand about Research?

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Child Development
• Research Methodology

Background:

• Empowering young people as active researchers is crucial for their development.
• Understanding youth perspectives on research processes is limited.
• Meaningful child participation in research requires specific skills and knowledge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore young people's understanding of their roles as researchers.
• To equip youth with the knowledge and skills to conduct research.
• To contribute to the literature on child participation in research in Malaysia.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative initiative involving 15 child councillors aged 15-17 years.
• Training focused on research meaning, processes, competences, knowledge, and skills.
• Data collection likely involved observation, interviews, or focus groups (details not specified in abstract).

Main Results:

• Participants found the research process challenging but manageable with adult guidance.
• Confidence in undertaking independent research increased.
• Research abilities and knowledge of child rights significantly improved.
• Learning by doing was identified as a vital and meaningful educational approach.

Conclusions:

• Youth can be successfully trained as active researchers.
• The initiative fostered meaningful participation and enhanced understanding of research.
• This study highlights the importance of experiential learning in youth research training.