Ethical and Methodological Considerations in Research with Children

This chapter examines key ethical and methodological considerations in conducting research with child participants. It first discusses the power dynamics inherent in adult–child research contexts, emphasising the importance of recognising children’s agency and creating spaces for authentic participation. It then addresses the need to safeguard children’s emotional well-being by minimizing potential discomfort or anxiety during the research process. The chapter also explores rapport-building as both an ethical responsibility and a methodological strategy, highlighting how age-appropriate, trust-based communication can enhance data credibility and promote more meaningful interaction. Finally, the chapter examines data collection methods commonly used in second language (L2) pragmatics research involving young learners, discussing their suitability and limitations. These considerations form the ethical and procedural foundation for the study’s overall research design.