Informed participation:

Our number one priority as a group is to make sure that we follow a strict ethics code when it comes to our upcoming research. Children are often taken for granted when it comes to research and we want to make sure that they are comfortable knowing that we as interviewers will give them the utmost respect. They will be given a form to fill out that outlines exactly what we will be asking and they can only participate if they have parental consent. Almost the same will go for the teachers. We want them to sign a different form, informing them on what we’d like to know before hand to make sure there are no surprises and so they will have enough time to have permission given to them from their principle.

Voluntary participation:

To make sure everyone knows that their opinions are completely voluntary, on the form mentioned above, there will be a question asking whether or not they wish to participate in the interview and that it is solely their decision and no one else’s. This form will act as a legal document whereas if the aforementioned feels they’ve been coerced into anything we will be the ones responsible.

Confidentiality and anonymity:

To keep the identities of our participants safe, we plan on taking the anonymity route. Any interview and response given by our participants will be completely unknown to the reader and we’ll only use the neighborhood location and school for documentation purposes. Their names will never be listed or said during or after the interview process.

Protection from harm:

Our study does not intend to harm any of our participants. We will be interviewing willing children with discretion in respect to them, their parents and their school. There are no potential risks involved in our study and honest opinions are the only thing we sincerely need from them.

Participation of children:

In recruiting the children we’d like to use in our study, the above-mentioned consent form comes into play. We plan on going to the school, and speaking with the different teachers. They will be our gatekeepers. This of course will be after speaking with the principle who then will inform her faculty of our interview. Those who sign up and agree will be our gatekeepers. They will then pass on the consent form to their child of which then will pass on to their parent or guardian. This will only be done after we speak openly and respectfully to each class, of course with the teachers consent. In order to gain voluntary consent of the gatekeepers, we will explain to the parents of the children as well as the teachers and other associates of the school that the purpose of our interview is to understand the factors of a school in a low income neighborhood as well the influences it has on the children attending it. We will answer any questions the children or teacher may have right then and there referring to the upcoming interview. We want the children to know that their opinion and theirs alone is who we want to use and we want to explain to them how important it is for them to know that they shouldn’t feel coerced into lying or saying anything that doesn’t respect how they feel as individuals. The children used in our study will not be impacted in any way.

Impartiality:

As researchers of children, we tend to disregard the true opinions of the youth and say what we feel they are thinking. We become biased in receiving any information based upon prior knowledge and any research obtained prior. Any questions asked by us, we want them to know that their responses are solely based upon what they feel and that alone.

Data security:

To ensure the security of the data received from our participants, we plan on creating a dropbox of which only the three of us can obtain access.

Dissemination and use of research:

There are many ways our research can be manipulated and misunderstood by those who are reading it and participating in it. With that being said, we want to make sure there are no misunderstandings. We will thoroughly explain exactly what our research is and its purpose. When it comes to the children we will do this in a way that makes them feel comfortable and at ease knowing they’re input will be included. In no way do we want to make them feel judged or seem as if they are just a project or experiment. We want to observe them in an environment where they feel relaxed. Also we will try to make it clear and comprehensible to those who are reading our research and findings. For those who have any ideas of malicious intent with the use of our work, there will be a copyright infringement disclaimer attached at the very beginning and end of our research findings. They can either think twice or pay the price, it’s just that simple.