Methods: Surveys, Interviews, Observations, and Creative Techniques
Once research is well-designed, the next step is selecting methods that reveal children’s authentic experiences. This lecture explores both conventional and creative techniques to collect insights in ways that are engaging, ethical, and developmentally appropriate.
Traditional Methods
- Surveys: Can be used with older children and parents to evaluate satisfaction, perceptions, or needs.
- Interviews: Allow deeper understanding of experiences, challenges, and aspirations—useful with both adults and verbal children.
- Observations: Watch how children engage with environments—what they touch, avoid, repeat, or struggle with.
Creative and Participatory Techniques
- Drawing and Mapping: Ask children to illustrate favorite places or areas they avoid.
- Emotion-Based Feedback Tools: Use stickers, faces, or colors to help children express feelings.
- Storytelling and Puppet Interviews: Encourage children to share their experiences through role play and imagination.
Multi-Informant and Mixed Methods
- Combine child feedback with parent surveys, planner interviews, and staff insights.
- Use triangulation to understand how different perspectives align or conflict.
- Capture both quantitative (e.g., time spent at an exhibit) and qualitative (e.g., mood, behavior) data.
Research in Hospitality and Tourism Settings
- Hotels, events, and destinations can integrate brief exit surveys or feedback walls for families.
- Short participatory activities—like co-design tables or “favorite moment” drawings—build both engagement and insight.
Discussion Questions
- What are the advantages of using creative tools like drawing and storytelling in research with children?
- How can researchers respect children’s agency while also meeting data collection goals?
- Which methods could be most easily adopted in your organization or community?