Advantages and disadvantages of participatory data collection methods
| Participatory data collection methods | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Visual arts (eg, drawing, painting, crafting, Lego/modelling) | Appropriate for CYP with varying levels of literacy. Can support researchers to explore CYP’s thinking about the topic under investigation. Can be combined with traditional approaches, increasing engagement and understanding. Can enable CYP involvement in dissemination, making findings more tangible. | Not all CYP enjoy the visual arts or have the physical ability to participate. Planning and conducting activities are time consuming. Depending on the activity and output, interpretation can be challenging without further discussion. |
| Creative arts and physical activity (eg, drama, play, puppetry, dance, sport, exercise) | CYP typically enjoy physical activities, which can promote relaxation through body movement/physical expression. Activities can be used as a backdrop, or distraction technique to enhance rapport and CYP openness. | Can be difficult to plan physical activities without specialist knowledge or experience, or lack of safe spaces. Potentially adds costs and time to a project. |
| Written accounts or diaries (eg, written or video diaries) | Being able to undertake activities in their own time can empower CYP to express themselves. Having time to think about questions or to reflect on experiences can add depth to the data produced, and reduce anxiety about expectations. | Some CYP do not enjoy writing. Completed diaries may result in minimal content, particularly if motivation is not sustained. Some CYP may require physical/technological support to participate, and this may provoke anxiety. |
| Photovoice (eg, photography/filming) | CYP are often excited and enthusiast about having the opportunity to use different mediums. Can shift the power/control to CYP as they can have autonomy over what to photograph/film. | Without CYP involvement in the analysis the meanings behind the images captured can be lost or reflect the interpretive voice of the researchers rather than the meaning intended from the CYP. |
| Digital platforms (eg, discussion platforms, social media, gaming) | Online methods of data collection provide researchers the opportunity to both recruit and undertake data collection with CYP who may otherwise be under-represented. Online participation can enable communication via assistive technology. Digital platforms can help CYP feel more at ease, as their identity can remain hidden. Online data collection can expand inclusivity and be cost-effective: geography is not a limiting factor and scheduling time can be easier. Can result in low-income and less mobile CYP to be involved. | Some CYP may have limited access to social media due to their condition, age, poor internet connectivity, socioeconomic backgrounds/financial barriers. |
CYP, children and young people.