What is Youth-Led Research and How to Write a Research Question

Youth-led research A process by which young people identify and investigate issues that are important to or affect them (and their communities) with the aim of using that information to create change

What is youth-led research? Purposeful – generally driven by a change agenda Young people’s voice Young people’s participation Young people’s empowerment Supports the development of skills and confidence Benefits young people, communities, services and wider society

Youth-led research training How to write a research question Data collection methods Analysing data How to present research Ethical considerations

What is a research question? Why develop a research question? A research question is the question you really want to find an answer to, on a topic that interests you. Your question should be clear and focused, if it’s too general it can be really difficult to answer. Why develop a research question? Narrow your focus Manage your time Keep motivated Find answers

Different types of questions Explore – exploring a topic, will provide new insights, ask further questions, raise awareness of something that might be happening. Describe – this will give you an accurate description or understanding of people, events, situations or experiences. Explain – about trying to find an explanation for a situation or problem, this often helps people to decide what are important factors in making something happen.

Example 1 Research Topic Female medics from Scotland in WW1 Research Questions What role did female medics from Scotland play in WW1? What impact did their role have on injured soldiers? What happened to the female medics after the war? What legacy did they leave? Research Methods Interviews and surveys, archive searches (newspapers, NLS, National Records) Population Local community, NHS, local GP surgeries Sample Local librarian, teachers, community members, NLS

Example 2 Research Topic Elsie Inglis, founder of Scottish Women’s Hospitals Research Questions Who was Elsie Inglis? What were the Scottish Women’s Hospital’s and why did Elsie Inglis establish them? What impact did the hospitals have during WW1? What legacy has Elsie Inglis left in Scotland today? Research Methods Interviews, surveys, photography, archive searches Population Community in Edinburgh Sample Local librarian, museums, community members, University of Edinburgh (where she studied), NHS

Example 3 Research Topic Impact of WW1 on women in my family Research Questions What role did the women in my family play in WW1? How did their involvement in WW1 effect them? What impact did their role have on the family? How did their role in WW1 impact on my generation? Research Methods Questionnaires, interviews, archive searches, family photographs and letters Population Family members, family friends, local community Sample Family members, National Records of Scotland, NLS, community members