Combining Ecological Systems Theory and Child Rights to Improve Research and Evaluation

Abstract

This chapter describes a conceptualization of research methods utilizing an ecological framework that can contribute to accounting for child rights within research inquiry. An argument is put forth that this framework can simultaneously enhance research validity evidence and account for child rights and ethics. A broad structure for thinking about research or evaluation processes that orients a focus on child rights within an ecological systems theory (EST) framework is presented. Although EST application calls researchers to account for context at various levels, the application of the theory and related methods is not itself context dependent. From a methodological point of view, explicitly accounting for child rights via an EST lens can be accommodated in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods work. The examples provided review application of these ideas to case studies, randomized controlled trials, policy research, program evaluation, and survey research. Although existing professional standards, ethics, and research practice already promote child rights, there is a clear argument for furthering work in this arena and doing so more intentionally, since this can bring greater clarity to research and evaluation questions and even enhance research validity.