Youth Involvement in Research: Participation, Contribution and Dynamic Processes

This chapter sheds light on youth involvement in research and on how involvement and collaborative practices relate to the philosophy of science, concepts of knowledge and value-based issues. Different models and ways of youth involvement including examples of collaborative research with youth are presented and reflected upon. Youth involvement in research is explored in relation to what counts as knowledge, empowerment, and co-creation of knowledge. The discussion describes possibilities and challenges that may emerge when involving youth in research. In particular, we highlight how youth involvement is often labeled as a matter of either passive participants or active contributors. We conclude that various forms of youth involvement should facilitate complex collaborative and dynamic processes.