Evolving creativity in qualitative longitudinal research with children and teenagers

The past two decades have been an exciting and productive time for research with children and teenagers, with many studies at the forefront of developing research practices infused with creativity and innovation. Such approaches are often participatory, using methods that draw upon and incorporate children and teenagers’ diverse skills and interests to foster active participation in the research process. Similarly, innovation and adaptation feature as trademarks of much qualitative longitudinal research that is, by its very nature, dynamic and evolving. Utilising personal reflection and participant feedback, this paper draws on an ongoing qualitative longitudinal study with over 50 children and teenagers to contemplate the potentials and pitfalls involved in the long-term use of creative methods and approaches. In doing so, it focuses on three elements of the research process, namely participant involvement, data collection and analysis and dissemination, to explore the evolving nature of creativity in qualitative longitudinal research.