Preserving the Present

Résumé du livre

This case study examines the complexities of rapid-response data collection via the Play Observatory project's online qualitative survey of children, families, and child-oriented organizations. This research took place during a global pandemic and combined data collection with cataloguing and preserving materials for future research. Placing child-centerdness, inclusivity, and playful and emotional experiences at the heart of our methodology presented challenges in finding innovative ways to connect with children as full participants and allowing them space and opportunity within a survey structure to represent themselves and their play. It also highlighted perceived ethical and legal tensions around the collection of personal data, including "special category data," and its preservation in the long term.We discuss how we addressed these obstacles by:We also demonstrate how current data protection law can allow for long-term data preservation under regulations that serve both researchers and research participants.The case study highlights the value of earlier research to present-day projects, relating how we were inspired by survey research into children's play begun in the 1950s that broke new ground in its child-oriented nature. By the same token, we urge researchers today to consider their data's longitudinal value and its potential for future re-use.