Sensitive Subjects: Research Choices and Presentational Challenges in Studying Immigrant Children and Families

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Sensitive Subjects: Research Choices and Presentational Challenges in Studying Immigrant Children and Families
Language: English
Authors: Capps, Randy, Fix, Michael
Source: New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development. Aut 2013 (141):79-97.
Availability: Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770; Tel: 781-388-8598; Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 19
Publication Date: 2013
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Research Problems, Immigrants, Children, Family (Sociological Unit), Welfare Recipients, Welfare Services, Parents, Law Enforcement, Trust (Psychology), Confidentiality, Blacks, At Risk Persons
DOI: 10.1002/cad.20044
ISSN: 1520-3247
Abstract: We write from our own experience as researchers on the integration of immigrants and their children, describing several ethical and research considerations that we addressed. In one study we examined the use of public benefits among immigrant families. This study posed issues regarding the selection of which "benefits" should be considered as "welfare"; how to construct comparison groups of immigrants versus natives; and the political sensitivities in reporting widely high use rates of certain benefits, particularly Medicaid. A second study examined the effects of parental detention and deportation on children. It raised issues regarding identifying samples of immigrants to interview, creating trust with interviewees and protecting their confidentiality, and examining the views not just of advocates and families but others involved in the process (such as law enforcement officials) to ensure their perspectives were reflected in resulting reports. A third project examined the young children of Black immigrants--a group that varies widely in their modes of entry, recency of arrival, and levels of human capital. To avoid simplistic misinterpretations, we disaggregated data by national origin where possible and ensured that the results highlight both the risks and protective factors identified.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2014
Accession Number: EJ1029004
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:We write from our own experience as researchers on the integration of immigrants and their children, describing several ethical and research considerations that we addressed. In one study we examined the use of public benefits among immigrant families. This study posed issues regarding the selection of which "benefits" should be considered as "welfare"; how to construct comparison groups of immigrants versus natives; and the political sensitivities in reporting widely high use rates of certain benefits, particularly Medicaid. A second study examined the effects of parental detention and deportation on children. It raised issues regarding identifying samples of immigrants to interview, creating trust with interviewees and protecting their confidentiality, and examining the views not just of advocates and families but others involved in the process (such as law enforcement officials) to ensure their perspectives were reflected in resulting reports. A third project examined the young children of Black immigrants--a group that varies widely in their modes of entry, recency of arrival, and levels of human capital. To avoid simplistic misinterpretations, we disaggregated data by national origin where possible and ensured that the results highlight both the risks and protective factors identified.
ISSN:1520-3247
DOI:10.1002/cad.20044