Rendering Family: Using Auto-Driven Interview Techniques with Children in LDCs

Susan E. Short, Brown University
Maletela Tuoane, Department of Social Development, Pretoria

This paper explores the advantages and disadvantages of collecting data from children using auto-driven interview techniques. With auto-driven interviews, researchers supply a stimulus, and respondents direct interview content. Auto-driven interviews have the potential to put children at ease because the auto-driven format allows children greater control over interview content. We discuss this methodology and its application to collection of data from children. Subsequently, we describe our experience using the pictures generated with single use cameras as the stimuli in auto-driven interviews with children in Lesotho. We evaluate the usefulness of this technique for interviews with children in low-income settings and discuss associated ethical issues.