ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses three key aspects of research which have been influenced by my professional practice in playwork. These three aspects of process, participation and reflection are discussed in relation to undertaking a mixed method PhD study in children’s perception of choice in their play. The epistemology of objectivity-subjectivity is considered with respect to critical theory and critical realism. The research process and design are discussed in relation to Brofenbrenner’s process-people-context-time concept and the development of a playful approach to research, involving children as both active and passive participants. This chapter considers a playwork perspective to researching play by reflecting on the play process and the research process, the degree and level of participation from the research participants and the role of being reflexive when conducting play research.
