Session 3: The TRREEE principles
Introduction
So far, you have gained insight into the fundamental rights of children and young people contained in the UNCRC, and considered the importance of involving them in research that concerns them or affects their lives. In this Session you will be provided with a framework which can underpin all research with and by children, to help you start to formulate your own research project ideas and consider how you will go about carrying them out.
By the end of this session, you should be able to:
- explain what is meant by the TRREEE principles underpinning research with children and young people
- list three practical things you would do in preparation for starting your project
- demonstrate how you have understood ethical considerations in the practical preparations you have in mind.
Watch this short video which illustrates how this framework can be summarised in six key principles, the ‘TRREEE’ principles. Make notes as you watch, if you need to, then try the activity which follows.

Transcript: Video 1
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Activity 1
a.
Trust
b.
Theory
c.
Reliability
d.
Respect
e.
Rights
f.
Research
g.
Responsibility
h.
Ethics
i.
Expertise
j.
Education
k.
Experience
The correct answers are a, d, e, h, i and k.
Answer
Correct | Incorrect |
---|---|
Trust | Theory |
Respect | Reliability |
Rights | Research |
Ethics | Responsibility |
Expertise | Education |
Experience |
Later in this session you will see some specific examples of research with and by children and young people, and you will see how the TRREEE principles run through those research examples. Before you do that, think about what it will be like to carry out your own research. How will you get started? In the box below, see if you can note the first three steps you will need to take to get your project started.
Activity 2
1. What age group of children/young people will you be working with?
2. Have you identified the focus of your enquiry?
3. Whose help or support will you need to seek? Will you need to gain permission?