Using a Narrative Approach Informing Story to engage 4- and 5-year olds in research in the context of a study on the use of an augmented reality sandbox to enhance spatial thinking

This case study demonstrates how the Informing Story component of the Narrative Approach to informed consent was adapted and implemented in research that explored how 4- and 5-year-old children used an Augmented Reality (AR) Sandbox for the development of their spatial thinking. Within the set structure of the Informing Story, the storyline was modified to introduce and include images of the AR Sandbox, the researcher and the educators. The story was incorporated into the classroom context and read to the children on three occasions: initially by the researcher and later by the educators. This process allowed the children multiple opportunities to contribute to the class discussion about the content of the story, and to identify what they understood about the story and their rights to participate in the research. Children asked a range of questions to clarify their understanding of the research process and came up with many suggestions on how they could provide consent to participate. Thus, the Narrative Approach allowed for a shared understanding of rights and participation, and a respectful listening approach to the children. An Informing Story based on this Sandbox research is discussed in relation to how key ethical ideas were conveyed to the children, and how the story was adapted and implemented in this context. Use of the Informing Story was found to enhance the children’s rights, power and agency in the research.