Child development
Child development and psychology has played a role in the development of including children’s perspectives in research. While not all children follow a linear trajectory of development, it has been found that children between the ages of five and seven are capable of discussing their opinions with others, and by age six, children can recount their thoughts and preferences. Between the ages of seven and eleven years old, children begin to use logic to solve problems and develop self-esteem; around age ten, children tend to be able to effectively convey their thoughts and emotions to one another. These findings indicate children have the skills to discuss their experiences, thoughts, and emotions; they can be considered experts on their own lives. Much of the methodological resources that discuss strategies for interviewing children present information from child development as a justification of this practice.