Methods Used in Research with Street Children in Nepal

Abstract

The article presents a description and critique of a large range of anthropological methods used in research with children in Nepal. It highlights the importance of a comparative, multidisciplinary and emic perspective. The value of empirical biological research methods, their potential for triangulation with social methods and validity for policy and programming are discussed. Data collected on physical and psychological well-being of children facilitate a comparison of homeless street children with other rural and urban control groups. The nature of researcher-informant relationships is crucial to the quality of information gleaned from traditional methods of demographic survey and observation.