How to research the concept of national identity with child respondents in museum research

Abstract

Museums have been closely linked to national identity since the 19th century. Currently, museums have to cope with the ways they present themselves to visitors properly. Therefore, national identity in a museum has become the centre of research attention. Children are a large group of visitors who come into contact with the national narrative in museums. Involving children in the research of the concept of national identity constructed in the museum can bring many interesting findings. However, research with children is difficult. Especially for beginning researchers or museum staff, who do not have in-depth experience with qualitative research. Thus, the aim of the study is to present possible ways of researching national identity with children. Attention will be drawn to the discussion of which variables and which data collection techniques are possible to examine national identity and it’s concept with children.