What Is The Introduction To Qualitative Research Methods?
Drug abuse has been a significant topic for research among social science workers who continually strive to reduce the burden of the behavior within communities. With rapid changes in environmental dynamics and technology, the outlook and contributory factors behind extensive drug abuse has witnessed a rapid evolution. For example, modern communication facilities have led to easy access to drugs among youths (Kendler et al., 2014). The social contributory factors leading to drug abuse also deserve much attention in this context. Demographic factors such as family background, age, and factors such as cultural background and peer pressure contribute considerably to drug abuse (Jalilian et al., 2015). The prevalence of drug abuse among adolescents grabs the attention since the outcomes of such behavior are far-reaching, encompassing academic, social and professional spheres (Boden et al., 2016). In conclusion, the problem can be formulated as “exposure to unstable home environment with diverse culture, poor family relationships, and association with drug abusing peers lead to drug taking behavior among adolescents and young adults.
Alcohol and drug abuse rates in New Zealand have been on the higher side for the past two decades. The most commonly used drug is cannabis, and as per a survey undertaken in 2013, about 11% of individuals reported using cannabis over the past year. As per the reports of Drug Foundation, New Zealand, the estimated annual cost of illicit drug-related harm is $1.8 billion which included harms to health, family and to the community as a whole. The country’s government is likely to spend around $350 million for addressing the issues associated with increased drug abuse in the country each year (drugfoundation.org.nz, 2016).
There exists a scarcity of research undertaken to understand the contributing to drug abuse among the adolescents and young adults, particularly those aged between 16 and 25 years, residing at different parts of the country. Findings from previous studies have confirmed that drug abuse the chosen population is a significant social problem in spite of antidrug law enforcement. Most of the studies that have been undertaken in the recent past have adhered to a quantitative methodology, as a result of which the perceptions and experiences of the individual have not been explored extensively. There is therefore a need of conducting qualitative research to explore the contributory factors for drug abuse from the viewpoints and perceptions of the chosen population themselves.
The research to be addressed for the proposed research is as follows-
“What are the factors that influence drugs taking behaviors among adolescents and young adults aged between 16 and 25 years in New Plymouth, New Zealand?”
Research aim
The proposed study would have the aim of exploring the extent to which social and demographic factors such as age and family culture influence drug use among adolescents and young adults aged between 16 and 25 years in New Plymouth, New Zealand.
Research Objectives
The research objectives for the proposed study would be as follows-
Section II – Review of literature
According to McHugh et al., (2015) adolescence is considered as a critical stage in an individual’s life course since t is a transformative period in one’s life. The use of substances among this population has been denoted to be a social concern due to the varied impact is has on a social and personal level. Studies have pointed out a number of factors increasing the risk of substance use such as early age, family influence, experimental curiosity, personality problems and lack of supervision. Factors that drive prevention of substance abuse have been identified as functional family support, effective family relationships, and absence of staunch cultural and religious beliefs and early identification of risk taking behaviors. Kandel and Kandel (2015) in this regard had highlighted that individuals begin using drugs at an early age, with the most vulnerable period being 15-25 years. They are therefore at a greater risk of suffering negative educational, mental health and psychosocial outcomes as compared to those who begin taking drugs at a later stage of life. The early initiators initiate the substance use with marijuana and tobacco, and are more likely to suffer pronounced physical and mental health issues. Though there exists a rich pool of studies related to the negative impacts of substance use initiation at an early age, there lies a paucity of studies understanding the contributory factors behind the scenario (Das et al., 2016).
As mentioned by Jalilian et al., (2015) family relationships and family background can be attributed as the most striking contributory factor behind drug use. Communication is the key factor between an individual and the social environment, and poor and ineffective communication has a negative influence on the individual, driving drug abuse. Mason et al., (2017) gave a clear idea of the characteristic of drug abuse as demonstrated by individuals engaged in it. Individuals can be attributed to engage in drug abuse when there is an increase in the frequency of drug use and amount of drug taken over a period. Individuals report to use drugs for escaping reality and addressing depression. Inconsistent behavior is commonly evident that is a result of frustrating behavior. Changes in mood and bouts of depression are common. Further, individuals have deterioration in appearance and personal hygiene. Involvement in criminal activities is a major issue that is augmented with thoughts of suicide.
Lindberg and Zeid (2017) pinpointed that research over the past two decades have attempted extensively to determine how individuals start using drugs and the course of progression. A number of factors add to the risk for drug abuse. Contributory factors can increase the chances of an individual to continue using drugs in case the protective factors are not effective. Protective and risk factors differ at different stages of life; however it has been noted that those at their adolescent stage are more vulnerable to the risk factors. At every distinct stage, contributory factors to drug use can be challenged through effective prevention measures. In cases negative behaviors are not controlled appropriately, the outcomes are social difficulties and failure and academic and professional life.
Drug abuse- The concept of drug addiction and drug abuse has been used in an interchangeable manner by different authors. Drug abuse can be defined as” the state of physical or psychic dependence, or both, on a drug following administration of the same on a continuous basis” drug addiction has been defined as “the state of chronic or periodic intoxication as a result of repeated use of a drug”.
Adolescence-Adolescence is the period in the life cycle of an individual between adulthood and childhood, initiating at puberty and ending with young adult hood. This period has been marked to be having intensive and rapid life adaptations and changes.
Young adult hood- An individual at his young adulthood is said to be between his late teenage years and late twenties. The opinions and viewpoints of individuals at this stage vary considerably from those of individuals at a later stage of life (Eiseman, 2017).
Constructivism research philosophy is the acknowledgement that reality is the result of human intelligence in interaction with experiences within the real life setting. As researchers include human mental activity in the process of uncovering the reality, there is the acceptance of constructivism. The constructivism research philosophy accepts the reality as the product of human mind. The underlying concept is that reality is subjective. The research philosophy is founded on the cognitive psychology (Creswell & Creswell, 2017). The proposed research would have a constructivism research philosophy that would look deep into the subject of drug abuse as a result of cognitive experiences of individuals. The research would focus on collecting participant-generated meanings of information collected. Further, personal values would be brought to the study. As pointed out by Johnson and Christensen (2008) constructivism research philosophy established significant agendas for reforms and changes.
The proposed research would focus on understanding the contributory factors for drug abuse. Though quantitative studies have been the primary source for establishing the facts behind substance abuse prevalence, qualitative studies are crucial for providing related information in a more in depth manner (Bhattacherjee, 2012). For the proposed research, a qualitative study would ensure that a naturalistic inquiry is undertaken that seeks an all-inclusive understanding of the social phenomena of drug abuse. The benefits of using a qualitative research design would be multivalent, the most notable one being integration of flexibility and openness into the data collection process. Substantial amount of information can also be generated from a small sample population (Lichtman, 2006). Less focus would be on data metrics with more emphasis on unearthing hidden meanings. Superficial responses can also be excavated appropriately with qualitative research method (Lewis, 2015).
The research participants would be individuals enrolled in a community welfare centre for receiving services for substance abuse at New Plymouth. Twenty individuals would be recruited for the study based on pre set criteria. A purposive sampling would be done for recruitment of the participants. As pointed put by Taylor et al., (2015) purposive sampling is a non-probability sampling where the focus is given on units of stud, such as organizations or cases. The sample size in such cases of sampling is small. The main objective of carrying out a purposive sampling method would be to given attention to a definite set of features demonstrated by sample population in alignment to researcher’s interest.
Eligibility criteria are the array of characteristics that potential participants are to demonstrate for getting selected for a research venture. It is crucial that eligibility criteria are responsive to the study’s objectives (Babbie, 2015). For the proposed study, the age of the participants would be between 16 and 25 years. Recruitment would be done irrespective of ethnic and religious background; however they would need to speak English. The participants are to join the welfare setting in the past three months.
An open ended questionnaire would serve as the data collection instrument for the proposed research. The use of such a questionnaire would be valuable for the proposed study. Open-ended questionnaire would permit the respondents to provide optimal information that would encompass attitudes and feelings related to the research question. The researcher would be better able to access the true feelings of the respondents, in contrast to close ended questions where the real feelings cannot be unearthed. Another advantage of open ended questionnaire is that the respondents would not be allowed to disregard any question (Taylor et al., 2015). The questionnaire has been constructed on the basis of previous studies carried out in the similar direction. Modifications have been considered as per the need of the present study. The questionnaire has been provided in the appendix.
The selected participants are to be contacted over the telephone prior to the data collection process. At this stage it would be crucial to inform the participants about the nature of the study and the possible outcomes. The queries of the individuals would be resolved appropriately and they would be given freedom to ask any questions related to the study. A formal invitation would be sent out to the participants after they have agreed to take part in the study. The setting for the data collection process and thee time would be decided upon as per the convenience of the participants (Babbie, 2015). Interviews would be conducted with the participants and it would be pivotal to create a safe environment since the topic of research is highly sensitive. The interviews are to commence with an introduction of the researcher that sets in the foundation for the process. the respondents are to be greeted with consideration and compassion so that they are motivated further. Each interview might last for about one hour depending on the situation. Audio recording of the interviews are to be done that enables researchers to capture all data in an effective manner (Taylor et al., 2015).
It is understood that data analysis process is the most crucial element of the whole research that needs to b aligned with the research objectives. For the proposed study, four copies of transcripts would be made in order to prevent loss of data. The same would be stored in a computer with password protection. Thematic data analysis would be carried out for the proposed study to make sense of the rich pool of information generated. The method would help the researcher in shifting from a broad interpretation of generated data towards framing patterns related to a particular research question (Creswell & Creswell, 2017). For a long time, thematic analysis has been used as the process of gaining insight into the area of study. Through such an analysis for distilling data, researchers are placed to come up with broad patterns allowing them to engage in more coarse analysis. The nature of study is predominantly inductive since themes emerge from the pool of data that is not imposed by the study’s researcher.
Identification of risk factors and protective measures from the perspectives of the chosen population can help in setting up culturally sensitive and effective strategies aimed at prevention of drug use at the primary level. Understanding the perceptions of the population of the motivations behind initiating substance use would be helpful for outlining preventive measures. The situations that can indirectly compel individuals to use drugs can be arrested if the underlying concerns come into focus. Additional insights can be gained into the needs of social changes than can curb substance abuse to a considerable extent (Granato et al., 2018). The findings of the propose study would enable the professionals from the field of social welfare to get involved in the treatment and prevention of substance abuse armed with a better understanding of the social factors that play a role in influencing drug use among adolescents and young adults (Kendler et al., 2018). Policy makers would be assisted through studies such as the proposed one for developing robust and effective strategies that can delay or prevent substance use initiation among the high risk population. It is known that policy reforms are to be based on evidences emerging directly from community based research. The proposed research would enable policy makers at New Plymouth and the state in general to intervene into social concern highlighted (Jalilian et al., 2016).
The position of the researcher is within the context of the study to be undertaken in the field of social science. The prime source of motivation has been a personal interest to understand the subject better due to involvement with community welfare centre for the past few years. There is an acknowledgement that immense efforts are to be given in the near future to arrest the growing prevalence of drug use in the area of New Plymouth.
Section V- Ethical and Cultural consideration
For research that involves human participants, ethical considerations take a prime position. Principles of ethics guide researchers to carry out the study in a trusted and safe environment. Further, fabrication of generated data can also be prevented (Creswell & Creswell, 2017). Informed consent is the most crucial element of research ethics by virtue of which study participants would be provided with adequate information pertaining to the aims and purpose of the research. Consent in written form would be obtained prior to commencing with the research. The individuals would be given assurance that they would have the right to withdraw from the research at any time through the study. The identity of the participants would be protected as a need of maintaining confidentiality and anonymity. The names of the participants would not be published in the research report. Each individual would be given a particular number for identification. The data would be saved in a secured manner to prevent sharing of information with external agencies.
The Treaty of Waitangi had been signed to enable Maori people and British settlers to live in harmony in New Zealand under a common set of agreements. The three principles underpinning the relationship between the Maori and the government are protection, partnership and participation. The proposed research would be carried out with the aim of reforming policies related to substance use that is culturally sensitive and competent (Moon, 2015).
References
Babbie, E. R. (2015). The practice of social research. Nelson Education.
Bhattacherjee, A. (2012). Social science research: Principles, methods, and practices. University of South Florida.
Boden, J. M., Sanders, J., Munford, R., Liebenberg, L., & McLeod, G. F. (2016). Paths to positive development: A model of outcomes in the New Zealand youth transitions study. Child Indicators Research, 9(4), 889-911.
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications.
Das, J. K., Salam, R. A., Arshad, A., Finkelstein, Y., & Bhutta, Z. A. (2016). Interventions for adolescent substance abuse: An overview of systematic reviews. Journal of Adolescent Health, 59(4), S61-S75.
Drug Use in NZ | NZ Drug Foundation – At the heart of the matter. (2016). Retrieved from https://www.drugfoundation.org.nz/policy-and-advocacy/drugs-in-nz/
Eiseman, S. (2017). Drug abuse: Foundation for a psychosocial approach. J. A. Wingard, & G. J. Huba (Eds.). Routledge.
Granato, H., Luk, J. W., Paves, A., Geisner, I. M., Cronce, J. M., Kilmer, J. R., … & Larimer, M. E. (2018). Crossover Effects of Protective Behavioural Strategies for Drinking on Gambling Consequences Among College Gamblers With Alcohol or Drug Abuse. Journal of Gambling Issues, (38).
Jalilian, F., Alavijeh, M. M., & Zolghadr, R. (2016). Predicting Factors about Drug abuse among Students: an Application of Theory of Planned Behavior. Toloo-e-behdasht, 14(6), 286-298.
Jalilian, F., Ataee, M., Matin, B. K., Ahmadpanah, M., Jouybari, T. A., Eslami, A. A., … & Alavijeh, M. M. (2015). Cognitive factors related to drug abuse among a sample of iranian male medical college students. Global journal of health science, 7(5), 143.
Jalilian, F., Karami Matin, B., Ahmadpanah, M., Ataee, M., Ahmadi Jouybari, T., Eslami, A. A., & Mirzaei Alavijeh, M. (2015). Socio-demographic characteristics associated with cigarettes smoking, drug abuse and alcohol drinking among male medical university students in Iran. Journal of research in health sciences, 15(1), 42-46.
Johnson, B., & Christensen, L. (2008). Educational research: Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
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Kendler, K. S., Maes, H. H., Sundquist, K., Ohlsson, H., & Sundquist, J. (2014). Genetic and family and community environmental effects on drug abuse in adolescence: a Swedish national twin and sibling study. American Journal of Psychiatry, 171(2), 209-217.
Kendler, K. S., Ohlsson, H., Bacanu, S., Sundquist, J., & Sundquist, K. (2018). The risk for drug abuse, alcohol use disorder, and psychosocial dysfunction in offspring from high-density pedigrees: its moderation by personal, family, and community factors. Molecular Psychiatry, 1.
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Lichtman, M. (2006). Qualitative research in education: A user’s guide. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
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Mason, W. A., Russo, M. J., Chmelka, M. B., Herrenkohl, R. C., & Herrenkohl, T. I. (2017). Parent and peer pathways linking childhood experiences of abuse with marijuana use in adolescence and adulthood. Addictive behaviors, 66, 70-75.
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Moon, P. (2015). The Influence of ‘Benthamite’Philosophies on British Colonial Policy on New Zealand in the Era of the Treaty of Waitangi. The Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History, 43(3), 367-386.
Taylor, S. J., Bogdan, R., & DeVault, M. (2015). Introduction to qualitative research methods: A guidebook and resource. John Wiley & Sons.
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