|  | Public Health Safety | Medical Research

Methodological Issues in Substance Abuse Research

While substance abuse is an observable behavior, it is very difficult for researchers to conduct research on substance abuse by purely using observation. Therefore, several different techniques can be used to gather data needed for substance abuse research. All of these methods are used to develop a conclusion to a question and must offer validity and reliability. Research methods are often scrutinized in sociological or psychological research because of discrepancy and not having hard scientific evidence.

  1. Scientific Method

    • The scientific method is used when conducting research and seeks to answer a particular question asked by the researcher. This involves developing a hypothesis, then conducting research and drawing conclusions that either support or disprove the original question. In substance abuse research the question could be how to prevent substance abuse or what causes substance abuse to occur.

    Variables and Sample Population

    • In most research designs there are variables, which are factors that change. There is generally an independent variable and a dependent variable. The sample population that is used for substance abuse research can be a variable because there are many different factors that can change. Depending on where the information is drawn from, it may affect the results later on. Since social and environmental factors can influence substance abuse in people, it is important to maintain a consistent sample population during the research.

    Reliability

    • Self-reports can vary in their accuracy depending on how the information is collected. Many factors are involved when obtaining a self-report from a person and depending on the state of the person answering the questions; the information may or may not be correct. When research is being done on substance abuse it is common to use a self-report style questionnaire to obtain information, however this relies largely on the honesty of the person filling out the questionnaire.

    Validity

    • Validity is the success of the study to accurately measure what the researcher intended to measure in the first place. There are two types of validity: external and internal. External validity concerns the extent to which the study results are transferable. Internal validity refers to the way in which the study was conducted and what measures the researchers have taken to ensure the most accurate information is received. It also concerns how the researchers approach the information that they receive and if they take into account alternative explanations for their findings.

Medical Research - Related Articles