A research on drug abuse is categorized as a social research where the researcher is seeks to explain certain aspects of behaviour. A study of drug use among students at London South Bank University will have various opportunities and challenges as explained below: First opportunity is that secondary data is easily available from previous researches and these can be obtained from bodies such as the office for national statistics, reports of the London drug policy forum.
These will give background information about substance abuse, efforts that have been made to curb the vice and the results that have been achieved. As a result the research will be able establish the area to focus on with primary research (City of London, 2010).
Challenges that will be encountered include finding respondents; it is not easy to get drug addicts to volunteer to give information as they fear their security. For the same reason those who know some addicts may also be reluctant to provide information. Researching on this topic can be risky because the substance users might feel that you are out to expose them hence they might turn hostile.
Furthermore the best way of collecting information from such addicts is by interviews as they may not be in a position to feel questionnaires effectively under the drug influence. Observation also might not provide adequate information (Bernard, 2000).
Effects of the dynamics
From the above information it is evident that much of the information that is lacking and is hard to obtain in this type of research, is the views of drug abusers themselves. Particularly because they cannot be reached easily and being that interviewing which requires them to be personally present is the most effective method.
It also comes out that qualitative data will be much helpful in this research as it will explain why the students involve themselves in the practice and after analysis find out new measures that can be put in place to help addicts (Bless, Higson-Smith and Kagee, 2006).
Implications of integrity and the role of the researcher
As far as integrity is concerned, the researcher is supposed to demonstrate maturity and self-discipline. Particularly because the researcher will be faced by instances of traumatic revelations, unbearable boredom and also rejection by the respondents. As a result the researcher needs to maintain professional demeanour. Therefore no matter how much the interviewer feels the urge to help, he must exercise restraint (Padgett, 1998).
The researcher has a role of establishing trust between him and the respondent especially the drug addicts. This is important because the respondents will only be willing to give true information if they are sure that by doing that they will not be putting themselves to risk. This can be done by choosing an environment that is secretive and also ensuring the respondents remain anonymous.
The researcher needs to be flexible order to fit in to the addict’s system, particularly because such a research is likely to be characterized with unpredictability. For instance the response does not show up at the agreed time, they may reveal information that is shocking; over sudden may not be willing to cooperate (Padgett, 1998).
Conclusion
Research on the university students presents an opportunity to evaluate the progress made in reducing the prevalence of the vice. However there are a couple of challenges that will affect the process as well as its findings. The dominant challenge is accessing the main respondents who are the drug addicts. Particularly because of lack trust as well as security risks that is posed by being close to someone under the influence of drugs.
Reference List
Bernard, H. R. (2000). Social research methods: qualitative and quantitative approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.
Bless, C., Higson-Smith, C. and Kagee, A (2006). Fundamentals of social research methods: an African perspective Cape. Town: Juta and Company Ltd.
City of London, (2010). Drugs forum marks 20 years of tackling London’s substance abuse. Web.
Padgett, D. (1998). Qualitative methods in social work research: challenges and rewards. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.