Substance Use and Addiction Research: Methodology, Mechanisms, and Therapeutics

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

3-3-2023

Editor

Alan David Kaye; Elyse M. Cornett

Abstract

Although researchers have made outstanding progress in understanding the pathophysiology and designing therapies to treat addiction and misuse, there are still not well-established techniques of collection and analysis of data at present. There are two effective methods of data organization, quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative research focuses on numbers and graphs, while qualitative research emphasizes words and definitions. Overall, qualitative research often is based on observations, interviews, and previously published papers, whereas quantitative methods utilize math, surveys, and hands-on experiments. Hence, when researchers want to understand concepts like experiences, observations, and thoughts, qualitative research is preferable. On the other hand, quantitative research is helpful when scientists require to confirm or test a theory or hypothesis. A qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method approach can be utilized in any research topic. Mixed methods (convergent parallel, embedded design, explanatory sequential, and exploratory sequential) can address complex research questions with more accuracy due to their three main characteristics: generalizability, contextualization, and credibility. the mixed-method has its pros and cons. The mixed-method needs more organization, delegation, teamwork, and capital costs than qualitative and quantitative methods. Collectively, no technique is universally acceptable or applicable, allowing researchers to choose the best from a vast spectrum.

First Page

65

Last Page

69

Chapter Title

Chapter 6 - Qualitative and quantitative research methods

Publisher

Elsevier

ISBN

9780323988148

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS