The article by Rachael Green and David Moore reports a qualitative research study conducted to examine smoking among Australian youths in a particular social network (Green & Moore 2013). The researchers collected ethnographical data among 60 young adults between 2005 and 2007. The study also involved semi-structured interviews using 25 people chosen from the 60. For analysis, the researchers entered the field notes and transcripts from the interview into NVivo7. From the analysis, the researchers concluded that the community stigmatizes people who use drugs, although some social networks consider drug use as a normal practice, which requires policy changes to effectively deal with the issue (Green & Moore 2013).
Researchers conducted the study following best practices in qualitative research, especially in consideration of ethical issues. Researchers remained truthful in identifying facts about smoking within the group, although they did not seek generalization and they considered the research’s social context, which stigmatizes drug users (Bryman 2008). Researchers used an inductive method in consideration of participants’ perspectives. The sample size used was small, made up of willing and eligible participants and the data collected is described in soft words. The analysis of data is standard and the entire study is rigorous. The research upheld ethical standards with emphasis on participants making informed consent, protection of identities, psychological support for emotional outcomes and protection of rights because of the drug abusers’ vulnerability in the community (Speziale, Streubert & Carpenter 2011).
Triangulation was a major consideration in ensuring the accuracy and fairness of the research findings and conclusions. Indeed, other than the semi-structured interviews used, researchers made observations in developing their conclusions. In concluding the study, researchers placed the results in a context, which highlighted the significance of the information and its implications for society and participants. The research used data collected through interviews and observation to derive findings and conclusions. The researchers achieve this by using data collection and analysis methods that enhance credibility, dependability and transferability. The researchers recommend ways of addressing and improving the situation.
Researchers implemented adequate measures to ensure the objectivity of the data and findings. This helped in dealing with the problem of reflexivity, which may cause researchers’ or participants’ bias. The researchers employed procedural rigor to achieve precise and appropriate data collection, including the incorporation of critical and reflective aspects to minimize bias. Documentation rigor is clear in the way researchers began with the issue of interest and progressed to study implications and recommendations (Green & Moore 2013).
In conclusion, it is important to note the key points from the text. Having critically analyzed the best practices, triangulation, data objectivity in the qualitative research, this article followed established processes in providing evidence of the impact of stigmatization of network members and the implications of the public debate about drug use. The article shows stigma as a contributing factor to the consumption of methamphetamine with regard to private in-group members. The position has implications, which damages relationships and reduces social support towards solving the problem.
References
Bryman, A, 2008, Social research methods. 3rd ed. Oxford University Press, Oxford, United Kingdom.
Green, R. & Moore, D, 2013, ‘Meth Circles” and “Pipe Pirates”: Crystal Methamphetamine Smoking and Identity Management Among a Social Network of Young Adults’, Substance Use & Misuse, vol. 48, no. 9, pp. 691-701.
Speziale, HS, Streubert, HJ, & Carpenter, DR, 2011, Qualitative research in nursing: advancing the humanistic imperative, 4th ed, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA.