Mixed Methods Research Manuscript Critique - Assignment Example

Mixed Methods Research Manuscript Critique Mixed Methods Research Manuscript Critique Manuscript Reference: DeSantis, A. D., Webb, E. M. & Noar, S. M. (2008). Illicit use of prescription ADHD medications on a college campus: A multimethodological approach. Journal of American College Health, 57(3), 315-324.Type of Study: Mixed Method research Research Topic: Illicit use of prescription ADHD medications on a college campus: A multimethodological approach.Purpose of the Study: The purpose of the study was to examine the use of prohibited Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) stimulants by college learners.

The researcher also aimed at determining the students’ comprehension capacities and the motivation behind the use of the controlled substances (DeSantis, Webb & Noar, 2008). Theoretical Framework: The researcher applied the communication theory on its sample students in an attempt to understand the students’ perception on the use of the substances (DeSantis, Webb & Noar, 2008). Through the communication theory, the researcher would understand the health knowledge of the students, their attitudes and even reactional behaviors towards the substance.

After gathering information on the students’ perception on the use of the drugs, the researcher would then be better placed to define mechanisms that would properly educate the students on the dangers of the prescription drugs (DeSantis, Webb & Noar, 2008). Specific Research Questions/ Philosophical Underpinnings:What is the perception of the college students on the use of illegal Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) stimulants?Why do the college students use the illegal Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) stimulants?

What are the impacts of the use the illegal Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) stimulants on the college students?How can the college students be educated and mobilized against the use of the illegal Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) stimulants?Sample: 1,811 undergraduate students Mixed Method design: The quantitative and qualitative methodologies complemented each other in the research. The two forms of methodology provided an understanding on the rising numbers on the use of ADHD stimulant use.

The quantitative methodology gave the statistics on the use of the stimulants while qualitative gave results on the interviews with the students (DeSantis, Webb & Noar, 2008). Procedure: Data was collected quantitatively using surveys and qualitatively using in-depth interviews. Convenience sampling was used to get the best students to give the correct data on the use of ADHD stimulant drugs (DeSantis, Webb & Noar, 2008). Variables/Concepts: The independent variable was the use of use of illegal ADHD stimulants while the dependent was the perceptions of the college students on ADHD stimulants.

Instrument(s) analysis: Data was gathered via the use of in-depth interviews through the hand-held audio tape recorders. Rigor was assured through training and supervising the researchers on interviewing process, the ethical strategies, and the transcription procedure (DeSantis, Webb & Noar, 2008).Data analysis: Chi-square analyses were used to evaluate the differences in the statistics collected in the survey. Consent: Prior to participating in the study, the students were advised that the study would be voluntary and would lead to a productive educational experience.

The students then provided their consent before the survey completions. Written agreements were also obtained from the students before the interview took place (DeSantis, Webb & Noar, 2008). ReferenceDeSantis, A. D., Webb, E. M. & Noar, S. M. (2008). Illicit use of prescription ADHD medications on a college campus: A multimethodological approach. Journal of American College Health, 57(3), 315-324.