The Pure Observational Approach - Essay Example

The Pure Observational Approach Introduction There are many ways in which drug research are being conducted. Over the years, some drug research focuses on pure qualitative research method including personal interviews (Griffiths et al., 1993) and self-reports while others are being conducted based on observational approach mixed with qualitative research method or simply by pure observational approach (Feldman, 1968). In the past, researchers have tried combining different strategies related to anthropology, journalism, as well as sociology in terms of uncovering the truth behind the use of illegal drugs. (Faris, 1967) With regards to different approaches in conducting research study on illegal drugs, the researcher will compare and contrast a couple of authors’ personal opinion with regards to this matter. In the process, the researcher will examine two articles: “Reflections on Participant Observation in Drugs Research” by Robert Power and “The Girls in the Gang: A Report from New York City” by Annie Campbell. The Main Arguments and Contradictions between the Point-of-View of Power and Campbell Robert Power (2001) argues the importance and impact of a time consuming observational approach and skill-based ethnographic techniques in the accuracy of a self-reported qualitative research study. (Power, 1989) The author mentioned that the modern research approach such as the use of computer technology in obtaining survey questionnaires and interviews increases the chance of developing a less accurate study due to the fact that first hand information which can be gathered through a keen personal observation on the survey participants’ facial reaction, sincerity in participating in the research study through the analysis on body language or gestures (Deacon, 2000) is being omitted in the data gathering process. (Power, 2001) In the case of Campbell, the author focuses on the use of a constructive chronological stories in relaying a complete compilation of important facts and information with regards to a member of a gang’s personal life such as in the case of Weeza’s life experiences; including several issues regarding the Sex Boys, and the Sex Girls among others. Campbell mentioned that considering the fact that some police officers attempt to gather only a ‘scattered information’ with regards to facts and figues related to community and neighbor gangs, the author concluded that there is a high possibility that the information that would come from police officers may not be a 100% accurate. (Campbell, 1984) It simply means that data gathering should be complete and precise in order to maintain the accuracy of data gathering for the purpose of a research study. Even though conducting a personal interview is time consuming, Power still consider this procedure to be very useful and one of the best approaches when it comes to conducting a research study on illegal drugs. Power (2001) highlighted the importance of being able to adopt a more ‘flexible qualitative research method’ in conducting an evidence-based research studies. He stated as an example that the use of inductive multi-method approach and observational approach is a better choice when it comes to studying social behavior. Campbell’s (1984) approach in the study of social behavior, particularly in the case of black and Puerto Rican women who lives in New York, was written based on a descriptive interview, idiographical, and non-judgemental approach and is purely based on facts. (Kornhauser & Hirschi, 1986) The author described the kind of life that Weeza has experienced since birth, the hardship that she has gone through in order to financially support her two kids, the men that comes in and out of her life, until such time that Popeye was murdered causing extreme despair on her life. Similar to the way Campbell has presented the case of Weeza, Power also uses a descriptive methor in exploring his personal experience the night he spent time with Eamon, Julie, and the boys. He clearly described the reason and how Eamon and Julie shared a syringe on their heroin consumption. Importance of Ethnography in the Research Study related to the Use of Illegal Drugs Ethnography plays an importance role in the study of illegal drugs. The use of this approach as part of the data gathering process requires a lot of skill and quick thinking. Normally, ethnographers are being challenged to effectively increase their target participants’ interest in the research study the researcher is assigned to conduct. (Broadhead, 1984) As part of arousing the curiousity of the target participants, the researcher has to be less informative when it comes to the research study process. According to Lofland & Lofland (1984), ethonographers should be careful in selecting the type of clothing as well as their personal grooming in order to avoid getting the target participants aloof with the researcher. It is also necessary for the ethnographers to be relax and open in terms of sharing their own thoughts to the target interviewee so as to win their trust when it comes to ensuring that the participants’ identity will remain confidential. (Broadhead, 2001) When dealing with drug users, it is possible that the researcher has to tell a lie in order to gather an accurate input for the research study. (Broadhead, 2001) In the case of Power (2001), he met Eamon and Julie quite a few times inside the drug clinic area inlcuding their residence place before he was able to win their trust and convinced them (Eamon and Julie) to participate in the research study by going through a personal interview with him. In the case of Campbell (1984), it has been evident how she uses a friendly and accomodating approach when it comes to conducting the interview with Weezca. The purpose of such approach is to unconsciously influence Weezca to unguardedly share her personal experience to the interviewer. Conclusion There are a lot of valid ways in conducting a research study on drug users and gangs. Both Power (2001) and Campbell (1984) agree that conducting a personal interview on their target participants is one of the best ways in gathering useful and accurate information for the research study. Personally, I strongly agree with Power’s opinion when he mentioned that a personal (one-on-one) communication with the target participants could result to unlimited useful information since ethnographers or researchers could unconsciously influence and motivate the target participants to speak up their thoughts and feelings when it comes to their personal experiences related to gangs and illegal drugs. *** End *** References: Broadhead, R. (1984). Human Rights and Human Subjects: Ethics and Strategies in Social Science Research. In Broadhead R.S. (Eds) Hustler in Drug-Related Aids Prevention: Ethnographers, Outreach Workers, Injection Drug Users. Sociological Inquiry , 54(2): 107 - 123. 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