Running head: QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Qualitative and Quantitative Research: Illicit Use of Prescription ADHD Medications on a

College Campus: A Multi-methodological Approach
Name
Affiliation

QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Purpose of the Study

United States of America is currently facing a huge dilemma due to the increase in number of
college students taking illicit ADHD stimulant. Because of the problem, the researcher decided
to take this study to deduce solutions that will help curb the problem among the students. The
key intention for the researcher is to identify students perception of students who take illegal of
(ADHD).
Conceptual framework
DEMOGRAPHICS
Sex
Year in School
Greek Status
Race

Use of ADHDs and

alleviation of ADHD

Students Perception about

taking of Illicit ADHD

Research Questions
The researcher only used one research question in the entire study and that is; To investigate
college students perceptions and use of illegal Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
stimulant during summer spring in 2006.
Mixed method design

QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

The study used two research designs (Quantitative and qualitative research). The reason for using
quantitative research was to be able to analyze descriptive data obtained in numerical form from
the study. On the other hand, qualitative research was aimed at determining information
concerning the level of perception that the student had about taking of illegal ADHD. Hence the
reason for using both designs.
Procedure
Quantitative data was obtained using primary data collection method. Interviews and surveys
were developed to gather data from the participants. Open-ended question questionnaires were
used in the interviews. Qualitative research also used interview method of data collection, but
recorded using Audio Tape Recorders (ATR) (DeSan, Webb & Noar, 2008). Stratified sampling
technique was used for the study but specifically choice based strategy was considered.
Variables/Concepts
The dependent variable was illicit taking of ADHD and independent variables are sex, race, year
in school, and level of perception.
Instrument(s) analysis
The data obtained from the participants were reliable since it was obtained from an ideal study
setting (a school). The validity of data was outstanding since the data collection methods were
standardized and the sample size was convenient. The rigor of the study was determined using
several method: the researcher offered significant information to conclude if the findings are
important (meaningful) and the study design was also designed appropriately to address the
research aims. In addition, the data collection and analysis methods were outstanding.
Data analysis

QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

The data analysis program used was (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) SPSS. Two types of
analyses used were descriptive and correlation.
Consent
The researcher informed the participants about the interviews. In addition, the participants were
assured that the information would not be realized indicating persons names or personality.

QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Reference
DeSantis, A. D., Webb, E. M., & Noar, S. M. (2008). Illicit use of prescription ADHD
medications on a college campus: a multi-methodological approach. Journal of American
college health, 57(3), 315-324.
Noar, S. M. (2006). A 10-year retrospective of research in health mass media campaigns: Where
do we go from here?. Journal of health communication, 11(1), 21-42.