The Research in the Field of Alcohol Consumption by Adolescents

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Having a desire to conduct research in the field of alcohol consumption by adolescents aged 12-16 in the West Indies, it is important to create a detailed framework. We have already considered the main idea of the qualitative research, dwelt upon five approaches to this type of research and described the importance of the theoretical framework within the research. Therefore, at this stage of the discussion, it is important to consider the role of the theory in the five approaches to qualitative research with the purpose to underline the role of theory in our research plan and explain any considerations that should be kept in mind regarding theory. One of the first steps in conducting research is the consideration of the theory. The theory is used for consideration, identification, explaining and predicting the events of behavior, depending on the research questions (Ornek, 2008).

It has already been stated that narrative research, phenomenological research, grounded theory research, ethnographic research, and case study research are the approaches to qualitative research (Creswell, 2007). Designing the research methodology for each of these approaches it is important to understand the role of theory in each of them. Theory plays a great role in designing research, but many scholars do not pay much attention to it (Leong, & Austin, 2006). However, it is wrong as strong and argumentative research is usually based on consolidated and substantial literature review which comprises the greatest part of the theoretical data. Therefore, using any of the applications to the qualitative research mentioned above, the role of the theory use should be considered. It may be helpful for highlighting the role of the theoretical knowledge for designing methodology for considering the level of alcohol consumption by adolescents aged 12-16 in the West Indies.

Substantial theoretical support is a good key to good practical research. Wisker (2009) is sure that “there is nothing so practical as a good theory” (p. 157). The main idea of applying to the theory is to help explain the research questions to the audience. Additionally, theory helps to interpret the information which is going to be considered, it aims at helping to understand what exactly is going to be researched and how the discovery or research results are going to contribute to the existing knowledge. The theory is helpful in explaining the empirical data which is gathered by means of scientific research. Wisker (2009) points out a few specific warnings which should be considered. First, when using some theoretical data for utilizing research paradigms and traditions, one should explain how exactly the information is used and why this particular design is applied. Second, one should not consider too many theories which are not going to be applied in future practical research. Therefore, the theory should use specifically for asking research questions and interpreting the purpose and goals of the experiment.

As it has already been stated, there are five approaches to qualitative research, narrative, phenomenological, grounded theory, ethnographic, and case study (Creswell, 2007). Each of these approaches is particular, it uses specific methods and requires different types of information to be implemented. Additionally, the role of theoretical knowledge in scientific methodology is not restricted to explaining the research questions and describing the goals. Specific concepts, the measurement and applications may be considered as well (Hall, 2008). Therefore, having considered the role of the research questions in general, the theory used while utilizing each of the applications should be considered.

A narrative approach to qualitative research is based on the gathering of the stories, and personal experiences of one or two people. The interview questions are usually based on the previous discussion, therefore the process of communication takes a long period of time. The role of theoretical information, in this case, is going to be based on the description of the importance of this information. The main purpose of the research, the consideration of the experience and personal information should be grounded by means of the theory. Additionally, theory should explain the choice of the methodology and paradigm and the research questions. The researchers should spend time gathering theoretical issues devoted to the appropriateness and topicality of the problem (experience) under discussion. Additionally, much attention should be paid to the choice of the method as a narrative approach of the quantitative research does not give an opportunity for generalization of the research results.

A phenomenological approach to qualitative research is based on the consideration of the group experience or knowledge. The main peculiarity of this kind of research is that the research results may be generalized. Therefore, the choice of the theory for this application should be based on the larger qualities of the representatives. Thus, much attention should be paid to the discussion of the theoretical framework. The possibility of the generalization and the explanation of the research questions should be based on a thorough literature review. It is important to consider the necessity of the research in the sphere and support the importance of results generalization.

The ethnographic approach to qualitative research is based on ten cultural and traditional peculiarities of the society, group of people and other subjects for discussion. Theoretical data is important for considering the background information about the reasons for the formation of the traditions. In other words, the history of the area should be discussed. Additionally, the theoretical knowledge may help to reason the connection between the cultural aspects and the research questions. The previous research may be used for designing the paradigm of this research or for detailed consideration of the current problem. Additionally, Creswell (2007) states that multiple sources of information are necessary for this type of research.

Grounded theory application to qualitative research may be considered as systematic procedures and the constructivist approach (Clarke, 2005). The theory should explain each of the procedures in detail. It is important to refer to some well-known discussions of the procedures and constructivist approach. Additionally, referencing some particular sources of information, the researcher explains the reasons why specifically these methods and procedures are effective in considering this particular problem. Thorough and grounded theoretical research, in this case, helps reduce to a minimum the limitations connected with the choice of the approach and fitting to the research problem.

Case study research is research that is based on the experimental situation considered within a bounded system. The case study is usually based on theoretical information, that is why its role is exceptional in this case. The researcher should understand that the creation of the conditions for the case study and the measurement should be based on particular information. The empirical data may be obtained only in case substantial theoretical research has been conducted. It is important to include the theory in describing the methodology.

Considering our research based on the problem of alcohol consumption by adolescents aged 12-16 in the West Indies, we have chosen the ethnographic approach to the research as much information based on social customs and traditions should be gathered. The purpose of the research is to conduct a two-phase sequential mixed study aimed at obtaining statistical information and quantitative results from a sample for the research of the data in depth. Additionally, the family and social aspects should be covered before conducting the research. Considering the relation between alcohol consumption of the mentioned group, we are going to gather the theoretical and statistical information devoted to the age groups, entertainment facilities in the society, financial opportunities, family and school role in the life of children. On the basis of this information, an interview with each of the subjects is going to be conducted to understand how the presence or absence of some specific characteristics of society impacts adolescents’ behavior.

Therefore, it should be concluded that having a desire to conduct grounded research one should apply to the theory. The theoretical knowledge helps understand the necessity for the research, its topicality and provides the background information devoted to the issue under research. Being aware of the theory, one may base the research questions on it, explain those research questions and offer substantial arguments. Additionally, preliminary research helps understand that the problem under consideration really deserves solving and would not be the repetition of the idea which has already been considered by another researcher.

Reference List

Clarke, A. E. (2005). Situational analysis: Grounded theory after the postmodern turn. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Creswell, J. W. (2007). Qualitative inquiry & research design: choosing among five approaches. New York: Sage Publications.

Hall, R. (2008). Applied social research: planning, designing and conducting real-world research. Sydney: Macmillan Education AU.

Leong, F. T. L., & Austin, J. T. (2006). The psychology research handbook: a guide for graduate students and research assistants. New York: SAGE.

Ornek, F. (2008). An overview of a theoretical framework of phenomenography in qualitative education research: An example from physics education research. Asia-Pacific Forum on Science Learning & Teaching, 9(2), 1-14.

Wisker, G. (2009). The Undergraduate Research Handbook. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

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The Research in the Field of Alcohol Consumption by Adolescents

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