Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches - Research Paper Example

Qualitative and Quantitative Research The first article is Dingley ’s ‘Substance Abuse and Addiction’. This article implements a qualitative approach to understanding the nature of substance abuse and the way individuals cope with mental health problems. The approach traces the nature of substance abuse and the extent that it can potentially become addictive. For instance, Dingley (2012) argues that substance abuse does not always lead to addiction. He points out that many tribal societies use hallucinogens in ceremonies, yet never become addicted to these substances.

Dingley (2012)’s central argument is that addiction is caused more frequently by the individual’s unhealthy mental state, not by the specific physical components of the substance. The qualitative format is highly effective as it allows Dingley (2012) to establish a number of strong insights that could be helpful for individuals; still, these insights could perhaps face challenges in a quantitative study. For instance, Dingley (2012) notes that one of the ways people mask their addiction is by wearing ironic t-shirts referring to their addiction.

Another article examined was Rodgers (1994)’s ‘Addiction: A Whole New View.’ This article implements quantitative methodology in its examination of addiction. The main crux of the article is the disproving of past methods of understanding and presenting a new view of addiction. While Dingley (2012) has worked towards de-emphasizing the physical components of the substance, the converse has occurred in Rodgers (1994)’s approach. In this instance quantitative methodology is implemented in determining the specific ways that the chemicals operate on the individual neurology.

Rodgers (1994) notes, “The surprising thing we found is that all drugs of abuse—even those that differ radically in structure such as morphine and cocaine—do the same thing. They reduce use of glucose in the brain.” This research finding was implemented as a means of gaining greater insight into physiological components that lead people to addiction. Ultimately, the quantitative approach was necessary in gaining these objective insights. ReferencesDingley, A. (2012). Psychology articles by dr.

Arthur Dingley - substance abuse and addiction . Retrieved from http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/riverview/psychology_articles/substance-abuse-addiction.html Rodgers, J. (1994). Addiction: A whole new view. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/199409/addiction-whole-new-view