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Published on: February 5, 2018
Summary
This study examines how qualitative research methods have shifted drug research away from traditional epidemiology. Actor Network Theory offers new insights into understanding injecting drug use behaviors and their empirical study.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Public Health
- Sociology of Health
Background:
- The 1990s marked a significant shift in drug research, influenced by the AIDS epidemic and the rise of qualitative methodologies.
- This 'qualitative turn' moved away from traditional epidemiological approaches towards more socially focused research methods.
- While yielding valuable data on risk behaviors, the adoption of qualitative methods has sparked debate within the research community.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of social science methods on research concerning injecting drug use.
- To analyze what aspects of injecting behavior are included and excluded in current research.
- To explore the utility of Actor Network Theory (ANT) in understanding the empirical dimensions of injecting drug use.
Main Methods:
- Critical examination of qualitative research methods in the context of drug studies.
- Analysis of research outputs focusing on injecting drug use and associated behaviors.
- Application of Actor Network Theory (ANT) principles, particularly Bruno Latour's methodological approach.
Main Results:
- Qualitative research has provided crucial empirical data on risk behaviors among drug users.
- The shift towards qualitative methods has led to a more nuanced understanding of drug use contexts.
- ANT offers a framework to better conceptualize and study the complex interactions within injecting drug use.
Conclusions:
- Social science methods, especially qualitative approaches, have profoundly reshaped drug research.
- Actor Network Theory provides valuable theoretical and methodological tools for studying injecting drug use.
- Further methodological exploration is needed to fully capture the empirical realities of injecting drug behaviors.
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