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The reliability of drug use data collected in the classroom: what is the problem, why does it matter and how should it be approached?
Author(s) -
McCAMBRIDGE JIM,
STRANG JOHN
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
drug and alcohol review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.018
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1465-3362
pISSN - 0959-5236
DOI - 10.1080/09595230600868496
Subject(s) - psychological intervention , reliability (semiconductor) , context (archaeology) , intervention (counseling) , drug , psychology , exploratory research , drug trial , management science , medicine , medical education , clinical trial , psychiatry , sociology , engineering , social science , paleontology , power (physics) , physics , quantum mechanics , biology , pathology
Difficulties in collecting reliable data on drug use in the context of an exploratory trial of a drug prevention intervention have led to a consideration of the wider issues of the reliability of routinely collected data. A problem is identified, and although its magnitude cannot currently be described, its nature and possible significance are considered. In this methodological discussion, significant practical and ethical issues are explored, including some of the complexities inherent in conducting research on drug use in schools, along with the need to develop improved methods of study which address the specific challenges posed by the school environment. Implications for the development of effective drug prevention interventions in schools are also examined.