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The Question, Theory, and Survey Instrument Selection
Tierainie C. Johnson
Capella University
HS Capstone for MS Learners- HMSV 5993
Dr. Christine Malone
November 30, 2023
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The Question, Theory, and Survey Instrument Selection
Opioid addiction is a critical contemporary public health crisis. The pandemic affects
approximately 16 million currently grappling with opioid use disorder, resulting in over 120,000
annual opioid-related deaths globally (Dydyk et al., 2022). Diagnostic criteria for opioid
addiction include enduring cravings, heightened tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms upon
cessation. Recognizing the gravity of this issue, healthcare providers must grasp the intricacies of
opioid use. Affected individuals should be directed to appropriate substance use disorder
treatment facilities. Understanding and addressing opioid addiction are pivotal for fostering a
more comprehensive and compassionate approach to its prevention and treatment. This paper
formulate a narrowly focused research question, applies a human service theory to the identified
problem, and selects a survey instrument.
Research/Program Evaluation Question
Research Question
“How effective are Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) centers in combating opioid addiction
among diverse populations, considering factors such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and
gender?” The question emphasizes the need to understand the differential impact of MAT
centers on diverse populations and identify barriers preventing equitable access. The question
incorporates diversity, equity, and inclusion elements to address the unique challenges faced by
different subpopulations in combating opioid addiction.
Theory
Behavioral Theory Overview
Behavioral Theory posits that human behavior is learned and can be modified through
reinforcement, punishment, and modeling. Behavioral Theory focuses on observable and
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measurable aspects of human behavior rather than delving into the internal and unconscious
realms. Behaviorism emphasizes understanding psychology through outwardly displayed actions.
It disregards internal factors, favoring a lens that interprets motivation, behavior, and
psychological study regarding tangible human actions (Edwards, 2021). For example, addictive
behavior in behaviorism is viewed through the prism of pleasure, reward systems, or
motivational influences rather than being linked to past trauma or insecurity. This approach
underscores behavior as the key to unraveling psychological phenomena, promoting a practical
and observable understanding of human actions. Applied to opioid addiction, this Theory focuses
on understanding the learned behaviors contributing to addiction and developing interventions to
modify these behaviors. Two key constructs of Behavioral Theory relevant to the opioid
addiction problem are reinforcement and modeling.
Reinforcement refers to the consequences of drug use that influence the likelihood of
continued use. Positive reinforcement involves the pleasurable effects of opioids, while negative
reinforcement includes the relief from withdrawal symptoms (Perales et al., 2020). MAT centers
aim to modify reinforcement by providing medications that reduce cravings and withdrawal
symptoms, thus altering the reinforcing effects of opioids.
Modeling in Behavioral Theory emphasizes the influence of observing and imitating
others’ behaviors. Individuals struggling with opioid addiction may model their behavior based
on the experiences of peers or family members. Interventions based on Behavioral Theory target
these modeling behaviors, promoting positive changes through role modeling and reinforcement
of healthier behaviors.
Survey Instrument: Addiction Severity Index (ASI)
Value of Survey Research
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Survey research possess ability to collect quantifiable data on the attitudes, actions, and
attributes of a target community. It allows researchers to examine trends, discover patterns, and
reach statistically significant conclusions. It also provides organized and efficient means of
gathering information. The methodological rigor inherent in survey design improves the
trustworthiness of findings and essential component of evidence-based decision-making.
Surveys offer a streamlined approach to assess the effectiveness of interventions like
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) across diverse populations (Taherdoost, 2021). They
enable the quantitative data collection on treatment outcomes and allow for nuanced analyses
that inform policy and intervention strategies. Surveys ensures a systematic and objective
exploration of critical aspects. It also facilitates a comprehensive understanding of complex
issues while adhering to the highest research methodology standards.
Evaluation of ASI for Proposed Research Question
ASI includes comprehensive sections covering substance use, medical status,
employment/support, and psychiatric status. For the proposed research question, specific
modifications would be necessary to ensure a focus on the effectiveness of MAT centers and
diversity, equity, and inclusion issues. Customizing the substance use section to evaluate MAT
outcomes and incorporating metrics assessing diversity-related factors within medical,
employment, and psychiatric sections will ensure a nuanced examination. The ASI’s substance
use section could be modified to inquire about MAT’s impact on opioid use, tailoring questions
to demographic backgrounds for a nuanced analysis (Ljungvall et al., 2019). The medical status
section may be adjusted to capture health improvements specific to MAT engagement.
Employment/support and psychiatric status sections could be adapted to gauge MAT’s influence
on employment or educational activities and mental health, considering diversity factors. With
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appropriate modifications, the ASI proves to be a valuable survey instrument for investigating
MAT effectiveness and addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion issues in opioid addiction
research. The modifications capture the intersectionality of substance use treatment
effectiveness, considering diverse backgrounds and promoting equitable access to MAT
interventions.
Conclusion
Opioid addiction epidemic is a complex issue requiring immediate attention. The
proposed research question, focusing on the effectiveness of MAT centers in combating opioid
addiction among diverse populations, aligns with the need for targeted interventions. Behavioral
Theory provides a suitable framework for understanding and modifying behaviors contributing
to opioid addiction. The Addiction Severity Index (ASI) is a valuable survey instrument, with
necessary modifications to address the research question’s variables. This research aims to
contribute to evidence-based practices for opioid addiction treatment, acknowledging the diverse
nature of the affected population. Utilizing Behavioral Theory and a well-established survey
instrument can inform policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers about the
effectiveness of MAT centers. The approach also considers diversity, equity, and inclusion issues
in addressing opioid addiction epidemic. Continuously refining understanding and interventions
is crucial in the ongoing battle against opioid addiction. The proposed research question,
grounded in a behavioral theoretical framework and supported by a relevant survey instrument,
offers a pathway to gather valuable insights. Such focused research efforts can help combat the
opioid addiction epidemic and ensure interventions are tailored to diverse populations, promoting
equity and inclusion in the process.
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References
Dydyk, A. M., Jain, N. K., & Gupta, M. (2022, June 21). Opioid Use Disorder. PubMed;
StatPearls Publishing.
Edwards, D. J. (2021). Ensuring effective public health communication: insights and modeling
efforts from theories of behavioral economics, heuristics, and behavioral analysis for
decision making under risk. Frontiers in Psychology, 12.
Ljungvall, H., Persson, A., Åsenlöf, P., Heilig, M., & Ekselius, L. (2019). Reliability of the
Addiction Severity Index self-report form (ASI-SR): a self-administered questionnaire
based on the Addiction Severity Index composite score domains. Nordic Journal of
Psychiatry, 74(1), 9–15.
Perales, J. C., King, D. L., Navas, J. F., Schimmenti, A., Sescousse, G., Starcevic, V., van Holst,
R. J., & Billieux, J. (2020). Learning to lose control: A process-based account of
behavioral addiction. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 108, 771–780.
Taherdoost, H. (2021). Data Collection methods and tools for research: a Step-by-step guide to
choose data collection technique for academic and business research projects.
International Journal of Academic Research in Management (IJARM), 10(1), 10–38.
