"FIGURE 2.5
Sample “Statement of the Problem” Section
Statement of the Exploring the Conceptions and Misconceptions of Teen Smoking in
Problem Elements High Schools: A Multiple Case Analysis
Tobacco use is a leading cause of cancer in American society (McGinnis & Foefe,
1993). Although smoking among adults has declined in recent years, it has actually
The Topic increased for adolescents. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported
that smoking among high school students had risen from 27.5 percent in 1991 to 34.8
percent in 1995 (USDHHS 1996). Unless this trend is dramatically reversed, an
estimated 5 million of our nation’s children will ultimately die a premature death
The Research Problem (Center for Disease Control, 1996).
Previous research on adolescent tobacco use has focused on four primary topics.
Several studies have examined the question of the initiation of smoking by young
Evidence Justifying the people, noting that tobacco use initiation begins as early as junior high school
Research Problem (e.g., Heishman et al., 1997). Other studies have focused on the prevention of
smoking and tobacco use in schools. This research has led to numerous schoolbased prevention programs and intervention (e.g., Sussman, Dent, Burton, Stacy, &
Flay, 1995). Fewer studies have examined “quit attempts” or cessation of smoking
behaviors among adolescents, a distinct contrast to the extensive investigations into
adult cessation attempts (Heishman et al., 1997).
Of interest as well to researchers studying adolescent tobacco use has been the
social context and social influence of smoking (Fearnow, Chassin, & Presson, 1998).
For example, adolescent smoking may occur in work-related situations, at home
where one or more parents or caretakers smoke, at teen social events or at areas
designated as “safe” smoking places near high schools (McVea et al., in press).
Minimal research attention has been directed toward the social context of high
schools as a site for examining adolescent tobacco use. During high school students
form peer groups which may contribute to adolescent smoking. Often peers become a
strong social influence for behavior in general and belonging to an athletic team, a
Deficiencies in Evidence music group, or the “grunge” crowd can impact thinking about smoking (McVea et al.,
in press). Schools are also places where adolescents spend most of their day
(Fibkins, 1993) and are available research subjects. Schools provide a setting for
teachers and administrators to be role models for abstaining from tobacco use and
enforcing policies about tobacco use (O’Hara et al., 1999).
Existing studies of adolescent tobacco use are primarily quantitative with a focus
on outcomes and transtheoretical models (Pallonen, 1998). Qualitative investigations,
however, provide detailed views of students in their own words, complex analyses of
multiple perspectives, and specific school contexts of different high schools that
shape student experiences with tobacco (Creswell, in press). Moreover, qualitative
inquiry offers the opportunity to involve high school students as co-researchers, a
data collection procedure that can enhance the validity of student views
uncontaminated by adult perspectives.
By examining these multiple school contexts, using qualitative approaches and
involving students as co-researchers, we can better understand the conceptions and
The Audience misconceptions adolescents hold about tobacco use in high schools. With this
understanding, researchers can better isolate variables and develop models about
smoking behavior. Administrators and teachers can plan interventions to prevent or
change attitudes toward smoking, and school officials can assist with smoking
cessation or intervention programs." who is the audience on that research