What’s Anhydrous Ammonia Got to Do with It? The Challenges of Researching Methamphetamine in Rural Oklahoma.

• In Event: Methodological Challenges in Rural Criminology

Abstract

Few studies have examined drug use and crime in rural settings. This paper describes a series of methodological challenges that were encountered during a multi-year study of the methamphetamine problem in Oklahoma. To the extent that the problem is a rural one that is subject to change over time, research strategies and techniques evolved over the course of the project. Though grounded in qualitative methodologies, innovative approaches to identifying and filling gaps in knowledge were required and developed. Specific research strategies and the obstacles associated with studying the rural methamphetamine problem will be discussed. There is a need for more research about rural drug and crime problems and perhaps, for the development of more focused methodological approaches for the study of rural crime.

Authors

• Rashi K. Shukla, University of Central Oklahoma

• Danielle Stoneberg, University of Central Oklahoma

• Kenzi Lockwood, University of Central Oklahoma