Developing a Research Project and Creative Tool to Explore Peer Perceptions of Cannabis Use

Our overall aim is to develop a research project that creatively explores the impact that presentation and perception of cannabis use has on individual attitudes towards drug use.
Through Ideas Exchange (IE) funding, we are seeking to refine a series of research hypotheses around this topic, and to design a creative primary data collection tool.
Through initial discussions between applicants, we have identified several barriers to participation in research on drug use, including difficulty engaging groups and addressing concerns around privacy when discussing illegal activity. An important aim of this first phase of research is to develop a creative method to engage participants in research to overcome these barriers.
Additionally, given the role social media now plays in forming perceptions of the world, we are seeking to develop new links with experts in the field of social media research.