Choose one drug to study from these two organizations: the Drug Policy Alliance [Links to an external site.] [https://drugpolicy.org/drug-facts] and the National Institutes on Drug Abuse [Links to an external site.] [https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics]. These organizations both publish “drug fact” web pages for the major drugs of abuse. You will read through the interactive materials on both websites, and then give your assessment of the reliability and accessibility of the information presented. Give an overview of the tactics and strategies used by each website to convey information. Also, compare specific facts presented on the two sites. For example, both mention the “gateway theory”, but do they give evidence to support it or refute it? What are their specific arguments for their claims?
Is the information clear, easy to understand, and at a level that would be easily accessible to a general audience? Is it geared toward teenagers, teachers, parents, or the general public? How is the tone of the website [e.g., language, graphics, pictures, interactivity, links to more information] contributing to the message they are delivering about the drug? Keep in mind the objectives of the two groups. DPA is a nonprofit organization that is explicitly against the War on Drugs and criminal penalties for drug users. They promote a harm reduction, public health response to drug users. NIDA is a federal agency and will likely be in line with the federal response of criminalization of drug users.
Now consider the following scenario: your new romantic partner enjoys using a drug recreationally [e.g., cannabis or MDMA or ecstasy on the weekends]. Use both websites to gain information to help you decide whether to try it, and how to be safe if you do use it. What specific information could you use from each site? Is the site’s information believable? Trustworthy? Does it fit with your experiences and those of your partner?
Grading Rubric
Introduction to why you want information about that drug and the two sites you are using [can either use the scenario I provided, or come up with your own [1 paragraph] Describe the mission and funding of the two organizations [DPA Mission Statement [Links to an external site.] and NIDA Mission Statement [Links to an external site.]] DPA is funded by private citizens and is a nonprofit. NIDA receives federal funding.
Summarize DPA’s information, range of topics, and what you learned specifically that could help you make a decision or advise a friend to be safe if they used that drug. Find and explain at least one specific drug fact, e.g., gateway theory, addictive properties, potential positive or negative effects, or other. [1-2 paragraphs]
Summarize NIDA information, range and focus of information, and what you specifically learned that is useful to making a decision about using or helping a friend be safe. Find at least one instance of how they explain the same specific topic as the other organization, e.g., gateway theory, addictive properties, potential positive or negative effects. [1-2 paragraphs]
Contrast of two sites, differences in content and style [separate paragraph or could be combined into the previous section]. For example, NIDA could be presented in contrast to DPA with differences in the previous section, instead of this section.
Think critically when comparing the information on the two sites For example: Is there bias? Do they project a scientific authority? Is the information easy to understand and use? Does an organization use scientific or medical terms and pictures in order to make the information confusing or the effects seem exaggerated?
Conclusions – summarize findings from your analysis of the two sites. Which site provided clear, accessible information? How does the mission of the organization influence the information included? Are they downplaying or exaggerating the drug’s potential harms? Benefits? Tips for safety? Any evidence of bias? [1 paragraph]
