Student Example: Source Report

The following is a solid example of what is expected for the Source Report. The main critique of this successful report, in short: the student attempts to integrate relevance of article throughout, though at points the source is overly summarized and the Cultural Inquiry project could be discussed more to balance out. Despite the imbalance of summary, there is a strong attempt at synthesizing the guiding principle from the article.

The other major issue, is that the citation is incomplete -- if one is to cite an article, one must include which journal the article is from (where it was published); if the article was found on-line, then there needs to be inclusion of where on-line the article was found. Also, page numbers!

Student Example:

DeGrandpre, Richard “Ritalin Nation” 1999.

DeGrandpre writes “Ritalin Nation” focusing on the culturally induced disorder ADHD and the nationwide usage of its treatment drug Ritalin. The book takes on a touch of a bias and opinionated stance. The author openly doubts the legitimacy of the disorder. ADHD, in DeGrandpre’s opinion, is a culturally created phenomenon due to human’s constant need for sensory stimulation and ultimately a fast pace lifestyle. He describes the concept of a “rapid-fire culture” which thrives off society’s need for speed. In my research, I want to explore the origin of the disorder ADHD; examining the medical and psychological properties of ADHD, as well as the possible notion that it is a result of various cultural influences. DeGrandpre explains the latter theory in detail in his book “Ritalin Nation”.

People who are diagnosed with ADHD, are exposed to a ‘treatment’ option. A stimulant drug is prescribed with its purpose to control their ADHD symptoms. “ADD has become the most commonly diagnosed child psychiatric disorder in the united states. Ritalin, prescribed as treatment for ADD in about 90 percent of all cases, is a powerful psychostimulant that, when taken via the same route of administration, has pharmacological and psychological effects that are almost indistinguishable from those of cocaine.” This quote describes the prevalence of ADD and its corresponding drug. DeGrandpre discusses the background of Ritalin and its underestimated powerful effects. Various studies have shown the similarities between cocaine and the stimulant drug Ritalin. DeGrandpre states “As one journalist puts it, referring to the similarities between Ritalin and cocaine, ‘Americans would be horrified to learn that 2 million children across the nation are being given cocaine by their parents and doctors to make them behave better in school. It’s also close to the truth that it takes a chemist to tell the difference’”(DeGrandpre, p 176). The public or society’s view or understanding of the drug is an area I want to investigate in my research. Society seems to have quite a distorted view or understanding of Ritalin. Although studies have compared cocaine to Ritalin, the drug’s actual effects are still undermined. The context, of which the drug is being used, seems to alter the public’s view of its questionable negative effects. Since people are being prescribed this pill from a trusted doctor, the powerful effects of the drug seem to be well justified.

The misuse of stimulant drugs is another thing I want to explore, whether it is someone with ADHD or someone using recreationally. Specifically I want to research the methods of consumption and their varying effects, the distribution of pills, experimenting with different dosages, using recreationally, and developing an addiction. DeGrandpre states, “To give an example of what can happen, one college student reports: ‘I know a girl in the freshman class who actually stole a script pad from the heath center and faked her own prescription. She’s an unbelievably smart girl, got a 1600 on her SAT, but is convinced she needs to snort Ritalin in order to do all her work. She’s become an absolute speed freak- up all night and strung out all day. Ironically, she’s failing two of her classes.’”. Addiction to Ritalin and other stimulants used to treat ADHD, is a vital aspect I want to explore in my research. DeGrandpre touches on addictions that can result in the consumption of these medicines. Addiction to Ritalin is common, yet it is mentioned that it is not as likely to occur within people who are legally prescribed the medication. They take the pill in the mindset that it is medicine, with the purpose solely to “treat” their symptoms. Addiction is more likely to occur for people who are consuming the stimulant with the hopes to “get high” or to have recreational effects. Regardless of the context of which it is being taken, the drug still maintains the same properties and powerful effects.

“Ritalin Nation” will be a key secondary source for my research paper. However, I will need many more, considering it is somewhat outdated. The background information and the theories he expresses will be considered, analyzed and integrated into my research. His explanations of how ADHD is merely a reaction to high-speed society still may remain applicable today (ten years after the book was published). In fact, with the rapidly growing rise in technology and other varying means of convenience, that since then have occurred, his theory may be even more relevant and perhaps valid. Next, I will gather sources that focus on the medical explanations of the disorder.