Question

The article "Heavy Drinking and Problems among Wine Drinkers" (Journal of Studies on Alcohol [1999]: 467-471) investigates whether wine drinkers tend to drink less excessively than those who drink beer and spirits. A sample of Canadians, stratified by province of residence and other socioeconomic factors, was selected. a. Why might stratification by province be a good thing? b. List two socioeconomic factors that would be appropriate to use for stratification. Explain how each factor would relate to the consumption of alcohol in general and of wine in particular.

Short answer

a. Stratification by province helps control for potential differences across provinces that could influence drinking habits, like cultural, social or policy variables. b. Income level and educational attainment are two socioeconomic factors that might be appropriate for stratification. People with higher income or education may be more likely to afford and consume the generally more expensive wine.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Stratification

Stratification is a method used in research to ensure that the sample represents the population being studied. In this case, the researchers stratified the sample by the province of residence. Doing so can control for potential differences in drinking habits across provinces due to differing social, cultural, or even policy-related factors. By using stratification, researchers can ensure that these differences do not bias their results.

Identifying Socioeconomic Factors

Many socioeconomic factors could potentially relate to the consumption of alcohol in general, and wine consumption in particular. Two such factors that often come up in public health research are income level and educational attainment. This is because higher income and higher education often correlate with different health behaviors and accessibilities.

Relation of Identified Socioeconomic Factors to Alcohol Consumption

Income level could affect alcohol, and particularly wine, consumption patterns because alcohol is a good that often requires discretionary income. Those with lower incomes may be unable to afford to drink regularly, or may select cheaper forms of alcohol, possibly preferring beer or spirits to wine. Educational attainment can be related to drinking patterns since those with more education tend to have more knowledge about the potential health benefits and risks associated with alcohol consumption. They are perhaps more likely to consume wine responsibly.

Key concepts

Stratification Methodology

Stratification is a sampling methodology designed to ensure that a study's sample accurately reflects the complexity of the population. It involves dividing the population into homogenous subgroups before sampling. These subgroups, or strata, are based on characteristics believed to impact the research outcome significantly.

For example, in a study on alcohol consumption patterns, researchers might stratify by age, gender, income, or geographic region. In such a study focusing on Canadian wine drinkers, stratifying by province ensures representation across varied cultural and legal landscapes affecting alcohol use.

Improved Sampling Accuracy

By selecting participants from each province, the researchers can control for regional disparities, such as variations in provincial laws regarding alcohol sales and differing cultural attitudes toward drinking. This approach minimizes the risk that the results will be skewed by unrepresentative data, leading to a more precise and reliable outcome.

Socioeconomic Factors in Sampling

Socioeconomic factors play a crucial role in research involving human behaviour since they often influence lifestyle choices, including alcohol consumption. Factors such as income level, education, occupation, and neighbourhood are not just individual characteristics; they can also indicate access to resources, social status, and exposure to stresses and benefits.

Income Level

Income is a determinant of what people can afford. In the context of alcohol consumption, those with higher incomes might have the discretionary funds to purchase premium wines or consume alcohol in moderation without financial stress.

Educational Attainment

Education often correlates with health awareness. Individuals with higher education levels might be more aware of the risks associated with heavy drinking and thus make more informed choices about alcohol consumption, perhaps favoring wine over spirits or beer. Furthermore, educational affiliations could potentially expose individuals to different drinking cultures, for instance, those that venerate wine as part of a refined lifestyle.

Alcohol Consumption Patterns

Alcohol consumption patterns can be influenced by a multitude of factors, including societal norms, availability, personal preferences, and socioeconomic status. These patterns describe how, when, where, and what types of alcoholic beverages people consume.

Wine Consumption

The consumption of wine, as opposed to beer or spirits, might be associated with certain dining experiences or perceived as a part of a healthy lifestyle when consumed in moderation. The patterns of wine consumption might vary significantly from the consumption of other alcohols, often intertwined with social rituals or cultural practices.

Understanding these patterns is key to public health research and efforts to mitigate the negative impacts of alcohol. By examining the drinking habits of wine consumers specifically, researchers can identify patterns that may differ fundamentally from those consuming other types of alcohol, potentially informing targeted interventions or policy changes.