Introduction

Abstract

In describing the aim of this study, we want first of all to indicate an orientation and direction from which a detailed study design can be developed. In the early stages of working on a problem the foreground is dominated by what one wants to know, rather than what, in an empirical study pursued under particular conditions, it is actually possible to answer. For this reason, the formulation of the questions underlying this study, as given below, is ambitious and comprehensive. After a survey of the relevant literature (mainly confined to the field of alcoholism), we begin to select out the features to be assessed and determine the overall study design, during which process the questions are set into context and operationalized. Immediately before the section-by-section evaluation of data the questions are focused still more finely and individually activated according to the available techniques of data evaluation. During the course of a study lasting many years, questions and hypotheses, evaluation, interpretation, and new questions and hypotheses follow each other in a process of continuous development extending, in the end, over the whole study. We will now formulate the basic direction-finding questions, knowing in advance that we shall be able to answer them only in part.