For the upcoming assignment, I have really focused on the drug and opioid crisis that is getting more and more of an issue in Pennsylvania, specifically people of ages 20-29. Initially when I was doing research, I wanted to invest my time in a topic based on mental health in this area of the country, as a lot of people suffer from seasonal and chronic depression that could potentially be based on the lack of vitamin D that we experience up here. Unfortunately, there wasn't much information on the specifics of the topic but there was a lot of information that was about the opioid crisis within Pennsylvania. In 2022, there were 5196 deaths due to drugs (USA Facts, 2022). This is a year that experienced the highest death rate in Pennsylvania per 100,000 people at 40.9, and the US rate was at a 32.6, primarily due to fentanyl more than any other drug (USA Facts, 2022). I think it would also be not only beneficial but very interesting to see how the numbers compare by county. For example, Philadelphia County (population 1.6 million) may have a very different pattern with drug use compared to a county like Susquehanna County (population 38,000). For this research topic, I think a quantitative approach would be the best option. This is because I am not necessarily observing the behaviors or the attributes of those that are evaluated but taking an approach that is more based on statistics and the numbers that are compared and studied