Explicit guidelines for qualitative research: a step in the right direction, a defence of the 'soft' option, or a form of sociological imperialism?

Within the context of health service research, qualitative research has som etimes been seen as a 'soft' approach, lacking scientific rigour. In order to promote the legitimacy of using qualitative methodology in this field, n umerous social scientists have produced checklists, guidelines or manuals f or researchers to follow when conducting and writing up qualitative work. H owever, those working in the health service should be aware that social sci entists are not all in agreement about the way in which qualitative work sh ould be conducted, and they should not be discouraged from conducting quali tative research simply because they do not possess certain technical skills or extensive training in sociology, anthropology or psychology. The prolif eration of guidelines and checklists may be off-putting to people who want to undertake this sort of research, and they may also make it even more dif ficult for researchers to publish work in medical journals. Consequently, t he very people who may be in a position to change medical practice may neve r read the results of important qualitative research.