title: Desirable features of qualitative research.
abstract: Family medicine investigators are beginning to use qualitative approaches to research questions. This paper reviews guidelines for qualitative research from several social sciences, and summarizes discussions of "standards" for qualitative research among health professionals. From these sources, the authors propose desirable characteristics of qualitative research. These include values of empathy, collaboration, service, and moral sensitivity; characteristics of clarity and coherence; techniques of participatory dialogue, triangulation, purposeful sampling, and immersion in context; and outcomes of useful knowledge and behavior effectively shared with readers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Practice, Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Kuzel
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Engel
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Addison
authors.forename: S P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Bogdewic
mesh_terms: D004995:Ethics, Professional; D005194:Family Practice; D006281:Health Occupations; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D012107:Research Design