Balancing rigor against the inherent limitations of investigating hard-to-reach populations

Abstract

Maintaining rigor in research is critical; however, this need must be balanced by the necessity of conducting studies in populations where inherent barriers exist relative to key issues such as recruitment, attrition, sampling, sample size, assessment techniques, psychometric rigor, the identification of mediators and moderators and the practical relevance of the research question itself. Ultimately, the value of a study in health promotion should be judged on the practicality of the research question within the context of the target population. Striking the perfect balance between rigor and practicality to the field is a question that health promotion researchers and professionals need to determine through ongoing dialogue and debate.