Confronting a research quandary: Gaining access to 'self-excluders' in qualitative research

Qualitative researchers have frequently confronted dilemmas regarding rigor and valid ity in their methodological approaches to research. Problems with access to participants, and indeed, to particular subject groups who do not wish to be identified, muchless become part of a formalised research project, are some of the many dilemmas facing researchers using qualitative research techniques and methods, and indeed other researchers. Yet, these reluctant individuals can provide vital insights into the processes of social exclusion. It is all very well'to go to the people' (Bogdan and Taylor 1998), but how can 'the people' be identified and studied, if they do not wish to be recognised, contacted or found?