The full potential of the crisis model in primary health care & research has not been realized world-wide. This paper outlines the political, ethical & related issues that create obstacles for researchers & that may affect the design, methodology & outcome of research. These include: gaining access; dominance of the medical model; the political-economy of health; the quantitative bias in research methods & funding; ethical issues in studying the disadvantaged; gender, race & class factors. (GW)