What’s in a story? The case for narrative research in Sports Development

Qualitative methods in the form of narrative inquiry have attracted much interest among the social sciences, as researchers call for alternative approaches to expand the methodological repertoire within a number of sporting disciplines. Yet, in sports development, narrative inquiry has been slow to arrive, with little scholarly attention being given to this alternate approach. The presentation offers an insight into how researchers within this discipline could use this style of methodological approach; together with highlighting some reasons why narrative inquiry may be of particular benefit to sports development. The presentation will conclude by suggesting that a methodological approach should reflect the research question, and that if this involves capturing the stories of individuals and interpreting their meanings within a sports development context they may well wish to embrace a narrative inquiry approach