On loosening the hamstrings: Non-traditional methodologies in sport and exercise psychology

Abstract

This paper presents research findings which derive from two alternative approaches to scientific analysis within sport and exercise psychology. Self-report diaries are used to study aspects of participation and the link between sporting activities and mood or psychological well-being. Focus groups provide a flexible method for exploring physical educationalists’ perceptions of their acti vities in the context of beliefs and values. It is argued that the psychology of sport and exercise would be enhanced with greater use of non-traditional methodologies alongside traditional quantitative approaches which are viewed as the bedrock of sport science research