Looking Back in Time: The Pitfalls and Potential of Retrospective Methods in Leisure Studies

Abstract

An increased focus on alternate theoretical perspectives, methodologies, and methods is needed in leisure studies. Although retrospective methods have been employed in a range of disciplines, criticism has been leveled at their validity, reliability, and trustworthiness. Possibilities and critiques of retrospective methods are discussed as either attempts at controlling or interpreting the past. Techniques for minimizing post-positivist concerns include stimulating memories using cues such as photos, allowing participants to report freely rather than forcing responses, and studying salient phenomenon that are subject to accurate recall. Interpretive methods such as narrative inquiry, autoethnography, and collective memory-work are also discussed and debated.

Keywords:

• autoethnography
• collective memory-work
• longitudinal
• narrative inquiry
• retrospective

A previous version of this manuscript was presented at the 2009 North American Society for Sport Management (NASSM) Conference in Columbia, South Carolina. The authors would like to thank Laura Wood, Megan Popovic and the three anonymous reviewers for their helpful suggestions on an earlier draft of this manuscript.