Using one-to-one interviews and group interviews in sport studies research

This chapter is designed to provide readers with the essential knowledge and skills needed to effectively use qualitative interviewing as a data collection method in sport studies research. It is organised into six key sections to facilitate this learning. First, we introduce the fundamentals of one-to-one interviewing and explain the distinctions among structured, semi-structured and unstructured approaches. Next, we delve into the nuances of group interviewing. The third section offers guidance on crafting effective interview questions and employing various probes to obtain rich, detailed responses. In the fourth section, we explore purposive sampling techniques for selecting participants. The fifth section provides practical advice for managing the interview, covering the phases before, during and after the interview to ensure a smooth and successful process. Finally, the chapter concludes with the first author’s insights on collecting interview data, and we offer an interview checklist and end-of-chapter questions to reinforce your understanding of qualitative interviewing.