“It all started so long ago” – Researchers’ reflections on a longitudinal study

Abstract

Media analysis is an established area of sport sociology and has been a theme for systematic investigation since the mid-1980s. In this paper we reflect on our research experiences of undertaking a longitudinal study in print media analysis since 1996. Following a collaborative inquiry framework we combined autoethnographic narrative interwoven with a focus group interview. This paper aims to document our personal and professional experiences of a research group during an extended study and shares some recommendations based on our reflections. Themes of longitudinal challenges, disappointment and sisterhood as researchers and friends are presented. By exploring our research experiences and, through them, the changes to the research area and processes we hope to illuminate our research journeys for others to critique and understand.