Biographical Mapping Interviews

In this chapter, I provide an overview of the biographical mapping method. This participatory method integrates components of narrative interviewing along with the drawing of thematic timelines. Biographical mapping is a flexible way of generating data that can be engaged in ways that allow participants to direct the process and incorporate different materials and creative elements, and thus express themselves in diverse ways. In this chapter, I first outline the key ideas and development of the method before providing a flexible framework for using the method to generate data. Next, I provide examples of my own use of the method before closing with my thoughts on the challenges of the method, as well as the opportunities it provides for sport and physical activity research.