ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights common methods for the collection of retrospective athlete training and developmental history information. It discusses a number of analytical considerations when determining reliability and validity of data. Qualitative retrospective recall approaches have been utilized in a large number of wide-ranging investigations pertaining to the development of sport expertise. While a robust statistical approach to the assessment of reliability and validity of athlete training histories is critical, even more pertinent are strict criteria for interpreting the results of reliability and validity analyses. Quantitative questionnaires provide an alternative approach to qualitative interviews to overcome the limitations associated with small sample sizes. Establishing reliability or consistency of athlete recall of training history information is important; however, determining the accuracy or validity of the information is even more critical. Convergent validity refers to the degree to which multiple measures of the same construct collected via different test procedures demonstrate agreement.
