ABSTRACT
The recent amelioration of growth research in the sports domain has illustrated the variety of methodological choices available to growth researchers. In this chapter we focus on two pertinent considerations when researching growth. First, we explore the use of theory in growth research, which allows us to consider the range of methodologies that have and could be used to apply, test, and build growth theory. Second, we consider the temporality of growth, which allows us to debate research design, including the use of cross-sectional, longitudinal, and retrospective designs. In discussing each of these areas we aim to identify the methodological challenges that researchers have faced as well as providing directions for future research practice.
