Abstract
Herein we discuss the problems associated with a policy-making process purely driven by quantitative data. A reliance on quantitative data has created less diverse, adaptable, and flexible solutions to problems. This is essential during a crisis like the recent pandemic. To rectify this, we explore methods of incorporating qualitative data through ethnography. We argue that sport is the ideal site for ethnography and that government can use pre-existing systems to develop a hybrid policy approach.
Key Findings
There is a clear benefit to incorporating qualitative and quantitative data into policymaking through a hybrid policy approach. We found that ethnography is a suitable methodology and that there was sufficient infrastructure within the sporting sector to support coaches in conducting ethnography. Coaches were already informally fulfilling this role and thus are an under-utilised resource by policymakers at all levels. By formalising this system, we can rectify this and develop more appropriate solutions.
