Abstract: In the research process of traditional national sports in China, the fusion of disciplines leads to the use of “cross-disciplinary” approach. This present study reflects on case analysis, oral history and recognition expression— the three “popular” research methods of traditional national sports— and proposes that: the purpose of applying case study to traditional national sports research is not simply to describe and explain the cases, but to make in-depth analysis and construct theories; oral history is the result from historiographers’ annotation, verification, and explanation to historical materials; the rationalization of cognitive expression means that “cognition” should be based on the logical starting point of western cognitive theories. At the same time, the standardization and completeness of research question presuppositions, the choice of research methods appropriate for research questions, the selection and organization of facts and materials; and the formation of evidence chain and the solution of research questions are also worth our attention.

Key words: case study, oral history, cognitive expression, traditional national sports, research methods