Research Methods in Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management

References

Bell, J. (2010). Doing Your Research Project. 5th edition.

Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Blaxter, L., Hughes, C. and Tight, M. (2006). How to Research.

Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Bowden, D., Botterill, D. and Platenkamp, V. (2012). Key

Concepts in Tourism Research. London: Sage.

Brunt, P. (1997). Market Research in Travel and Tourism.

Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.

Finn, M., Elliott-White, M. and Walton, M. (2000). Tourism and

Leisure Research Methods: Data collection, analysis and

interpretation. Harlow: Pearson Education.

Fleming, S. and Jordan, F. (2006). Ethical Issues in Leisure

Research. Eastbourne: Leisure Studies Association.

Jennings, G. (2001). Tourism Research. Chichester: Wiley.

Source: ‘Tourist satisfaction: the mythology of King Arthur’s

Tintagel’ by Danielle Chapman, supervised by Natalie Semley,

Plymouth University, 2016.

6.8 Summary

We have discussed in this chapter the different ways of conducting

qualitative research. Interviewing is a skill which requires training and

practice. This is the case whether the survey requires a formal interview

with structured questions or an informal interview where there is little

standardisation. Where interviewers are recruited, the right sort of

individual in terms of administrative skill and personality is needed, as is

thorough training. Supervision and ongoing monitoring of interviewers is

required to overcome some of the common errors that can occur. Overall,

interviewing can be a highly successful and accurate method, which

achieves high quality data, providing that interviewers have the necessary

skills and sound judgement. The use of focus groups is another interesting

approach to research that can yield excellent results. All of the techniques

need the development of a clear ethical framework to inform the research.

Exercises

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1. What are the main problems that you may encounter when

carrying out interviews?

2. Devise a training pack for an inexperienced interviewer to

carry out face-to-face interviews at a major event.

3. Devise an interview to find out about guest experience at a

hotel front desk. Try this out on a partner and see what

issues you encounter.

4. Discuss the issues surrounding participative observation.

When would it be useful to use this technique in research?

Further reading

Denzin, N.K. and Lincoln, Y.S. (2003). The Landscape of

Qualitative Research: Theories and issues. 2nd edition.

Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of all the

methods of qualitative research that can be used by you as a

researcher.

Other useful books on specific topics include:

DeWalt, K.M. and DeWalt, B.R. (2010).