This unit discusses the following topics: research and theory, types of research, planning of research, research designs, research methods, quantitative research, qualitative research, mixed methodologies, data collection and analysis, developing a research proposal, writing up a literature review paper.

This unit aims to develop knowledge and understanding on the following issues: research design and ethics; qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods; data collection and analysis in social sciences. On successful completion of this unit, students are expected to be able to:

• prepare research designs;
• carry out literature review on research topics;
• ask and seek answers on appropriate research questions;
• plan a qualitative research design;
• plan a quantitative research design;
• plan a mixed method design;
• apply appropriate quantitative, qualitative and/or mixed methods;
• identify ethical issues in research;
• evaluate empirical findings;
• develop critical thinking;
• develop oral and written communication skills;
• interact effectively with a group, contributing ideas, giving feedback and collaborating with others;
• manage self-directed learning using recommended resources;
• manage time;
• use library resources.

• Search, analysis and synthesis of empirical data and theoretical information
• Independent work, self-regulation
• Team work, collaboration, debating and giving feedback
• Decision Making and problem solving
• Research proposal design
• Critical thinking and self-evaluation
• Producing new research ideas
• Planning and management of projects
• Promoting free, creative and deductive reasoning

MODES OF DELIVERY: Face to face

USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY: E-class learning platform

COURSE DESIGN: Lectures

STUDENT PERFORMANCE EVALUATION/ASSESSMENT METHODS:

The language of learning assessment is English. The assessment will be achieved through a 3,000 word assignment (accounts for 100% of the total course grade) concerning the development of a research proposal in response to a case-study scenario. The assignment aims at evaluating students’ knowledge of various topics (e.g. selecting and justifying a suitable research approach, developing a research plan, demonstrating ethical mindfulness) developed during lectures. Details of the method and criteria upon which students are assessed at the end of the semester are clearly stated and explained in the e-class of the course, in which all students have access. The assignment will be submitted at the end of the semester.

• Ballantyne, R., Packer, J. and Axelsen, M. (2009). Trends in tourism research, Annals of Tourism Research, 36(1): 149-152.
• Bryman, A., Social Research Methods, 4th Edition (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012).
• Buckley, R. (2012). Sustainable tourism: Research and reality, Annals of Tourism Research, 39(2): 528-546.
• Cohen, L., Manion, L. and Morrison, K., Research Methods in Education, 6th Edition (London and New York: Routledge, 2007).
• Cresswell, J.W., Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approach, 3rd Edition (California: Sage, 2009).
• Denscombe, M., The Good Research Guide for Small-Scale Research Projects, 2nd Edition (Maidenhead: Open University Press, 2003).
• Molina-Azorin, J.F. and Font, X. (2016). Mixed methods in sustainable tourism research: an analysis of prevalence, designs and application in JOST (2005-2014), Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 24(4): 549-573.
• Neuman, W.L., Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches, 7th Edition (Harlow: Pearson, 2014).
• Pryke, M., Rose, G. and Whatmore, S. (eds). Using Social Theory: Thinking through Research (London: Sage and Open University, 2003).
• Ragin, C.C., The Comparative Method: Moving beyond Qualitative and Quantitative Strategies (Berkeley: California University Press, 1987).
• Richards, D. and Munsters, W. (eds). Cultural Tourism Research Methods (Wallingford: CABI, 2010).
• Saunders, M.N. and Townsend, K. (2016). Reporting and justifying the number of interview participants in organization and workplace research, British Journal of Management, 27: 836-852.
• Sim, J., Saunders, B., Watefield, J. and Kingstone, T. (2018). Can sample size in qualitative research be determined a priori?, International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 21(5): 619-634.
• Stergiou, D. and Airey, D. (2011). Q-methodology and tourism research, Current Issues in Tourism, 14(4): 311-322.
• Tribe, J. (2005). New tourism research, Tourism Recreation Research, 30(2): 5-8.
• Walle, A.H. (1997). Quantitative versus qualitative tourism research, Annals of Tourism Research, 24(3): 524-536.
• Yin, R.K., Applications of Case Study Research, 2nd Edition (Thousand Oaks CA: Sage Publications, 2003).