RIT - Lesson 1-4.pdf

Research in Tourism – Lesson 1-4 Lesson 1 1. Question: The initial task for you is to ask an THE NATURE OF RESEARCH interesting question based on what you...

Research in Tourism – Lesson 1-4 Lesson 1 1. Question: The initial task for you is to ask an THE NATURE OF RESEARCH interesting question based on what you observe. What is research?  Research comes from the French word 2. Research: The next step is to carry out “recerchier,” which etymologically means “to background research, which can be done seek or to search" (Research, 2020; In Merriam- either by physically going to a library or Webster Online Dictionary). searching for relevant references online.  By doing research, you seek to obtain a solution to 3. Hypothesis: You then have to advance a address a particular problem. Some of the words hypothesis or an educated guess. This guess related to research are presented in the word typically comes in the form of a statement that cloud below: would allow you to come up with a prediction that eventually you will be testing through an experiment. 4. Experiment: Through this activity, you can conduct a series of experiments to test your hypothesis and determine the accuracy of your prediction. 5. Analysis and Conclusion: You then have to analyze the data that you have gathered, drawing connections and patterns among the results. This phase will also help you in  The words highlight the nature of research as a determining whether your findings support the scientific or empirical endeavor that uses a hypothesis that you earlier stated. It is also systematic process search for knowledge, collect likely that your findings do not support your information, and arrive at solutions to real-world hypothesis. At any rate, you have to consider problems. But why do we have to conduct these results in coming up with your research? conclusion.  Different individuals and organizations, such as 6. Dissemination of knowledge: Your research those belonging to the hospitality industry, carry is not complete unless you spend time and out research to develop decisions based not effort communicating your findings to a merely on opinions or intuitions. In doing so, they broader audience. This step can be done by can have a better means of crafting evidence- publishing or presenting your study. based solutions. It is in this context that research deals with factual information based on scientific Basic Research and Applied Research inquiry. Suppose that you are part of a group of hospitality management students who is currently conducting  The conduct of research follows a particular research in a reputable hotel firm as your client. process that would lead to the formulation of Despite the knowledge that you acquire from reading solutions, serving as bases for policy formulation, textbooks, attending class discussions, and conducting enhancement, or improvements. research, your group still struggle with your research task. You are actually able to gather relevant and high- Steps of the Scientific Method quality information about your client. However, you find As shown in the figure below, the scientific method it challenging to align your research objectives with consists of steps that would allow researchers to work your data sources and the processes of data collection on their inquiry systematically. Each of these steps is and analysis. explained below: The above situation reflects the difficulty of conducting research that aims to solve a particular problem. Initially, you might not be able to get the required data for crafting a proposed solution to the identified research problem. Do not worry. All researchers encounter a similar issue, especially if your goal is to  Research in Tourism – Lesson 1-4 advance a new form of knowledge for the betterment 1. The question usually serves as a starting point for of a group of individuals, an organization, a doing good research. It might take a long period community, or the wider society. before you can come up with transforming that question or problem into good research.  Based on its purpose, research can be classified into basic research and applied research. What 2. The objectives that you set should be clear as they are the differences between the two? If your goal will serve as bases for planning your research. is to gain an understanding of the fundamental issues that exist and affect us, then you are 3. The procedures should be detailed or specific possibly on track of carrying out basic research. enough so that succeeding research works would This type of research does not give much be able to replicate them. consideration to the practical application of research findings. 4. The research problem, which can be further specified in more specific problems, guides the  Most of the time, students are required to perform research process. basic research in their field of specialization. As explained by Saunders, Lewis, and Thornhill 5. Certain assumptions should be considered in (2010), basic research, which is also known as doing research. fundamental or pure research: is undertaken largely in universities and largely 6. Gathered data should then be subjected to further as the result of an academic agenda. Its key analysis and interpretation. consumer is the academic community, with relatively little attention given to its practical 7. Good research undergoes a cyclical process, applications. (p. 8) allowing you to follow a logical process towards its constant improvement.  If your goal is to develop research with practical value, you might be interested in pursuing applied 8. The researchers should always observe ethical research. Everyday problem requires specific standards, ensuring that the participants' or solutions, and that is where the significance of respondents' welfare is always given utmost care applied research cannot be discounted. and protection.  Baimyrzaeva (2018) advances that the goal of 9. The weaknesses or limitations of the study should individuals doing applied research is to produce be disclosed. After all, there is no such thing as answers that can address "specific down-to-earth perfect research. problems that someone is facing (we will call the users of such research "clients") using sound 10. Findings should be interpreted in a precise evidence and thinking." (p. 6). manner, and the conclusions should only be based on the analyzed and interpreted data.  In the context of hospitality education, applied research can be undertaken to discover novel or At first, distinguishing research from problem-solving new forms of science-based knowledge "that might be hard. After all, there are common has specific commercial objectives with respect to characteristics between these two processes. products or processes" (Khan & Olsen, 1988, p. However, a closer look at these two concepts would 51). reveal that they have fundamental differences. When we conduct research, we collect, analyze, and interpret LESSON 2 data before we arrive at addressing the problem. CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD RESEARCH When we do problem-solving, we can immediately proceed to advance a solution to a problem. Additional Characteristics of a Good Research Paper differences between the two concepts are outlined in Writing a research paper can be regarded as a tedious Table 1. activity. However, if you have clearly understood how to develop a good research paper, you will surely Differences between Research and Problem- enjoy writing one. Here are the characteristics of a solving good research paper that will guide you along the process (Cooper & Schindler, 1998; IGNOU, 2017):  How do we distinguish between research and problem-solving?  Research in Tourism – Lesson 1-4  While research is regarded as an attempt to complex commonly used address a problem, it is still different from problem- statistical way of analyses. presenting data solving. is through frequency  Generally speaking, on the one hand, research is counts. a systematic process geared towards the Generalizing generation of new knowledge through an The extent by findings is not a Generalization which the vital issue to exhaustive analysis of data. of Findings findings can be address. generalized to Instead, what is  On the other hand, problem-solving is a process the population expected is the aimed at formulating solutions that can be applied is a primary formulation of a concern. solution for the to the current setting through the gathering of benefit of the facts. research population. Table 1 shows more of the differences between the Written output two concepts. is required for There is no Manuscript the detailed need for such Preparation presentation of output since Differences between the Elements of Research and the findings. replication is Problem-Solving (Cordon, Williams, Beyerlein, & Elger, This output not a primary 2007; Golightly, 1981; Ugochukwu, 2009) would serve concern. as a basis for replication by Element Research Problem-Solving future studies. It investigates It seeks to a problem by generate new gathering Aim knowledge that LESSON 3 facts, not can be achieved THESIS FORMAT AND THE RESEARCH WRITING through the by constructing formulation of PROCESS research research problems and problems and hypotheses. Major Parts of a Research Paper hypotheses. When you are tasked to write a research paper, most Since the Adherence to processes of the time you include in your outline the following Scientific It may or may not involved in components: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion. Method require the use of doing it are the scientific systematic in nature, it method. Each of these parts serves a specific purpose. follows the scientific  The first section, Introduction, is regarded as the method. most vital part of the paper. It is so crucial that it It needs the should be well-written so that it can grab the Expertise expertise of Even non- experts can be reader's attention. those involved in conducting it. part of it.  The next section, Body, contains numerous A lot of effort and It can be Duration of time (from done information that would allow you to build on your Implementation months to even immediately arguments, including those that can be found in years) is and would your framework and literature review. It also offers required before it take only a can be few days or a detailed explanation of the research methods to accomplished. weeks. be used in analyzing collected data. A literature A review of review is not  The last section, Conclusion, allows you to Literature related needed. The summarize the significant findings of your papers. Review literature and process is You can also offer recommendations that future studies guided more by critically what actually researchers may use in working on their studies. guides the exists in the research present Parts of a Thesis process. situation. A quick overview of what should be expected from Statistical writing your research paper, specifically a thesis, is Quantitative data analysis may or Data Analysis are subjected to may not be shown below: simple or employed. A  Research in Tourism – Lesson 1-4 A. Chapter I - The Problem and Its Background  You are expected to summarize or paraphrase all the original materials before putting them  Background of the Study – states together in this chapter. You are also expected preliminary information about the research to synthesize and explain the relevance of topic, including why the need to carry out a these sources to your study. study. C. Chapter III – Methods and Procedures  Theoretical Framework – discusses the relevant theories to be used in the study,  Research Design – explains the specific providing the overall blueprint of the conduct of method/s that you will be using in your study. research.  Population and Sample of the Study – gives  Conceptual Framework – provides an a thorough description (profile characteristics) explanation of how the concepts drawn from of the respondents or participants of the study. an exhaustive literature review are connected to each other.  Sampling Design - explains how the respondents (term used for quantitative  Significance of the Study – provides an studies, especially those employing survey explanation of how identified stakeholders are method) or participants (term used for likely to benefit from the study; qualitative studies, especially those using recommendations for policy and practice focus group discussion; also for experimental should be informed by this section studies) were selected through either probability or non- probability sampling.  Statement of the Problem – states the general and specific problems of the study; the  Research Instrument – explains the general problem, for instance, should reflect instrument's contents to be used in collecting the study‟s title; serves as a starting point for data (e.g., questionnaire, interview guide). constructing the research instrument.  Data Gathering Procedures – explains the  Significance of the Study – lists all the step-by-step procedures to be undertaken stakeholders who are likely to benefit from the throughout the research process. study‟s outcomes.  Ethical Considerations – explains how the  Scope and Delimitations of the Study – sets researchers observe ethical principles (e.g., what is only covered in the study or the confidentiality, anonymity, privacy, use of boundaries of the study (scope) as well as the informed consent) in carrying their research to choices that you impose in your study prevent inflicting harm on their research (delimitations); can also include a discussion respondents or participants. of the weaknesses that will be encountered in conducting the study (limitations)  Data Analysis – discusses how the data will be subjected to analysis through statistical  Hypothesis – for quantitative studies, states tools or qualitative analysis (e.g., content the assumption to be tested in the study, analysis, thematic analysis). which is usually in the form of a null hypothesis. D. Chapter IV – Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data  Definition of Terms – lists all the terms or concepts used in the study, which can be  This chapter presents all the data collected either conceptual or operational in nature. using the research instrument (e.g., questionnaire, guide). The data are presented B. Chapter II – Review of Related Literature and in tables, charts, or figures. Analysis and Studies interpretation of all the presented data must be included.  This chapter discusses all the concepts and results obtained from different related local  It is also important to discuss your study's and foreign studies that you have gathered findings by going back to your „Review of and written as notes. Related Literature‟ chapter. The findings you  Research in Tourism – Lesson 1-4 obtained from Chapter IV will serve as your questionnaire or interview guide, and other bases in summarizing your findings (i.e., important attachments). „Summary of Findings‟ section in Chapter V). The Research Writing Process E. Chapter V – Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations  In writing your research paper, you have to consider several steps to help you organize its  Summary of Findings – summarizes all the contents. You also have to be sensible of the results or findings stated in Chapter IV. This different strategies and skills that you will be section should directly answer each of the utilizing as you move from one step to another. problems raised in the „Statement of the Problem‟ section.  As shown in the figure below, the first step requires that you choose a research topic  Conclusions – provides a final judgment on and proceed to the collection of information the findings, and they should address each of to explore and understand more about it. the stated research problems as a way to prove or justify the assumptions you raised  You then have to gather reference materials earlier in your research. from which you will get relevant information and citations concerning your research topic.  Recommendations – outlines your You are expected to assess the information suggestions for future research work (or the that you have gathered. It is at this stage that recommended actions that future researchers you can transform your research topic in will do if they want to replicate your study). research question/s. This section also allows you to give recommendations for practice or policy. Each  You can then begin with writing the draft of recommendation should be directly based on your research paper. However, it does not each of the stated conclusions as well as on mean that you have to stop searching for the significance of your study. relevant sources of information. You continue doing your literature search as you also work F. Other Parts on the revisions of your research paper. At the final stage, you have to finalize your draft  Title Page – consists of the title of the thesis, and make sure that all reference materials are name of the academic program, names of the cited. researchers, and submission date.  Acknowledgments – provides the researchers with an opportunity to thank all the individuals who gave their assistance and support for accomplishing the thesis.  Table of Contents – includes the list of all the parts of the thesis with corresponding pages.  List of Tables and Figures – includes the list of all the tables and figures used in the study LESSON 4 with corresponding pages. ETHICAL ISSUES IN CONDUCTING RESEARCH  References – lists all the sources following Avoiding Harm in Research the style prescribed by the American It is essential to consider ethics in every Psychological Association (APA) – or the APA research undertaking. More so, it is essential that you format. understand the ethical issues in the conduct of research and how these issues may affect your  Appendices – contains all the additional research paper. We cannot eliminate the probability of documents used primarily in the context of the unintentionally causing harm to research participants data gathering process (e.g., letter of due to our communication and dealings with them. Polonsky and Waller (2011) provide examples of these permission to conduct the study, letter/proof of research instrument validation, survey types of harm:  Research in Tourism – Lesson 1-4 1. Psychological harm (using obscene images 4. Beneficence – researchers should always that can offend research participants) observe this “do not harm” principle. As much as possible, risks should be minimized, and benefits 2. Financial harm (researching about unethical should be maximized. Researchers should ensure behaviors in the workplace or sensitive that participants would not face any harm or risks business information, leading to negative as they become part of the study. consequences on the employees‟ and organization‟s welfare) 5. Justice – researchers should make sure that participants are given fair treatment. This is 3. Social harm – (working on a research that is particularly true in the context of how the likely to reveal the sexual orientation of an costs/burdens and benefits would be distributed or individual despite wanting that information to shared among the participants in an equitable remain confidential) manner. All the possible measures should be in place to Anonymity, Confidentiality, Privacy, and Informed eliminate such a possibility of causing harm to the Consent research participants. As further noted by Polonsky (Coffelt, 2017; Creswell, 2012; Schutt, 2001; Vannini, and Waller (2011), there is a need for a careful 2008) assessment of how the conduct of research can lead to any possible form of harm not only to the Anonymity respondents or participants but also to the researchers Commonly applied in quantitative studies themselves and the institutions where they belong. (particularly used in surveys), anonymity refers to the means by which researchers gather data from Components of Ethics in Research the respondents participants without the need to Observing research ethics would mean that your get their personal information. That means if you research practices should be grounded on core human are the researcher, there is no possible way by values such as truthfulness, courtesy, respect for which you can trace such an information to a persons, beneficence, and justice (de Jong, Hibben, specific respondent. & Pennell, 2016; Siegle, 2019; Singh, 2012): The identity of respondents or participants should 1. Truth – scientific inquiry should lead to the not be disclosed to anyone without getting discovery of what is truthful; this can be achieved permission. through a rational search for truth and avoidance of practices that involve fraud and misconduct Any information or identifier such as name, (e.g., falsification and fabrication of data, address, contact detail, number or code used in plagiarism) government-issued or other issued IDs, and medical record that may reveal their identity 2. Courtesy – researchers should practice utmost should not be collected. care when dealing with people whom they will seek help from. For instance, when asking It should be noted that information about their age permission to conduct the study from the and gender (which are usually combined for restaurant owner if the respondents are analysis) cannot be considered anonymous data. employees or from the hotel manager if data from However, through combining these data, any department is a requirement should be researchers cannot be able to trace the data to a observed. As researchers personally collect data particular respondent. from the respondents or participants, courtesy and professionalism should always be demonstrated. Confidentiality Typically used in qualitative studies, confidentiality 3. Respect for Persons – researchers should treat pertains to the means of collecting data from the their respondents or participants as autonomous participants who the researchers may very well individuals who can make their own decisions. know (After all, in-depth information and other Obtaining informed consent from the participants identifiable information can be obtained by using should be a priority, and their privacy should be interviews and focus group discussions.). In short, respected. Vulnerable groups like children, elderly, this concept focuses more on the nature of the and victims of abuse should be dealt with utmost data that must be protected. care.  Research in Tourism – Lesson 1-4 In the protection of the identity of the participants, 7. If they will be receiving any form of incentives any identifiable information should not be 8. Statement that participation can be voluntary revealed. Pseudonyms should be used when (e.g., your participation in this study is using the participants‟ responses in the manuscript completely voluntary.) (or they can be identified as Participant 1,2,3,etc. 9. Statement that they have the right withdraw or Interviewee 1,2,3, etc.) (e.g., you can withdraw at any time without giving any reason and without facing negative Privacy consequences.) Privacy is a right of the respondent or participant that should be respected. It is dependent on the participants on the amount of information that they want to share with the researchers. It is also reliant on the nature and context of the data collection such the setting, condition, and time by which the such data will be obtained from them. In short, it is about the people or participants who should be protected. They decide or control which of the information should remain private and which of the information should be disclosed. The primary role of the researchers is to protect the privacy of the participant all throughout the process of data collection and even after the end of the study (ensuring that the data would be stored in a safe and secure manner). One good way to protect privacy is to ensure confidentiality and anonymity. Informed Consent Informed consent pertains to a process for getting permission from the respondents or participants before the start of data collection. It is usually prepared as an Informed Consent Form, which the participants have to sign prior to their involvement in the study. The participants must be fully aware of the following: 1. Title of study and who are conducting the study 2. Purpose of the study 3. How the data will be collected involved 4. If there are risks or discomforts involved from participating in the study 5. How anonymity, confidentiality, and privacy will be ensured (e.g., All information that will be arising from the conduct of this study shall be kept confidential. In particular, your name will not appear in the manuscript.) 6. Duration of the study or period when they are expected to participate