Qualitative Methods in Tourism Research: Theory and Practice(82 Aspects of Tourism)

This volume seeks to expose and illustrate new approaches and thinking in qualitative methods that are being developed and implemented in tourism research. The contributions bring together various qualitative methods and approaches while also providing suggestions for the juxtaposition of qualitative and quantitative methods in mixed methods research. The book has been written with a cross-disciplinary approach which provides an insight into the art of research development from business, sociology and tourism perspectives. The chapters provide readers with a context and practical application examples for each method. They present a distinctive opportunity for social researchers from a range of disciplines, in particular tourism, to examine how to adapt the wide variety of qualitative approaches to their particular research needs.

Table of Contents:
Marg Deery: Foreword Chapter 1. Wendy Hillman and Kylie Radel: Introduction Chapter 2. Les Killion and Rickie Fisher: Ontology, Epistemology: Paradigms and Parameters for Qualitative Approaches to Tourism Research Chapter 3. Kylie Radel and Wendy Hillman: A Grounded Theory Approach to Tourism Chapter 4. Amie Matthews: Ethnographic Approaches to Tourism Research Chapter 5. Laura Sophia Fendt: Phenomenology in Leisure and Tourism Research Chapter 6. Gayle Jennings: Action Research and Tourism Studies Chapter 7. Kylie Radel: Participant Observation in Cross-Cultural Tourism Research Chapter 8. Kylie Radel: Aligning Western and Indigenous Ways of Doing Tourism Research: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Approach Chapter 9. Carolyn Daniels, Wendy Hillman and Kylie Radel: Qualitative Tourism Research: Focus Groups Chapter 10. Felicity Picken: The Interview in Tourism Research Chapter 11. Benjamin Lucca Iaquinto: A Mixed Methods Approach in Tourism Research Chapter 12. Trini Espinosa Abascal, Martin Fluker and Min Jiang: Image-Use in Tourism Research Methodology Wendy Hillman: Conclusion

About the Author :
Wendy Hillman is Senior Lecturer in sociology at Central Queensland University, Australia. Her research interests include qualitative social research, urban and rural sociology, gender studies, and the tourist industry in Nepal. Kylie Radel is Senior Lecturer in marketing and tourism at Central Queensland University, Australia. Her research interests include Indigenous social justice, sustainable lifestyles and qualitative research methodologies. 

Review :
Hillman and Radel present a diverse, coherent and articulate array of contributions on qualitative research. The various contributors provide insights into why the application of thorough qualitative approaches is advancing within tourism. The insightful case studies provide clarity for complex methodological terminologies and a bridge between theory and practice. What qualitative research technique should I use to address this tourism issue? This text helps answer this oft-asked question. Hillman and Radel have brought together a diverse range of qualitative research experts to explain the plethora of qualitative techniques relevant to tourism research and when each should be used. This well-written edited volume will be a valuable resource to enhance understanding of qualitative research for graduate students and researchers in tourism alike. This book offers tourism scholars and students invaluable insight into the merits and challenges of qualitative research. Hillman and Radel provide an excellent framework for exploring various qualitative approaches including grounded theory, ethnography, and phenomenology. The ethical framework, the emphasis on cultural considerations, and the case studies set it apart. I strongly recommend this book to both qualitative and quantitative researchers. This book will be an easy read for quantitative researchers who are looking for a succinct and comprehensive overview of research methods they might not be familiar with. The case studies will be helpful in illustrating the use of each research design. For qualitative researchers, the discussion of challenges, ethics, and new tools for doing qualitative research will be appreciated as I know most of us qualitative researchers are continuously seeking novel and innovative research methods while we deal with all the challenges of doing qualitative research. I can also recommend this to industry practitioners who might want to explore other methods of qualitative research for their research problems. Finally, this book is a must-read for students who would be embarking on their dissertations and considering pursuing a qualitative approach to their research. An informative and enjoyable read, Qualitative Methods in Tourism Research will not only help instructors teach research methodologies but the book will also inspire and give confidence to current and future generations of tourism qualitative researchers.