관광 연구에서 질적 연구의 방향성 탐색

Abstract

The qualitative approach encompasses a wide range of methodological viewpoints; consequently, the levels of study conducted vary. This study analyzes qualitative studies in tourism at the methdological level in order to contribute to a better understanding of qualitative research. On papers published in the Journal of Tourism Sciences, a detailed exploration of qualitative research using content analysis was carried out over two phases. In the initial phase, the publication status of qualitative and quantitative studies according to their research strategy and data collection and analysis method was determined. The results demonstrated that interview-based research was utilized most frequently. The second phase identified the level of qualitative approach in the interview-based studies, based on 1) the applied research paradigm, 2) the degree to which trustworthiness was considered, and 3) the evolutionary level based on the development stages of qualitative research. The findings revealed that the papers employing grounded theory or phenomenology used a more advanced level of qualitative approach. A future orientation for qualitative research in the field of tourism was discussed with the results that provided a window into the dynamics of qualitative research.