Tourism Studies MA, Quantitative Methods in Tourism, 7.5 credits

Aim

The aim of this course is to develop a deep understanding and proficiency in a range of quantitative methods and statistical techniques that are essential for conducting high-level research and data analysis in tourism studies. Students will engage with both theoretical concepts and practical applications, learning to critically analyze, interpret, and present data using advanced statistical software.

Course objectives

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

- Understand a range of approaches to quantitative data collection and analysis.
- Critically engage in issues of scientific rigor in the context of data analysis for hypothesis testing and validation of social science-based theories.
- Apply course concepts and techniques of quantitative data analysis towards the development of individual work.

Content

The course is organized into two components.

Part (A): The first part introduces students into the quantitative research paradigm for theory testing in the field of tourism studies. After rolling out the nature and role of data in tourism research, the steps of a typical survey research process are passed through. Thereby, the link to the theoretical model, major criteria of a study design and questionnaire development, as well as data collection are highlighted and critically discussed.

Part (B) Course part two introduces into the various methods for analyzing tourism data. At the one side, descriptive data analysis designs critically deal with univariate analysis techniques, bivariate analysis techniques, and multivariate analysis techniques. At the other hand, inferential data analysis designs introduce into univariate analysis designs, bivariate analysis designs, and multivariate analysis designs.

Campus course:
As the course in quantitative methods is designed to directly support student thesis work, the second part of the course is partly conducted in the MIUN Computer Lab to enhance students’ practical skills in analyzing quantitative data with SPSS software (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences®). By using existing real-world tourism (survey) data, most prominent methods of data analysis in tourism research are critically discussed and applied. The ‘toolkit’ of examined methods especially accounts for the purpose of analysis (i.e. descriptive and inferential data analysis designs) and the number of variables included in the analysis (i.e. uni-/bi- and multivariate analysis designs).

Distance course:
The second part aims at enhancing students’ practical skills in analyzing quantitative data with SPSS software (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences®). By using existing real-world tourism (survey) data, most prominent methods of data analysis in tourism research are critically discussed and applied. The ‘toolkit’ of examined methods especially accounts for the purpose of analysis (i.e. descriptive and inferential data analysis designs) and the number of variables included in the analysis (i.e. uni-/bi- and multivariate analysis designs).

Entry requirements

A bachelor' s degree of at least 180 credits (ECTS) and English course 6/English course B from Swedish Upper Secondary School (Gymnasium) or the equivalent.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

Campus course:

Classroom teaching, tutorials, and teaching in the MIUN Computer Lab.

Distance course:

The distance course's education consists of published material and communication in an online education program, as well as compulsory assignments. The distance course has no physical meetings. In order to complete the course the students are responsible for having access to internet and computer which meets requirements for installation of software (available through MIUN-license).

During examinations, attendance is compulsory

Teaching and feedback can be in English

Teaching will be through the Mid-Sweden web-based system

Examination form

0016: Multiple choice test
Grade scale: Two-grade scale

0017: Final individual report, 3 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx

0018: Assignment I, SPSS exercise, 1.5 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx

0019: Assignment II, group essay, 3 Credits
Grade scale: Three-grade scale

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University's disabilities adviser.

At home examinations or other written assignments, a complementary oral presentation may be requested by the teacher. The student should hence demonstrate the necessary knowledge to ensure that the student is the actual sender and the author of the written work.

Grading system: [www.miun.se/betygskriterier](<http: www.miun.se/betygskriterier="">)





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Examination restrictions

Students admitted to the previous version of this course have the right to graduate 3 times within 1 year according to that syllabus. Thereafter the students are transferred to this syllabus.

Grading system

Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx

Other information

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University's disabilities adviser.