This book walks students through the selection and application of research methods within tourism. The authors introduce the relevant language and theory of key methodologies and then develop them using strategic literature review and the inclusion of international examples which relate directly to tourism. The historical and philosophical context of each method is then carefully laid out alongside the practical application of the technique. Each concept sets the historical and philosophical context of a method alongside the practical application of the technique.

Realism

Realism

Definition ‘Realists assert the actual, or possible, existence of some disputed entity, which may be a sub-atomic particle, a social structure, or the world or universe itself’ (Outhwaite, 2004: 929).

Relevance

Realism offers the prospect of tourism research that combines creative imagination with the possibility of scientific explanation. Students of tourism that are looking to insert some ‘depth’ into their research projects by: going beyond the surface of events and experiences, seeking to unify the natural and the social in tourism research, and wishing to retain the aspiration of an explanatory social science for tourism will find an exploration of the key concept of Realism invaluable.

Application

The self-identification of tourism research that is realist, in the sense of a scientific depth realism, is relatively uncommon. However, the ...

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