3 Main Research Paradigms in Tourism Studies
A critical view on my view; 3 main research paradigms in tourism studies using ecotourism as an example.
Paradigm; a conceptual framework within which scientific theories are constructed, which is consistent within itself, but may need completely revising as evidence challenging the factual accuracy of some aspects of its accumulates. (Chambers 21st century dictionary, 1996)
Ecotourism; the careful development end management of tourism in areas of unspoiled natural beauty, so that the environment is preserved and the income form tourism contributes to its conservation. (Chambers 21st century dictionary, 1996)
Introduction According to Kuhn (1962), paradigms are essential to scientific inquiry, for "no natural history can be interpreted in the absence of at least some implicit body of intertwined theoretical and methodological belief that permits selection, evaluation, and criticism." Within tourism studies this body is comprised out of three (3) main research paradigms; Positivist, Interpretive and Critical. Most researchers fall within one of these paradigms determining there gaze and positionality. For example a positivist will never ask “why” and a interpretive will probably never “criticize”. This is not within the scope of their researchers gaze. Although ecotourism is quit a young discourse it is rapidly growing in popularity within the tourism branch. The general agreement that eco-tourism is "nature-based, sustainably managed, inclusive of social and cultural aspects, and educational to tourists" is one that appeals to a great number of tourists. However looking at it critically does ecotourism practices meet the terms of these assumptions?
Positivist approach There are several defining characteristics of positivist research. First of all, it concentrates on positive data which can be verifiable and can survive attempts at falsification. Consequently excluding ethical questions which can not be answered with facts. As Tribe (2001)
Paradigm; a conceptual framework within which scientific theories are constructed, which is consistent within itself, but may need completely revising as evidence challenging the factual accuracy of some aspects of its accumulates. (Chambers 21st century dictionary, 1996)
Ecotourism; the careful development end management of tourism in areas of unspoiled natural beauty, so that the environment is preserved and the income form tourism contributes to its conservation. (Chambers 21st century dictionary, 1996)
Introduction According to Kuhn (1962), paradigms are essential to scientific inquiry, for "no natural history can be interpreted in the absence of at least some implicit body of intertwined theoretical and methodological belief that permits selection, evaluation, and criticism." Within tourism studies this body is comprised out of three (3) main research paradigms; Positivist, Interpretive and Critical. Most researchers fall within one of these paradigms determining there gaze and positionality. For example a positivist will never ask “why” and a interpretive will probably never “criticize”. This is not within the scope of their researchers gaze. Although ecotourism is quit a young discourse it is rapidly growing in popularity within the tourism branch. The general agreement that eco-tourism is "nature-based, sustainably managed, inclusive of social and cultural aspects, and educational to tourists" is one that appeals to a great number of tourists. However looking at it critically does ecotourism practices meet the terms of these assumptions?
Positivist approach There are several defining characteristics of positivist research. First of all, it concentrates on positive data which can be verifiable and can survive attempts at falsification. Consequently excluding ethical questions which can not be answered with facts. As Tribe (2001)
Bibliography: Björk, P. (2000)Ecotourism from a Conceptual Perspective, an Extended Definition of a Unique Tourism Form Chambers 21st century dictionary (1996) Cohen, E Dowsly, M. (2008) Inuit-organized polar bear sport hunting in Nunavut territory, Canada. Journal of Ecotourism 8(2,) pp Holden, A. (2003) In need of new environmental ethics for tourism? Annals of Tourism Research 30 ( 1,) pp King, D.A. & Stewart W.P. (1996) Ecotourism and commodification: protecting people and places. Tribe, J. (2001) Research Paradigms and the Tourism Curriculum. Journal of Travel Research 39; pp. Tribe, J. (2007) Critical tourism: Rules and Resistance. In I. Ateljevic, N. Morgan, & A. Pritchard (Eds.), The Critical turn in Tourism Studies: Innovative Research Methodologies (pp Weber, R. (2004) The Rhetoric of Positivism Versus Interpretivism: A Personal View. MIS Quarterly 28(1,) pp