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 collecting and analyzing quantitative data in tourism studies. Students will engage with both theoretical concepts and practical applications, learning to analyze, interpret, and present data using statistical software.

Course objectives

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

• Understand strengths and weaknesses of quantitative methods in tourism studies.
• Critically evaluate and apply various quantitative methods.
• Collect and analyse quantitative data.
• Present and interpret quantitative data.

Content

The course introduces the application of quantitative methods in tourism science.

The course gives students the ability to analyze quantitative data in tourism. The most important methods of analysis in in tourism science are discussed and applied. Both descriptive and inferential statistics are applied within the univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis design.

Data and its role in tourism science research are presented, and the various stages of a typical survey study are discussed. In this way, the connection to the theoretical model is illustrated, as well as the key criteria for designing a study, constructing a survey, collecting data, and finally analyzing the data.

This course is designed to directly support student thesis work, to enhance students’ practical skills in analyzing quantitative data with a statistical software (for example SPSS - 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 Mid Sweden University facilities.

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 Mid Sweden University license).

During examinations, attendance is compulsory.

Teaching and feedback can be in English.

Teaching will be through the Mid Sweden University's web-based system.

Examination form

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

0020: Multiple choice test, 0.5 Credits
Grade scale: Two-grade scale

0021: Assignment I, 1.5 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx

0022: Assignment II, 2.5 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx

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

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.