Does method matter? Understanding experience data collected through different mobile techniques

Authors

  • Malin Zillinger Department of Tourism and Geography, Mid Sweden University & Department of Service Management and Service Studies Lund University
  • Ingrid Zakrisson Department of Psychology Mid Sweden University

Keywords:

epistemology, experience, GPS, method, smartphone application

Abstract

Knowledge on the influence of methods on research outcomes is scarce within experience studies. In this study, GPS devices were compared to smartphones to collect experience data in theme parks. Departing from the relevance of epistemology, it was assumed that the choice of method influences the results. We show that data collection modalities themselves influence empirical results when it comes to the number of reported experiences and their level of conveyed detail. The reported categories however are similar among the methods. We can also show that, and in which way, method choice influences the outcome of studies related to experiences.

Author Biographies

Malin Zillinger, Department of Tourism and Geography, Mid Sweden University & Department of Service Management and Service Studies Lund University

Malin Zillinger is assistant professor with teaching and research interests in methods and mobility. Holding a PhD in human geography, she has studied matters such as tourist information and behavior related to time and space. She is currently involved in the research project Ex-Track that aims to develop methods for data collection on experiences and mobility. At present, this is done in theme parks.

Ingrid Zakrisson, Department of Psychology Mid Sweden University

Ingrid Zakrisson is associate professor in psychology at Mid Sweden University. Her research interests are mainly within the realm of social and organizational psychology, focusing primarily on decision making and gendered relations in group situations. Together with colleagues in various disciplines, she has for several years been engaged in multidisciplinary tourism research applied to visitor mobility and experiences.

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Published

2017-12-15

How to Cite

Zillinger, M. and Zakrisson, I. (2017) “Does method matter? Understanding experience data collected through different mobile techniques”, e-Review of Tourism Research, 14(3/4). Available at: https://ertr-ojs-tamu.tdl.org/ertr/article/view/104 (Accessed: 20 April 2024).

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 3/4 (2017): Research and Development in Tourism Mobilities beyond Place

Section

Articles

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