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Research Methodologies and Techniques

Code: 44174
Credits: 6
2026/2027
Degree programme Type Course
Tourism Management in Cultural Heritage OB 1

Contact lecturer

Name :
Esteve Dot Jutglà
Email :
esteve.dot@uab.cat

Teaching staff

Josep Rialp Criado
Inmaculada Diaz Soria
Raul Suhett de Morais

Teaching staff (external to UAB)

Joan Massanés

Group languages

You can consult this information at the end of the document.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisits

Objectives

The aim of the course is to provide students with the conceptual, methodological and technical foundations required to develop research processes applied to the tourism management of cultural heritage. The course seeks to introduce students to the fundamental principles of scientific research in the fields of social sciences, humanities and tourism, as well as to the main research methodologies and tools, both qualitative and quantitative, that enable the analysis and interpretation of phenomena related to heritage and its management.

Through learning about the different stages of the research process —from the formulation of research questions and objectives to the selection of sources, data analysis and the communication of results— the course aims to equip students with the skills needed to design rigorous and applied research projects, critically assess the quality and suitability of the methods used, and develop innovative proposals that contribute to knowledge generation and to addressing challenges in the field of cultural tourism and heritage management.

Learning outcomes

  1. Use acquired knowledge as a basis for originality in the application of ideas, often in a research context.
  2. Integrate knowledge and use it to make judgements in complex situations, with incomplete information, while keeping in mind social and ethical responsibilities.
  3. Assume responsibilities and decisions critically and autonomously.
  4. Manage and develop original contributions in the framework of theoretical research and/or practical application.
  5. Understand and make adequate of bibliographical resources and basic bibliometrics for information searches.
  6. Identify public and private organisations working with statistical data in the cultural tourism sector.
  7. Identify and select research methodology adequate to the question and objectives of the study.
  8. Apple the technical principles of scientific communication, orally and in writing, in the presentation of projects in the area of management of cultural heritage for tourism.
  9. Write a proposal for a scientific article on topics related to the management of cultural heritage for tourism.

Contents

The main contents refer to:

Both research paradigms and the scientific method: The fundamental aspects of a study proposal. The research question and major study designs. Ethical aspects of research. Oral communication techniques for the defense of a scientific article.

As well as the search for information in documentary databases: Bibliography and Bibliometry. Primary data sources: own data collection. Secondary data sources: collection of statistical data from public and private institutions linked to cultural tourism.

Application of Quantitative Research Methodology: Concept and applicability. Most commonly used methodologies and methods: survey development and exploitation, interpretation of data and other methods applied. Analysis of quantitative data: use of specific software for the exploitation and obtaining of relevant indicators.

As well as Qualitative Research Methodology: Concept and applicability. Most commonly used methodologies and methods: optimal design of interviews and other methods of qualitative exploitation. Qualitative data analysis: use of specific software for the exploitation and obtaining of relevant indicators

Learning activities and methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Study 72.5 2.9 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Classroom 26 1.04 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9
Oral Presentations, Works 23.5 0.94 2, 4, 8, 9
Workshop 22 0.88 2, 3, 4

The teaching methodologies to follow in this module are as follows:

  • Exhibition classes
  • Oral presentation of works
  • Tutorials
  • Preparation of Jobs
  • Reading articles, reports and books of interest
  • Personal study

This subject allows the use of AI technologies as an integral part of the submitted work, provided that the final result reflects a significant contribution from the student in terms of analysis and personal reflection. The student must clearly (i) identify which parts have been generated using AI technology; (ii) specify the tools used; and (iii) include a critical reflection on how these have influenced the process and final outcome of the activity.

Lack of transparency regarding the use of AI in the assessed activity will be considered academic dishonesty; the corresponding grade may be lowered, or the work may even be awarded a zero. In cases of greater infringement, more serious action may be taken.

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Assessment

Continuous assessment activities

Title Weight Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Attendace and active participation 20% 0 0 2, 3, 4, 8
Works delivery 35% 0 0 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9
Oral Presentations, Works 35% 4 0.16 1, 3, 5, 8, 9
Attendance at conferences and complementary activities 10% 2 0.08 2, 3, 6

The evaluation system is based on:

  • Obligation of classroom assistance with a minimum of 80% and active participation
  • Work Delivery
  • Oral Defence of the Works
  • Attendance at conferences and complementary activities

Irregularities in an assessment activity

Any irregularity committed during an assessment activity (including academic fraud, plagiarism or the improper use of AI, unless such use has been expressly authorized) will result in a grade of 0 for that assessment activity.

Where obtaining a minimum grade in that assessment is an essential requirement for passing the course, or where multiple irregularities occur in different assessment activities within the same course, the student's final grade for the course will be 0.

In addition, disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against any student who commits any of these irregularities.

Bibliography

BABBIE, Earl (2021). The practice of social research. Cengage Learning.

BELL, Emma, BRYMAN, Alan, & HARLEY, Bill (2022). Business research methods. Oxford University Press.

CRESWELL, John Ward, & CRESWELL, J. David (2023). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. SAGE Publications.

FLICK, Uwe (2022). An introduction to qualitative research. SAGE Publications.

GARCÍA, Manuel, IBÁÑEZ, Jesús, & ALVIRA, Francisco (2015). El análisis de la realidad social: Métodos y técnicas de investigación. Alianza Editorial.

HERNÁNDEZ, Roberto, FERNÁNDEZ, Carlos, & BAPTISTA, Pilar (2018). Metodología de la investigación. McGraw-Hill Education.

Jennings, Gayle (2010). Tourism research. Wiley.

KVALE, Steinar, & BRINKMANN, Svend (2015). InterViews: Learning the craft of qualitative research interviewing. SAGE Publications.

MUIJS, Daniel (2011). Doing quantitative research in education with SPSS. SAGE Publications.

SILVERMAN, David (2021). Interpreting qualitative data. SAGE Publications.

VEAL, Anthony (2018). Research methods for leisure and tourism: A practical guide. Pearson.

WOOLDRIDGE, Jeffrey (2020). Introductory econometrics: A modern approach. Cengage Learning.

Software

At Moodle Platform

Course groups and languages

The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE

Type of teaching Group Language Semester Shift
(TEm) Theory (master) 1 Spanish first semester afternoon