관광학연구의 접근방법으로서 사례연구의 방법론적 고찰

A Methodological Discourse on Case Studies in Tourism Research: A Meta Analysis on The Journal of Tourism Science

The study analysed the methodological problems of the case studies which appeared in a major tourism academic journal in Korea. In this context, first, various types and characteristics of case study method were presented, and the function of each method was closely examined. Then, using the meta analysis approach, 18 case studies which appeared in the Journal of Tourism Sciences between 2005 and 2009 were evaluated based on the three criteria: the types and characteristics, the logical process of research design, and, validity and reliability. Results showed that most of articles examined were exploratory and descriptive level research. Results also indicated many of the cases studies had lack of reliability and validity. Findings from this study suggest that Korean tourism researchers need to design a case study after recognizing the various different types and roles of case study methods, particularly the role of discovery and confirmation of theory. Results also propose that precise diagnose of reliability and validity of a case study is needed in the process of research design.