Research Knowledge and Its Application among Tourism Graduate Students: An Assessment of Critical Issues

Abstract

The present paper examines research knowledge and its application amongundergraduate and postgraduate tourism students. Key issues shaping thediscussion include; importance of research knowledge for the tourismprofession, students’ attitudes towards learning and applying researchskill, factors influencing student’s ability to learn and apply research skillsand the areas of research process considered as problematic by the students. Theresearch design was exploratory in nature. A mixed research approach wasadopted where questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions wereadministered on undergraduate and postgraduate students, lecturers and othertourism education stakeholders in Kenya and Mexico.  It is a common agreement among tourismscholars that research knowledge forms a critical part of tourism training andeducation. Findings further indicate that tourism students have negativeattitudes towards research and generally consider it a difficult task; thisexplains why some are reluctant to further their education either after thefirst or second degrees; they dread the entire process of undertaking researchand successfully defending a thesis. Additionally, students demonstratedlimited knowledge of research skills and techniques.  Educational institutions offering tourismprograms are urged to put greater emphasis on research methods and academicwriting in the design and execution of their academic programs.