Internet research differs from research on internet users: some methodological insights into online travel research

Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

Standard

Internet research differs from research on internet users: some methodological insights into online travel research. / Lohmann, Martin; Schmücker, Dirk.
In: Tourism Review, Vol. 64, No. 1, 10.04.2009, p. 32-47.

Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

Harvard

APA

Vancouver

Bibtex

@article{8081c37cc08c48b39dcac10661d865d7,
title = "Internet research differs from research on internet users: some methodological insights into online travel research",
abstract = "Purpose – Online data collection is gaining momentum throughout the market research business. At the same time internet users and their online information and booking behaviour are becoming more and more important for the travel and tourism industry. This paper aims to investigate this issue. Design/methodology/approach The paper researches internet users' travel and information/booking behaviour through online surveys. However, this approach is prone to critical methodological limitations. One of the main issues in this respect is the question of proper definition of the universe and sampling procedures. The paper shows today's chances and limitations of sampling using listbased email invitations and online access panels. Findings Results indicate that sampling method and length of field time have a substantial influence on response rates. It can further be shown that results from online travel research differ from results obtained in facetoface interviews even when focussing on the same target group. Research implications As long as online research differs from research on internet users to such an extent, online surveys seem to be rather a good complement than a substitution for more traditional research methods. Originality/value The paper shows the limitations and chances of online travel research based on the unique comparison of data from a facetoface and online access panel surveys.",
keywords = "Business psychology, Tourism studies, Activity sampling, Internet, Internet marketing, Market research, Travel, User studies",
author = "Martin Lohmann and Dirk Schm{\"u}cker",
note = "Literaturverz. S. 46 - 47",
year = "2009",
month = apr,
day = "10",
doi = "10.1108/16605370910948849",
language = "English",
volume = "64",
pages = "32--47",
journal = "Tourism Review",
issn = "1660-5373",
publisher = "Emerald Publishing Limited",
number = "1",

}

RIS

TY - JOUR

T1 - Internet research differs from research on internet users

T2 - some methodological insights into online travel research

AU - Lohmann, Martin

AU - Schmücker, Dirk

N1 - Literaturverz. S. 46 - 47

PY - 2009/4/10

Y1 - 2009/4/10

N2 - Purpose – Online data collection is gaining momentum throughout the market research business. At the same time internet users and their online information and booking behaviour are becoming more and more important for the travel and tourism industry. This paper aims to investigate this issue. Design/methodology/approach The paper researches internet users' travel and information/booking behaviour through online surveys. However, this approach is prone to critical methodological limitations. One of the main issues in this respect is the question of proper definition of the universe and sampling procedures. The paper shows today's chances and limitations of sampling using listbased email invitations and online access panels. Findings Results indicate that sampling method and length of field time have a substantial influence on response rates. It can further be shown that results from online travel research differ from results obtained in facetoface interviews even when focussing on the same target group. Research implications As long as online research differs from research on internet users to such an extent, online surveys seem to be rather a good complement than a substitution for more traditional research methods. Originality/value The paper shows the limitations and chances of online travel research based on the unique comparison of data from a facetoface and online access panel surveys.

AB - Purpose – Online data collection is gaining momentum throughout the market research business. At the same time internet users and their online information and booking behaviour are becoming more and more important for the travel and tourism industry. This paper aims to investigate this issue. Design/methodology/approach The paper researches internet users' travel and information/booking behaviour through online surveys. However, this approach is prone to critical methodological limitations. One of the main issues in this respect is the question of proper definition of the universe and sampling procedures. The paper shows today's chances and limitations of sampling using listbased email invitations and online access panels. Findings Results indicate that sampling method and length of field time have a substantial influence on response rates. It can further be shown that results from online travel research differ from results obtained in facetoface interviews even when focussing on the same target group. Research implications As long as online research differs from research on internet users to such an extent, online surveys seem to be rather a good complement than a substitution for more traditional research methods. Originality/value The paper shows the limitations and chances of online travel research based on the unique comparison of data from a facetoface and online access panel surveys.

KW - Business psychology

KW - Tourism studies

KW - Activity sampling

KW - Internet

KW - Internet marketing

KW - Market research

KW - Travel

KW - User studies

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84993008487&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1108/16605370910948849

DO - 10.1108/16605370910948849

M3 - Journal articles

VL - 64

SP - 32

EP - 47

JO - Tourism Review

JF - Tourism Review

SN - 1660-5373

IS - 1

ER -