How to Conduct Research: Insights from the 7th International Research Roundtable

Research is a pillar of the learning experience at Cesar Ritz Colleges Switzerland, especially in the domain of entrepreneurship and management in service organizations. The International Research Roundtable (IRR) is a renowned biannual event where students, scholars, and professionals gather to exchange opinions and explore potential collaborations.

Held at the picturesque Brig campus of Cesar Ritz Colleges, nestled amidst the Swiss Alps, the 7th edition of the IRR featured two engaging keynote speeches from our esteemed speakers: Dr. Sergey Gorbatov exploration of "Culture of Performance: Driving Sustainable Change of Performance" and Dr. Giuseppe Catenazzo's insights on "Service Recovery."

Other events at the IRR included:

• Discussion Panel - "Decent Work in Hospitality," Dr. David Brannon, Hotelschool The Hague (The Netherlands)
• Invited Research Talk: "Artificial Intelligence in Service Organizations: Recent Trends, Machine Learning Modeling, and Deployment," Dr. Vadym Mozgovoy, University of Geneva (Switzerland)
• Research presentations by prominent speakers focusing on various aspects of business and tourism research.

A highlight of the 7th edition of the IRR was the special workshop designed to equip students with fundamental research skills, emphasizing data collection, ethical considerations, and survey methodologies.

This particular session was geared toward students, providing them with essential tools and insights on how to conduct research effectively. Keep reading to learn the key principles of conducting any form of research.

Data Collection and Ethical Consent in Research

Data collection is a fundamental step in any research process, and it begins with a clear, well-defined plan. This initial stage involves identifying your research questions, as these will guide the entire data collection process. You should choose appropriate methods for collecting data. Common methods include surveys, interviews, and observations.

Consent is a cornerstone of ethical research, particularly when dealing with human subjects. This means that participants know their role and understand how their data will be used, stored, and shared.

A detailed consent form is crucial in protecting participants' rights and fostering trust. This form should include:

• Purpose of the research
• Procedures involved
• Potential risks
• Benefits of participation
• Confidentiality measures
• Possibility to withdraw at any time.

Ensuring Ethical Standards in Research

Maintaining ethical standards in research upholds the integrity of the research process. This includes issues like confidentiality, informed consent, and ensuring no harm comes to participants as a result of the study.

Ethical research also entails navigating dilemmas related to transparency in reporting results and avoiding conflicts of interest, particularly when collaborating with multiple organizations.

Data Ownership and Publishing Rights in Collaborative Research

In collaborative research projects, determining data ownership and publishing rights can be complex. Clear written agreements between collaborating organizations establish who owns the data and how it can be published.

Such agreements help prevent disputes over intellectual property and ensure that all contributors receive appropriate credit for their work, facilitating smoother communication and collaboration.

Comparing Classic and Experimental Survey Methods

The survey methods you use depend on the type of data you need. Classic surveys are standard close-ended question formats that collect quantitative data (e.g., Yes/No or Likert scale responses), making them effective for statistical analysis.

In experimental surveys, such as vignette-based studies, participants are presented with hypothetical scenarios and asked how they would react. This is useful for assessing reactions to specific situations, which can be closer to experimental designs.

Maximizing Survey Response Rates for Research Validity

Having high survey response rates is critical for ensuring that the collected data accurately represents the target population. Low response rates can lead to sampling bias, harming the validity of your findings.

Your response rates depend on how you conduct research. To reach the intended audience effectively, you should craft clear, engaging surveys, considering the timing and mode of survey administration.

Consider offering incentives, like gift cards or raffle entries. Follow up with reminders and send a thank-you note after completion. This builds goodwill and encourages future participation.

Understanding Why Participants Refuse Surveys

Gaining insight into why potential participants refuse to engage with surveys can inform better survey design. Common reasons include:

- Lack of time

- Lack of interest

- Unclear purpose of the survey

- Perception that it's not worth their time

- Concerns about data security

Addressing these issues by clearly articulating the survey’s purpose and emphasizing how their input matters can increase participation rates and improve overall data quality.

Managing Expectations for Survey Response Rates

Setting realistic expectations for response rates is essential for maintaining data quality. Pursuing excessively high response rates can lead to “dysfunctional response rates,” where participants rush through surveys and provide random or careless answers just to complete the survey.

Balancing response rate targets with the quality of data collected can help researchers obtain meaningful insights without compromising the integrity of their findings.

Using Attention Checks to Improve Data Quality

Incorporating attention checks within surveys can help ensure participants are engaged and providing thoughtful responses. These checks may include questions that require participants to select a specific option or respond to prompts in a particular way (e.g., "Select option C for this question").

By filtering out inattentive or disengaged respondents, researchers can enhance the reliability of their data and reduce noise in the findings.

How to Target the Right Respondents for Your Research

Strategically targeting participants relevant to the research topic can significantly enhance data quality. Identifying and including individuals who meet specific criteria—such as relevant experience or demographic characteristics—ensures that responses are pertinent and enrich the study’s findings.

Leveraging social networks or specialized forums can also improve participant quality.

The Impact of Paid Participants on Ecological Validity

While using paid participants can increase response rates, it raises questions about the authenticity of their responses and the ecological validity of the findings. Research involving unpaid participants in natural settings tends to offer greater ecological validity, as it reflects real-world behaviors and attitudes.

Researchers must weigh the benefits of incentivization against potential biases that arise from financial motivations.

Using Random Sampling to Eliminate Bias in Research

Implementing random sampling techniques is key for minimizing bias in research findings. Random sampling ensures that every participant has an equal chance of being selected, which helps create a representative sample.

This approach enhances the generalizability of results and strengthens the overall validity of the research conclusions.

Choosing Between Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods

Deciding between quantitative and qualitative research methods involves considering the research objectives and the type of information sought. Quantitative research focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis, making it suitable for answering "what" questions (e.g., "What percentage of people prefer X?").

Qualitative research delves deeper into participants’ thoughts and experiences, addressing "how" and "why" questions through methods like interviews and open-ended surveys. It involves **probing questions** where the researcher talks less and listens more, allowing for discovery.

Both approaches have their strengths and can be complementary in mixed-methods research.

Conclusion

The 7th International Research Roundtable highlighted the critical role of research, particularly within service industries and tourism. By focusing on essential topics such as ethical data collection, survey methodologies, and the nuances of qualitative versus quantitative research, the IRR provided valuable insights and practical skills for students and professionals alike.

For those eager to explore more on the vibrant discussions and impactful outcomes, we invite you to articles covering past IRR events. Each piece captures the essence of our sessions and the valuable insights shared.