NAME: TERRENCE GWARAREMBITI

REG NO: R213071V

PROGRAM: HMHT
MODULE: HMHT 201
LECTURER: DR NYABEZA
QSTN: WITH AID OF EXAMPLES DRAWN FROM YOUR FIELD OF STUDY, PROVIDE AN OUTLINE
OF THE KEY DESCRIPTORS OF A RESEARCH DESIGN SUITABLE FOR A RESEARCH PROBLEM IN
ANY AREA OF HERITAGE AND TOURISM
A research design refers to the overall strategy utilized to carry out research that defines a
succinct and logical plan to tackle established research question through the collection,
interpretation, analysis and discussion of data. Some of the key descriptors of a research design
suitable for a research problem in any area of heritage and tourism include the following
question crystallization, data collection methods, case studies, the time dimension, the topical
scope, the research environment, the purpose of study to mention but a few. The above
mentioned key descriptors plays a pivotal role in identifying a problem as well providing
solutions in any area of heritage and tourism. My field of study will be centered on Arts and
Humanities. More shall be discussed in the forth- coming essay.

To commence with, one of the key descriptors of a research design suitable for a research
problem in any area of heritage and tourism is data collection methods. Data collection methods
refers to systematic approach ways that are used to accurately collect information from various
sources to provide insights and answers, such as testing a hypothesis or evaluating an outcome.
The main driver of data collection is to gather quality information that can be analyzed and used
to support decisions or provide evidence. It should be taken into consideration that data
collection methods are categorized into two group’s namely primary methods and secondary
methods. A good example of data collection method is questionnaire, whereby it is comprised of
a printed set of questions either open ended or closed ended. The respondents are required to
answer based on their knowledge and experience with the issue concerned. The questionnaire is
part of the survey, whereas the questionnaire’s end goal may or may not be a survey. This data
collection method is of paramount importance in as far as heritage issues is concerned especially
when solving conflicts. A good example can be cited from a scenario which transpired at the
Domboshava caves in 2015, where a group of people claimed ownership of the land which is
under the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe. This conflict was latter on solved
through various research methods including questionnaire, which also played a leading role in
resolving the conflict.

To supplement the above point, other data collection methods suitable for a research problem in
any area include interviews. In this method the interviewer asks questions either face to face or
through telephone to the respondents. In face to face the interviews, the interviewer asks a series
of questions to the interviewee in person and notes down responses. However, it should be taken
into consideration that this form of data collection is suitable when there are only a few
respondents, in the sense that it is too time consuming and tedious to repeat the same process if
there are many participants. The above view has been further supported by Spector (1987) who
articulated that interviews are tiresome and heavy luggage to carry on the back. Therefore,
judging from the above analysis one can safely conclude that one of the key descriptors of a
research design suitable for a research problem in any area of heritage and tourism is data
collection methods.

Furthermore, the research environment is also one of the key descriptors of a research design
suitable for a research problem in any area of heritage and tourism. Evans defines research
environment as including shared values, assumptions, beliefs, rituals and other forms of behavior
whose central focus is the acceptance and recognition of research practice and output as valued,
worthwhile and pre-eminent activity. It should be taken into consideration that studying the
research environment is of paramount importance in the sense that, it can yield concrete progress
in understanding research capacity building. It is also useful for policy makers to understand the
way researchers work and the challenge they face. The above view has been further supported by
Hopkins (1998) who propounded that whenever we want to learn about a certain environment,
thorough research environment investigations must be carried out. A good example can be cited
from the legendary Great Zimbabwe Ruins, through excavations that were carried out by various
archeologists, such as Thomas Haffman it was concluded that people at Great Zimbabwe were
involved in trade when bangles, rings, beads were discovered at the site. Therefore, if above is
the case one can safely conclude that indeed the research environment is one of the key
descriptors of a research design in any area of heritage and tourism.

In addition, case studies is also a key descriptor of a research design in the sense that it generates
in depth of a particular subject that need answers. Case study is a research approach that is used
to generate an in depth, multi-faceted understanding of a complex issue in its real life context. It
is an established research design that is used extensively in a wide variety of disciplines,
particularly in the Arts and Humanities and sciences as well. Case studies are used in quite
numbers of ways. For instance, according Sousa (1988), case studies can be used to explain,
describe or explore events or phenomena in the everyday contexts in which they occur. This can
for example, help to understand casual links and pathways resulting from a new policy initiative
or service development. In contrast to experimental designs, which seek to test a specific
hypothesis through deliberately manipulating the environment, the case study approach lends
itself well to capturing information on more explanatory how, when. Case study approach can
offer additional insights into what gaps exist in its delivery or why one implementation strategy
might be chosen over one another. Therefore, if the above the case one can safely conclude that
case studies is a key descriptor.

To add on, the purpose of study is also a key descriptor of a research design. The purpose of the
study is it helps to assess the importance of the study relative to individual values, something that
is of paramount importance to a greater degree. Without this key descriptor research design is in
jeopardy, as it directs the course and path of the whole research design in general. Generally, a
component of the purpose of the study is to provide a discussion of how the various areas are
interrelated as well as to generate research. Hence, if above is the scenario one can safely
conclude that indeed the purpose of the study is a key descriptor as clearly articulated from the
above analysis.

In conclusion, some of the key descriptors of a research design suitable for a research problem in
any area of heritage and tourism include the following question crystallization, data collection
methods, case studies, the time dimension, the topical scope, the research environment, the
purpose of study to mention but a few. The above mentioned key descriptors plays a pivotal role
in identifying a problem as well providing solutions in any area of heritage and tourism. My field
of study will be centered on Arts and Humanities. More shall be discussed in the forth- coming
essay.
REFERRENCE
Spector, P.E. and Spector, P.F., 1981. Research designs (Vol. 23). Sage.
Clancy, M., 2002. Overview of research designs. Emergency medicine journal: EMJ, 19(6),
p.546.
Siedlecki, S.L., 2020. Understanding descriptive research designs and methods. Clinical Nurse
Specialist, 34(1), pp.8-12.
Sousa, V.D., Driessnack, M. and Mendes, I.A.C., 2007. An overview of research designs
relevant to nursing: Part 1: quantitative research designs. Revista latino-americana de
enfermagem, 15, pp.502-507.
Nock, M.K., Janis, I.B. and Wedig, M.M., 2007. 10. Research designs. Evidence-based outcome
research: A practical guide to conducting randomized controlled trials for psychosocial
interventions, p.201.
Ross, S.M., Morrison, G.R., Hannafin, R.D., Young, M., van den Akker, J., Kuiper, W., Richey,
R.C. and Klein, J.D., 2008. Research designs. In Handbook of research on educational
communications and technology (pp. 715-761). Routledge.
Tshuma, R. and Mafa, O., 2013. Research designs. Preparing your Dissertation at a Distance: A
Research, 114.
Eccles, M., Grimshaw, J., Campbell, M. and Ramsay, C., 2003. Research designs for studies
evaluating the effect Ridder, H.G., 2017. The theory contribution of case study research
designs. Business Research, 10(2), pp.281-305.iveness of change and improvement
strategies. BMJ Quality & Safety, 12(1), pp.47-52.