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hodology: An Introduction 7
The main purpose of this chapter is to define major methodological ori-
entations starting with research philosophies and approaches. Since this
study is not of a methodological nature – the objectives are not aimed at
the development of new research methods or techniques – the descrip-
tion of the general research framework follows the principles of theoret-
ical simplicity (Baker, 2016) or theoretical parsimony (Aarts, 2007).
7.1 Research Philosophies and Approaches
Through a theoretical analysis of memory and dark tourism as well as
the historical background of contemporary Istrian society, this study cre-
ates original conceptual frameworks as the basis for subsequent empirical
examinations, which together ensure a partly inductive and partly deduc-
tive research orientation, is in line with the claims of Kiser and Hechter
(1998, p. 794). The focus on a specific historical period (20th century),
geographical place (Istrian peninsula) and local culture (Istrian multi-
culturalism) clearly demonstrates the presence of elements of historicism,
especially ‘Hegelian historicism’ (human society and activities are defined
by their history) and ‘new historicism’ (cultural and social contextualisa-
tion).¹
In terms of interpretation in tourism research, ontological reflections
are of particular significance, because tourism, in its essence, constitutes
interactions between individuals and places (Hollinshead, 2004). Conse-
quently, in order to understand the manifestations of this complexity re-
lated to memory and dark tourism (sites), this study adopted a construc-
tionist epistemology and ontology. In addition, the interpretation of the
meaning of results also depends on the researcher’s/reader’s own personal
perceptions and understandings, which means that post-structuralist and
subjectivist characteristics of this study cannot be (completely) ignored;
post-structuralism is suggested by Kansteiner (2002, p. 188) for memory-
oriented research.
In contrast to the qualitative one, the quantitative approach with its
questionnaire surveys is frequently viewed as an objectivist, methodolog-
ical and rational approach in social sciences, where knowledge is fac-
tual and objective; the reasoning is based on a set of quantified facts and
¹ More can be found in Iggers (1995).
145
The main purpose of this chapter is to define major methodological ori-
entations starting with research philosophies and approaches. Since this
study is not of a methodological nature – the objectives are not aimed at
the development of new research methods or techniques – the descrip-
tion of the general research framework follows the principles of theoret-
ical simplicity (Baker, 2016) or theoretical parsimony (Aarts, 2007).
7.1 Research Philosophies and Approaches
Through a theoretical analysis of memory and dark tourism as well as
the historical background of contemporary Istrian society, this study cre-
ates original conceptual frameworks as the basis for subsequent empirical
examinations, which together ensure a partly inductive and partly deduc-
tive research orientation, is in line with the claims of Kiser and Hechter
(1998, p. 794). The focus on a specific historical period (20th century),
geographical place (Istrian peninsula) and local culture (Istrian multi-
culturalism) clearly demonstrates the presence of elements of historicism,
especially ‘Hegelian historicism’ (human society and activities are defined
by their history) and ‘new historicism’ (cultural and social contextualisa-
tion).¹
In terms of interpretation in tourism research, ontological reflections
are of particular significance, because tourism, in its essence, constitutes
interactions between individuals and places (Hollinshead, 2004). Conse-
quently, in order to understand the manifestations of this complexity re-
lated to memory and dark tourism (sites), this study adopted a construc-
tionist epistemology and ontology. In addition, the interpretation of the
meaning of results also depends on the researcher’s/reader’s own personal
perceptions and understandings, which means that post-structuralist and
subjectivist characteristics of this study cannot be (completely) ignored;
post-structuralism is suggested by Kansteiner (2002, p. 188) for memory-
oriented research.
In contrast to the qualitative one, the quantitative approach with its
questionnaire surveys is frequently viewed as an objectivist, methodolog-
ical and rational approach in social sciences, where knowledge is fac-
tual and objective; the reasoning is based on a set of quantified facts and
¹ More can be found in Iggers (1995).
145
