Usage Patterns of Advanced Analytical Methods in Tourism Research 1988-2008: A Six Journal Survey

Advanced analytical methods alone do not warrant progress in scientific discovery. But their frequency of use, whether individually or in combination, and their variation over time reflect the researchers' perceived benefit. This survey covers more than 4,600 articles with more than 2,000 applications of advanced (multivariate) methods. Regression-Based Methods and Exploratory Factor Analysis account for 45% of all applications. In third place and by far the fastest growing analytical instrument is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), followed by clustering techniques. Numerous other methods are in occasional use. Best practice examples, smart combinations of analytical methods, and underutilized methods with a promising application potential are identified. Typical pitfalls and shortcomings get diagnosed. Three of the most popular method classes and application areas, viz. scale development, SEM, and classification methods, are portrayed in greater detail and highlighted regarding their tourism-specific mode of employment.