Backpackers: The next generation? - Scholarly Commons Home

Backpackers: The next generation?
Appendix A: Backpackers’ participant information
Project Title: Backpackers: The Next Generation
Invitation: As a mature, independent, budget traveller in New Zealand, your travel
choices are extremely important to the hospitality industry of this country. You are
invited to participate in an interview about your travel habits and preferences in
lodging accommodations.
What is the purpose of this research? To research, through interviews with budget
travellers of at least 40 years of age who may or may not currently stay in
backpacker/hostel accommodations, what their perceptions are of backpacking, hostels,
the services offered, and the information networks used to research and book travel.
This research is being conducted as part of a Masters of Philosophy at AUT University.
Results will be used in journal and conference publications.
How are people chosen to be asked to be part of this research? Older (40 years+),
independent travellers in NZ – both foreign and domestic – will be queried about their
accommodation preferences and habits. Participation is completely voluntary. By
completing the interview or focus group you are consenting to participate in this
research.
What happens in this research? We will ask for 60 minutes of your time to participate
in a one on one qualitative interview or 90 minute focus group which will be
audiotaped and transcribed. If you do not wish to be taped, that’s fine; the interviewer
will transcribe notes by hand. Indicative research questions have been formalized, but
we encourage your additional thoughts and comments as well. You can review the
information that you have given if you would like to do so. The researcher can arrange
a time that suits you during which you can listen to the recorded tape or read the
researcher’s notes. You will not need to complete any other activities for this research.
What are the discomforts and risks? Questions/participation should not cause any
discomfort. However, if you would prefer not to answer a certain question, you may
say so and the researcher will ask a different question instead
How will these discomforts and risks be alleviated? All questions are optional, and
you may choose not to answer any questions as you wish. If you change your mind
about participating in this study, you can ask the researcher at any time PRIOR TO
February 15, 2008, to not use your information. Please refer to your personal code
number, Number ___, to be removed from this study.
What are the benefits? This research will result in a better understanding of the needs
and interests of age 40+ independent travellers in NZ, which in turn will hopefully
benefit the backpacker and accommodations industries and, in turn, expand
accommodations options for mature, budget conscious travellers.
How will my privacy be protected? All answers are confidential and your answers can
in no way be linked to your personal or business details. Your responses will be
analyzed by the code number assigned above.
What are the costs of participating in this research? There is no cost to you, apart from
your time.
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