Modelos de interpretación del trastorno de modulación

Survey lengths are usually kept as short as possible to ensure high and valid response rates (Layne & Thompson, 1981). However, the desired data could not be acquired by reducing the length. Recommendations for longer surveys suggest a less cramped layout with more “white space” to make them look easier to complete and thus increase response rate (Bradburn, Sudman, & Wansink, 2004). However, this was not viable with the questionnaires; while it was employed to some degree, creating more white space would have made them too long, impairing the advantages of this method.

The drawbacks of the long survey length were overcome through the method of administration. A paper-and-pen method was used and while it is more costly and time consuming, it also permitted the opportunity for further questions to clarify or gain additional insights not captured through the survey tool. This approach was a suitable choice for the situation as this permitted a representative and diverse sample. Additionally, personal interaction made participants more

62 cooperative - interviewers could raise the quality of responses by highlighting the importance of the respondents’ contributions and of the research.

Both questionnaires were translated into Tamil, and then translated back to English to ensure that errors were minimal during the translation process and that the original meanings were retained (Iarossi, 2006). Additionally, two separate translators checked surveys to ensure their meanings were retained after translation. Leading questions, loaded questions, and double-barrelled questions were avoided. Multiple choice questions provided all reasonable response alternatives; an option for respondents to provide their own response was provided to ensure all possible answers would be captured.

Likert items were used extensively in both tourist and resident questionnaires to gauge attitudes of respondents. The scales did not follow traditional 5-point agree- disagree Likert scales as set out by Churchill (1979) and varied between questionnaires. To reduce confusion that might occur among structurally similar questions, different formatting was utilised to highlight the key terms.

Both survey tools utilised a cover page with similar information regarding the purpose and importance of the research. This was followed with details of the researcher including contact details, should there be additional queries regarding the study. Confidentiality of the participants was emphasised and approval of the ethics behind the research had been provided to confirm the authenticity of the survey.

4.2.1 Tourist Questionnaires

During the development of tourist questionnaires, particular attention was paid to collecting as much information about tourist preferences and motivations. This is to provide information which can be utilised by residents to improve and develop sustainable, but appealing attractions and services. Thus, survey length was longer than recommended at six pages. However, personal interaction with the respondents made participants more tolerant of the longer questionnaire and uptake of the questionnaire was high.

63 Easily answered introductory questions regarding demographic information and trip characteristics were designed to facilitate and encourage the transition into more detailed and sensitive questions. The latter questions concerned expenditure during their trip. The depth and detail required of the introductory questions were used to enhance understanding of the level of disclosure required for the questionnaire (Bradburn et al., 2004). The final question looked at tourist satisfaction of their experience in Yercaud. It followed previous questions regarding tourist destination attractivity factors, and important activities and services for respondents. A copy of the tourist survey (English) can be found in Appendix 4.

4.2.2 Resident Questionnaires

Development of resident surveys focused on identifying the characteristics of the target sample population and lifestyle circumstances. Further, it attempted to identify the human resources and knowledge that were available for utilising in ecotourism development. Many of these people have poor literacy skills and it was originally planned to conduct interviews alone to identify hardships which this population faced. However, as villages would be visited personally, using questionnaires would permit the collection of data on income and expenditure, which is lacking from the area. Furthermore, time and resource constraints made the use of interviews as the primary source of data collection for this population unfeasible in comparison to questionnaires. The questionnaires were translated into Tamil, but a translator was still required to administer the tool.

The introductory questions were designed to capture valuable demographic and lifestyle data. Questions regarding environmental interactions and opinions were to determine resident opinion and knowledge regarding their environment. Attitudes towards tourists were also measured. The final question explored how residents felt they could contribute towards tourism activities and services. It aimed to identify their confidence in being able to participate in a tourist related job or to identify in which areas training would be required for residents. Additionally, it identified a local resource base that could cater to tourist demands.

64 Additionally, interviews with several people who employed tribal villagers indicated that they were dissatisfied with their attendance at work. The generalisation was that this group of people was untrustworthy and lazy, attending work a few days out of the week. To investigate this claim a question was included in questionnaires. Several villages and other key informants were asked to offer explanations for this statement. A copy of the resident survey is found in Appendix 4.