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Exploring Stimuli and Assessing Causation in Trip Decision Making
Type
doctoral thesis
Date Issued
2021
Author(s)
Luo, Jieqing
Abstract
Trip decision making has been in the interest of many researchers for many years. The body of knowledge can be characterized by two streams, one incorporating a holistic macroscopic perspective on the entire decision-making system and following an interpretative subjective paradigm. Researchers of the other stream investigate – from a microscopic individual perspective – potential correlations in trip decision making between a myriad of different variables, following a positivistic paradigm. What is missing is a union of the two streams. The present dissertation project attempts to contribute to such a reconciliation by exploring the major stimuli related to decision elements relevant for trip decision making, as well as their causation and configuration (including prioritization and hierarchies) for a final trip decision. Two studies provide insights into these issues. The first study qualitatively explores – based on a sample of 40 trip decision-making cases – stimuli and configurations in trip decision making, using thematic analysis to first identify categories of decisive stimuli in decision making and Crisp-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (csQCA) to further explore configurational settings for trip decision making. The second study quantitatively explores – based on a sample of 4000 respondents – patterns of hierarchical orders (configurations) of decision elements and a large number of trip- and person-related descriptors, using the following set of analytics: (1) cluster and discriminant analysis for the pattern formation; (2) ANOVAs and chi-square test for analyzing the descriptors in order to investigate differences between these patterns. In sum, the two studies indicate that stimuli with regard to the travel context (transport, accommodation, activities) basically lead to changes in the outcome of the decision in the short term and are particularly effective when they are complementary to decisions already made. In contrast, stimuli in relation to the personal context (travel companionship, time factors), and destinations have a more long-term effect. Because many travel decisions are of a short-term nature, information and potential cues about destinations therefore often have little effect. In terms of the decision-making (process), the first study has identified three patterns of causal combinations: (1) consideration planning, (2) non-consideration use of opportunities and (3) consideration supported planning. In terms of hierarchical order of interdependent decision elements, four patterns could be identified: (1) companion oriented; (2) service oriented; (3) activities oriented; and (4) time oriented.
Abstract (De)
Trip decision making has been in the interest of many researchers for many years. The body of knowledge can be characterized by two streams, one incorporating a holistic macroscopic perspective on the entire decision-making system and following an interpretative subjective paradigm. Researchers of the other stream investigate – from a microscopic individual perspective – potential correlations in trip decision making between a myriad of different variables, following a positivistic paradigm. What is missing is a union of the two streams. The present dissertation project attempts to contribute to such a reconciliation by exploring the major stimuli related to decision elements relevant for trip decision making, as well as their causation and configuration (including prioritization and hierarchies) for a final trip decision. Two studies provide insights into these issues. The first study qualitatively explores – based on a sample of 40 trip decision-making cases – stimuli and configurations in trip decision making, using thematic analysis to first identify categories of decisive stimuli in decision making and Crisp-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (csQCA) to further explore configurational settings for trip decision making. The second study quantitatively explores – based on a sample of 4000 respondents – patterns of hierarchical orders (configurations) of decision elements and a large number of trip- and person-related descriptors, using the following set of analytics: (1) cluster and discriminant analysis for the pattern formation; (2) ANOVAs and chi-square test for analyzing the descriptors in order to investigate differences between these patterns. In sum, the two studies indicate that stimuli with regard to the travel context (transport, accommodation, activities) basically lead to changes in the outcome of the decision in the short term and are particularly effective when they are complementary to decisions already made. In contrast, stimuli in relation to the personal context (travel companionship, time factors), and destinations have a more long-term effect. Because many travel decisions are of a short-term nature, information and potential cues about destinations therefore often have little effect. In terms of the decision-making (process), the first study has identified three patterns of causal combinations: (1) consideration planning, (2) non-consideration use of opportunities and (3) consideration supported planning. In terms of hierarchical order of interdependent decision elements, four patterns could be identified: (1) companion oriented; (2) service oriented; (3) activities oriented; and (4) time oriented.
Language
English
Keywords
Konsumverhalten
Entscheidungsfindung
Tourismus
EDIS-5060
HSG Classification
not classified
HSG Profile Area
None
Publisher
Universität St. Gallen
Publisher place
St.Gallen
Official URL
Subject(s)
Eprints ID
262419
File(s)