The Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the Macau University of Science and Technology successfully hosted an academic lecture on November 26, 2025. Professor Mimi LI from the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University was invited as the guest speaker, delivering a lecture titled “Data Collection and Interpretation in Qualitative Research”. The lecture was attended by Professor Ben K. GOH, Dean of F.H.T.M., Assistant Dean Dr. Yang ZHANG, Associate Professor Dr. Juan TANG, Assistant Professor Dr. Fang HONG and students. This seminar was sponsored by Macao Foundation.
Group Photo
Starting from the philosophical foundations of qualitative research, Professor Li highlighted that the essence of qualitative inquiry lies in the researcher’s “presence.” She emphasized the importance of understanding how individuals construct diverse experiences and meanings within natural settings. She further elaborated on the ontological, epistemological, and axiological underpinnings of qualitative research, reminding researchers to remain aware of how their own positionality and values influence data collection and interpretation. Throughout the research process, she encouraged maintaining reflexivity and empathy.
Prof. Ben K. Goh (left) Presented a Souvenir to Prof. Mimi Li (right)
In the interactive session, students raised questions regarding topic selection, value judgments in qualitative research, and related methodological concerns. Drawing on her extensive research experience, Professor Li addressed each question and encouraged students to cultivate curiosity about the real world and develop theoretical sensitivity. She urged them to identify meaningful tourism phenomena worthy of further exploration through daily observation and academic training. This lecture deepened participants’ understanding of qualitative research paradigms and methods in tourism studies and provided valuable inspiration for future research design and academic writing.
Prof. Li Gave a Lecture
