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Research and Scholarship Guide

This guide is an introduction to research questions, data collection, and data analysis.

Zhen (2019) describes the differences between food scholarship and a conventional interest in food. Food scholarship requires research to investigate systematically the roles food plays in society. In other words, “ask what is going on beyond the plate” (Zhen, 2019, p. 18.)

Example Research Topics in Hospitality

  • Customer behavior and satisfaction.
  • Marketing and branding strategies. 
  • Human resource management and employee satisfaction. 
  • Sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
  • Technology adoption and digital transformation.
  • Revenue management and pricing strategies. 
  • Food and beverage trends and innovations. 
  • Tourism development and destination management.
  • Service quality and guest experience.
  • Operations management and efficiency.

Example Research Topics in Culinary Arts

  • Culinary techniques and innovations (Berg, S., 2019).
  • Food science and nutrition (Richard, R., Pardy, L., 2021).
  • Culinary history and culture (Smith, A. F., 2004).
  • Sustainability and ethics (Berg, S., 2019).
  • Culinary education and training (Richards, R., & Pardy, L., 2021). 
  • Consumer behavior and trends (Amin, S., & McCleary, K. W., (2020).
  • Food safety and hygiene (Morton, J. A., 2020).
  • Culinary business and innovation (Smith, R. E., & Jones, M. T., 2017).
  • Food and Health (Micha, R., Penalvo, J. L., Cudhea, F., & Rehm, C. D., 2017).
     

Food Studies Research Databases Available in Conrad N. Hilton Library

The Conrad N. Hilton Library offers many resources, including articles, books, and other media related to hospitality, culinary arts, and culinary science. Below is a list of notable research journals and databases available:

  • JSTOR contains academic journals, books, and primary sources in over 70 disciplines.
  •  JSTOR journals that are related to Food Studies: 
    • European Food and Feed Law Review: A forum for experts in food and feed law. Food and Drug Law Journal: A peer-reviewed journal analyzing legislation, regulations, jurisprudence, and public policy concerning the development, manufacturing, and marketing of food, drugs, biologics, cosmetics, medical devices, and tobacco. 
    • Gastronomica: Covers topics related to the philosophy of food and eating, history, anthropology, sociology, and science. It features articles, book reviews, and essays on global culinary cultures and food.
  • EBSCO Hospitality and Tourism Complete 
    • This database contains full-text access to top journals in Hospitality and Tourism Education.
  • Science Direct 
    • Science Direct covers Food Science, Food Safety, Food Technology, and Nutrition and Diet. 

Research Reference Guides


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