Triangulation in Research

1
Triangulation in  Research

• Triangulation is the application and combination
  of several research methodologies in the study of
  the same phenomenon.

2
Triangulation

• can be employed in both quantitative (validation)
  and qualitative (inquiry) studies.
• is a method-appropriate strategy of enhancing the
  credibility of qualitative analyses.
• becomes an alternative to traditional criteria
  like reliability and validity
• is a preferred technique in the social sciences

3
Why Triangulate?

• By combining multiple observers, theories,
  methods, and empirical materials, researchers can
  hope to overcome the weakness or intrinsic biases
  and the problems that come from single method,
  single-observer, single-theory studies.

4
Types of Triangulation

• There are four basic types of triangulation
• data triangulation
• investigator triangulation
• theory triangulation
• methodological triangulation

5
Data Triangulation

• Involves
• Time obtaining data at multiple times
• Space obtaining data in multiple settings
• Persons obtaining data from multiple
  participants

6
Investigator Triangulation

• Consists of the use of multiple, rather than
  single observers.

7
Theory Triangulation

• Consists of using more than one theoretical
  scheme in the interpretation of the phenomenon.

8
Methodological Triangulation

• Involves using more than one method and may
  consist of within-method or between-method
  strategies.

9
Multiple Triangulation

• When the researcher combines in one
  investigation multiple observers, theoretical
  perspectives, sources of data, and methodologies.