Triangulation

Uses of Triangulation

Triangulation is seen as a way to add discipline to both qualitative and quantitative research. A primary reason for the use of triangulation is the recognition that bias can be introduced if only one way of obtaining or interpreting data is used. The use of triangulation requires researchers to regard their data critically, identify methodological weaknesses, and employ alternative ways of testing outcomes and inferences. In particular, it is used in qualitative research as a protocol or procedure to seek stronger accuracy, employ cross-referencing, or demonstrate verification of data.

Triangulation requires resources, such as time and effort, so not all studies are subjected to this type of verification or confirmation. For example, data or findings that are new, important, controversial, or surprising might qualify for the use of triangulation. Triangulation may also be used to clarify or to differentiate between conflicting meanings.

Types of Triangulation

Any strategy of triangulation that adds a system of theoretical and/or methodological checks and balances to a study lends strength to that study. Triangulation can be as simple as verifying a participant’s interview using observational field notes within a case study. Or, it can be more complex, involving the repetition of data gathering, additional observations, or a deliberate effort requiring a different method, theory, or investigator. In a 1978 publication, Norman Denzin distinguished four different triangulation approaches. These delineations continue to be used by researchers employing triangulation as a part of their study methodology.

1. Data source triangulation. Data triangulation refers to using the same approach (method), but gathering data at different points in time and/or from different sources. This may include the use of multiple interviewees, field sites, cases, observations, or ways of measuring a variable; Denzin groups these into the subtypes time, space, and person. This type of triangulation may help the researcher verify or falsify trends or themes detected in one data set, or, in other words, see if what is observed carries the same meaning when found under different circumstances. For example, for field observations, a researcher may investigate whether they hold true in similar settings, at other times, in other spaces, or as persons interact differently.

2. Investigator triangulation. Investigator triangulation is the use of multiple researchers to study the same research question or the same setting. This type of triangulation overcomes styles, biases, or shortcomings of a lone investigator that can affect findings. Researchers with different backgrounds can bring to a study different perspectives, thinking, and analysis, thus strengthening final outcomes. Additional researchers may be called co-observers, panelists, or reviewers. For example, a researcher may ask other researchers to look at the same scene or phenomenon, perhaps via recorded observation, to see if they confirm initial interpretations. Other examples include two interviewers moderating a focus group, and team coding and categorization of data. A special case of this type of triangulation is member checking (also called member validation or host verification). In this case, research subjects act as a second investigator by examining drafts of the researcher’s findings where the subject’s actions or words are featured, in order to ensure accuracy and palatability.

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