Triangulation in research [Meaning, Types, Examples]

Summary

This video offers an insightful overview of triangulation, a pivotal concept in qualitative research. Triangulation enhances study validity by employing diverse methods and data sources. It encompasses methods, investigator, theory, data source, and data analysis triangulation, each contributing unique perspectives and ensuring robust findings. The video elucidates how combining various research techniques, involving multiple researchers, and utilizing different theories can lead to a comprehensive understanding of phenomena, thus enriching qualitative studies.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Triangulation in qualitative research refers to using multiple methods or data sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of a phenomenon.
• 📈 It is used to increase the validity and ensure the quality of a study by confirming findings through various means.
• 👥 Methods triangulation involves using different data collection methods, such as interviews, observations, pictures, and field notes, for the same phenomenon.
• 🤝 Investigator triangulation is achieved by having multiple researchers participate in the same study to corroborate findings.
• 📚 Theory triangulation employs different theoretical perspectives to analyze and interpret data, testing competing theories against each other.
• 🌐 Data source triangulation gathers data from diverse sources like families, groups, and communities to obtain multiple perspectives on the same issue.
• 🕒 Time and space are also considered in triangulation, suggesting data collection at different times or locations for a more robust analysis.
• 🔄 Data analysis triangulation uses different analytical approaches, such as inductive and deductive methods, to draw conclusions and validate theories.
• 🔄 Method triangulation can be within a single method (e.g., using multiple qualitative methods) or across methods (combining qualitative and quantitative methods).
• 🌟 Convergence is an approach to triangulation where evidence from different sources and methods leads to a single proposition about a social phenomenon.

Q & A

What is triangulation in qualitative research?

Triangulation in qualitative research refers to the use of multiple methods or data sources to develop a comprehensive understanding of the phenomena being studied, thereby increasing the validity and ensuring the quality of the research.

Why is triangulation important in research?

Triangulation is important because it helps to increase the validity of research by ensuring the quality of the study through the use of various methods and data sources, which can corroborate findings and provide a more robust understanding of the research subject.

What are the different types of triangulation mentioned in the script?

The script mentions four types of triangulation: methods triangulation, investigator triangulation, theory triangulation, and data source triangulation.

How does methods triangulation work?

Methods triangulation involves using multiple methods of data collection about the same phenomenon, such as interviews, observations, pictures, and field notes, to gather data from various angles.

What is investigator triangulation and how does it contribute to research?

Investigator triangulation includes the participation of two or more researchers in the same study to bring up the apparent truth or confirm the findings, enhancing the credibility of the research through multiple perspectives.

Can you explain theory triangulation and provide an example?

Theory triangulation refers to the use of different theories to analyze and interpret data. For example, Singer used three different theories in his research on why first-born children were more adult-oriented than later-born children, devising a result strategy to test each of the competing theories.

What is data source triangulation and why is it used?

Data source triangulation involves collecting data from different types of people, including families, groups, and communities, to get multiple perspectives of the same phenomenon, which helps to confirm findings and provide a more comprehensive view.

How does data analysis triangulation contribute to research?

Data analysis triangulation involves using different approaches of analysis for the same data, such as inductive (drawing findings from specific to general) and deductive (using data to test existing theories), to validate and enrich the research findings.

What are the two ways Denzin classified triangulation?

Denzin classified triangulation into within-method triangulation, where multiple qualitative methods are used, and between or across-method triangulation, where both qualitative and quantitative methods are used.

What is Sandra Matheson's view on triangulation?

Sandra Matheson outlined an alternative way of conceptualizing triangulation as convergence, where data from different sources, use of different methods, participation of more than one investigator, and so on, will produce evidence that results in a single proposition about some social phenomena.

How does the use of multiple methods and researchers contribute to research according to Natto's review?

Natto, after reviewing qualitative articles, reported that nine articles used convergence, such as the use of multiple methods and involving multiple researchers at the same time, to enhance the validity and comprehensiveness of their research.