Observations from many view points: A Triangulation Concept

Observing a phenomena from many angles and or approaches is often value added from an empirical research perspective. Consider triangulation. Triangulation is a method of conducting research that potentially increases the validity of the overall research process. Cox and Hassard (2005) asserted that triangulation is “the use of multiple methods and measures of an empirical phenomenon in order to overcome problems of bias and validity” (p. 110). Whereas, information and or data are collected and analyzed from at least three separate research methods approaches and or information sources to strengthen the validity of the entire research study, validity, and reliability of the methods and instruments used during a given research project. Furthermore, Cox and Hassard et al. (2005) put-forth that “the implicit assumption in much of the social science literature on triangulation therefore is of developing a more effective method for the capturing and fixing of social phenomena in order to realize a more accurate analysis and explanation” (p. 111).

In most instances, triangulation can be viewed as a mix methods process within either a qualitative or quantitative frame or both. Moran-Ellis, Alexander, Cronin, Dickinson, Fielding, Sleney et al. (2006) asserted that “the potential for knowing more about a phenomenon through the use of different research methods in one empirical investigation is often discussed under the rubric of  triangulation” (p. 46). Moreover, Moran-Ellis et al, put-forth that “different approaches to mixed methods reflect epistemological debates about the status of the data produced by different methods, and these have implications for the way researchers see the relationships among findings generated by methods situated within distinct theoretical perspectives” (p. 46). Subsequently, a mixed-methods approach offer researchers the ability to have more confidence in the validity and results of a given research study.


However, triangulation has not been viewed as the ultimate approach in all instances. Miller and Gatta, 2006  (as cited in Kadushin, Hecht, Sasson, & Saxe, 2008) asserted that “both mixed methods and triangulation are forms of diverse testing, but there has never been clarity over what triangulation is supposed to contribute as a method of diverse testing, and as a consequence, triangulation has not . . . lived up to its expectations” (p. 47). Thus, triangulation is a research methodology that should be used with skill and caution.

Reference

Cox, J. W. & Hassard, J. (2005). Triangulation in Organizational Research: A Re-Presentation.
          Organization, 12, 109 - 133.

Kadushin, C., Hecht, S., Sasson, T., & Saxe, L. (2008). Triangulation and Mixed Methods 
Designs: Practicing What We Preach in the Evaluation of an Israel Experience 
Educational Program. Field  Methods, 20, 46 - 65.

Moran-Ellis, J., Alexander, V. D., Cronin, A., Dickinson, M., Fielding, J., Sleney, J., & Thomas, 
H. (2006). Triangulation and integration: processes, claims and implications. Qualitative
        Research, 6, 45 - 59.