===== 🔍 What is Triangulation in Research? =====

**Triangulation** is a research method used to improve the **validity** and **credibility** of findings by combining multiple sources, methods, or perspectives to study the same phenomenon.

==== 🧪 Purpose ====
Triangulation helps reduce **bias**, increase **accuracy**, and validate **self-reported data** with more objective evidence.

==== 📚 Example in Context ====
In alumni surveys using a **cross-sectional, self-report design**, triangulation might involve verifying:
  * Survey answers against **publication databases**
  * Reported achievements with **grant records**
  * Career outcomes using **institutional data**

==== 🧰 Types of Triangulation ====
^ Type                      ^ Description                                       ^ Example                                           ^
| Data triangulation       | Using multiple data sources                        | Self-report + publication records                 |
| Methodological           | Applying different methods                         | Surveys + interviews                              |
| Investigator             | Multiple researchers reviewing data                | Independent analysis by several evaluators        |
| Theory triangulation     | Using different theoretical lenses                 | Analyzing results using both feminist and economic theories |

==== 🧵 Summary ====
Triangulation strengthens research by validating findings through **multiple independent approaches**, rather than relying on a single, potentially biased method.