🔍 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.