What´s Data Triangulation?

Triangulation refers to the data collection and validation method in which two or more sources of data are consulted in order for the most accurate conclusion to be reached through the study and interpretation of a research topic from several perspectives (pp. 892, Given 2008). || Most frequently utilized in case study researches, triangulation is described by Weerakkody (2009) to exist in four basic forms: data triangulation, methodological triangulation, theory triangulation, and investigator triangulation. || Data triangulation refers to the usage of data from at least two different sources, where it can be a combination of either or all of the following: documents and archival information, research interviews, field studies and/or physical artefacts (pp. 238). Methodological triangulation, on the other hand, utilizes different methodologies in the research process in order to ensure the validity and accuracy of the gathered information. || Investigator triangulation signifies the employment of multiple observers (i.e. researchers) in the research process from the collection of data, to the analysis and interpretation of data in order to receive alternate perspective. It is worth noting that the utilization of investigator triangulation does not necessarily mean that all researchers who are working on the research occupy equal prominence in the process (pp. 303, Denzin). || Finally, theory triangulation denotes the use of combined theoretical paradigms to observe the issue in an organized manner for easy (and with the combination, more comprehensive) understanding. || Being a form of mixed research, triangulation shares in its features and benefits to its approach. || One of the key features of the mixed method would be that i...

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...questions, and allow for pre-constructed hypotheses to be tested in order to answer the ‘how’ questions. || Secondly, the mixed research bridges the gap between the two methodologies, creating a complementary relationship. The findings of the research are now better supported with the generation of numbers to back narratives and vice versa, painting a fuller picture to portray to and convince the intended research audience. || Thirdly, it allows for a larger quantity and more complex questions to be answered, as the complement would balance out the limitations of both researches. Researcher would not be required to give up one for the other when faced with the selection of research paradigms or methodologies. || The advantages of the mixed method would eventually provide stronger evidences for the conclusion of the research through the corroboration of the findings.