"In the social sciences, triangulation refers to the application and combination of several research methods in the study of the same phenomenon."
The process of using multiple sources, methods, or viewpoints in a research project to increase the validity and reliability of findings.
Definition of Triangulation: This topic covers the basics of what triangulation is, including different types of triangulation methods and why they are used in anthropology research.
Qualitative Research Methods: Triangulation is often used in conjunction with qualitative research methods such as interviews, focus groups, and observation. This topic covers the basics of qualitative research methods.
Quantitative Research Methods: Triangulation can also be used with quantitative research methods such as surveys and statistical analysis. This topic covers the basics of quantitative research methods.
Reliability and Validity: Triangulation is often used to improve the reliability and validity of research findings. This topic covers the definitions of reliability and validity and how they are important in research.
Data Collection: Triangulation involves collecting data from multiple sources, including different methods and different perspectives. This topic covers the different techniques used in data collection, including participant observation, surveys, and interviews.
Data Analysis: After data collection, it must be analyzed to uncover patterns or trends. Triangulation can help researchers verify their findings. This topic covers the different techniques used in data analysis, including content analysis and grounded theory.
Ethnography: Ethnography is a research method often used in anthropology. Triangulation could be used in conjunction with ethnography, playing a role in data collection or analysis. This topic covers the basics of ethnography.
Mixed Methods Research: Mixed methods research combines both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Triangulation is often used in mixed method research. This topic covers the basics of mixed methods research.
Triangulation in Anthropology: This topic includes case studies on how triangulation is used in anthropology research, with examples from different cultures and regions.
Limitations and Criticisms of Triangulation: While triangulation is a useful research method, there are limitations and criticisms to consider. This topic covers some of the potential pitfalls and criticisms of using triangulation in research.
Methodological triangulation: This type of triangulation involves using multiple methods to address the same research question or problem. For example, a researcher may use surveys, interviews, and observations to study a particular cultural behavior.
Data triangulation: Data triangulation involves using multiple sources of data to investigate a particular phenomenon. For example, a researcher may use interviews, surveys, and archival data to study a cultural practice.
Investigator triangulation: Investigator triangulation involves using multiple researchers to investigate a particular phenomenon. For example, a team of researchers may use different theoretical perspectives to explore different aspects of a cultural practice.
Theory triangulation: Theory triangulation involves analyzing data using multiple theoretical perspectives or frameworks. For example, a researcher may use both structural-functionalism and symbolic interactionism to understand a particular cultural practice.
Inter-method triangulation: Inter-method triangulation involves using different methods of analysis to investigate a particular phenomenon. For example, a researcher may use both quantitative and qualitative data analysis to study a cultural practice.
Time triangulation: Time triangulation involves studying a cultural phenomenon over a period of time. For example, a researcher may study the changes in a particular cultural practice over a period of several years.
"Researchers hope to overcome the weakness or intrinsic biases and the problems that come from single method, single-observer, and single-theory studies."
"By combining multiple observers, theories, methods, and empirical materials, researchers hope to overcome the weakness or intrinsic biases and the problems that come from single method, single-observer, and single-theory studies."
"It is popularly used in sociology."
"The concept of triangulation is borrowed from navigational and land surveying techniques that determine a single point in space with the convergence of measurements taken from two other distinct points."
"Triangulation can be used in both quantitative and qualitative studies as an alternative to traditional criteria like reliability and validity."