A.

The Definition of Triangulation

According to Cresswell, Triangulation is collecting data over different times or from
different sources. The process involves corroborating evidence from different sources to shed
light on a theme or perspective. It means triangulation involves using multiple data sources in
an investigation to produce understanding.
Some see triangulation as a method for collaborating findings and as a test for validity
of reseach through the use of a variety of methods to collect data on the same topic. Rather
than seeing triangulation as a method for validation or verification, qualitative researchers
generally use this technique to ensure that an account is rich, robust, comprehensive, and
well-developed.

Since every method has weaknesses or bias, it is common for qualitative research projects
to collect data in a variety of different ways to build up a better picture. Thus a project can
collect data from the same or different participants using different methods, and use method
or between-method triangulation to integrate them. Some qualitative techniques can be very
complementary, for example semi-structured interviews can be combined with participant
diaries or focus groups, to provide different levels of detail and voice. For example, what
people share in a group discussion maybe less private than what they would reveal in a one-
to-one interview, but in a group dynamic people can be reminded of issues they might forget
to talk about otherwise.

B. The Reason using Triangulation

Denzin (1978) proposes four reasons to triangulate:
 Enriching, outputs of different informal and formal instruments add value to each
other by explaining different aspects of an issue and thus reducing sources of error.
 Refuting, where one set of options disproves a hypothesis generated by another set of
options.
 Confirming, where one set of options confirms a hypothesis generated by another set
of options.
 Explaining, where one set of options sheds light on expected findings derived from
one set of options.
Qualitative researchers may choose triangulation as a research strategy to assure
completeness of findings or to confirms findings. Assure completeness: The most accurate
description of something comes from a combination of the three individual descriptions.
Confim findings: Reseachers might also choose triangulation to confirm findings and
conclusions. Any single qualitative research strategy has its limitations. By combining
different strategies, researchers confirm findings by overcoming the limitations of a single
strategy.
C. Exploring Forms of Triangulation
a. Data Triangulation
Denzin (1989) described three types of data triangualation:
 Time triangualation: reseachers collect data about a phenomenon at different
points in time.
  Space triangulation: consist of collecting data at more than one site. At the
outset, the reseacher must identify how time or space relate to the study and
make an argument supporting the use of different time or space collection
points in the study.
 Person triangulation, reseachers collect data from more than one level of
person, that is, a set of individuals (aggregate analysis), groups (interactive
analysis), or collectives (collectivity level).
b. Methodological Triangulation
Methodological Triangulation is the most discussed type of triangulation and refers
to the use of multiple methods in the examination of a social phenomenon. The rationale of
this strategy is that the flaws of one method are often the strengths of another and by
combining methods, the reseachers can achieve the best of each while overcoming their
unique deficiences.
 Design/between Method
Design methods triangulation most often uses quantitative methods combined
with qualitative methods in the study design. But sametimes triangulation design
method might use two different qualitative research methods.
 Data collection/within Method
Data collection method refers to different ways of finding data contained
in one method. The purpose of combining the data collection methods is to
provide a more holistic and better understanding of the phenomenon under study.
c. Invertigator Triangulation
Investigator triangulation occurs when two or more researchers with divergent
backgrounds and expertise work together on the same study. Investigator triangulation
involves more than one investigator in the research process, is also considered good practice.
This can provide a check on selective perception and illuminate blind spots in an interpretive
analysis. The goal of investigator triangulation is not to seek consensus, but to understand
multiple ways of seeing the data.

d. Theory Triangulation
Theory triangulation incorporates the use of more than one lens or theory in the
analysis of the same data set. In qualitative research, more than one theoretical explanation
emerges from the data. Reseachers investigate the utility and power of these emerging
theories by cycling between data generation and data analysis until they reach a conclusion.
e. Multiple Triangulation
Mutiple Triangulation which uses a combination of two or more triangulation
techniques in one study. Denzin states that multiple research methods are desirable because
each method reveals a different aspect of reality. This idea has since been developed to
include triangulation as a metaphor for strength, trustworthiness, and comprehensiveness.
Trustworthiness through triangulation enhances the creadibility, dependability and
confirmability in qualitative studies.
 D. Advantages and Disadvantages
One of the primary disadvantages of triangulation is that it can be timeconsuming.
Collecting more data requires greater planning and organization—resources that are not
always available to lead researchers (Thurmond, 2001)
Other disadvantages include the “possible disharmony based on investigator biases,
conflicts because of theoretical frameworks, and lack of understanding about why
triangulation strategies were used” (Thurmond, 2001)
However, triangulation also have positive impacts : increase the confidence in research,
create innovative ways to understand phenomena, uncover unique findings, challenge or
integrate theories and provide a clearer understanding of the problem.