Summative Essay ? The power of Triangulation Paper Example
Summative Essay ? The power of Triangulation
Understanding Triangulation
To triangulate something means to determine a location by utilizing the angles from more than one previously known points(Huettman, 1993). When researching, data triangulation is where data is collected using more than one method on the same topic. It is a sure way of ensuring the research is validated by using a variety of techniques to obtain the necessary data. Such methods involve using different methods of collecting data and using different types of samples. Nonetheless, data triangulation purposes not to cross-validate data or confirm its correctness or lack thereof, but to capture the data from different dimensions. Data triangulation is a powerful tool in validating qualitative research(Jick, 1979). For instance, analysis based on either primary or data sources could be confirmed by supporting it using previous studies, all studying the same question. Summative Essay ? The power of Triangulation Paper Example
Triangulation aims at increasing the confidence in the findings of a research, by confirming a proposition using two or more independent measures(Huettman, 1993). Various outcomes are combined, and they produce a comprehensive picture of the results, in a way that one of the studies could not. Triangulation is associated with research designs and methods, using more than one approaches to research a topic or a question(Olsen, 2004). Triangulation was introduced in the 1950s to avoid potential biases that could arise from using a single methodology. In the years since triangulation has helped in determining the completeness of data collected.
Example of Triangulation
The attitude of nurses about teamwork could be studied through surveys and focus group discussions. In the case of exploring how to lower blood pressure by following a nutritional, and educational program, researchers could review how participants adhere to the diet change through daily logs, plus following a series of blood pressure readings. For either case, researchers compare different methods of collecting data on a single research question or topic. Summative Essay ? The power of Triangulation Paper Example
Reasons for Triangulation
Casey& Murphy (2009) write that triangulation comes up because of four primary reasons:
Enriching
Triangulation uses different formal and informal instruments of output to add value or enrich each other, by explaining various aspects of a particular issue.
Refuting
Triangulation is essential as one set of options may be used to disprove or refute the hypothesis generated by another set of options
Confirming
Triangulation is necessary as one set of possibilities confirms the theory created by another set of options.
Explaining
Triangulation sheds light or illustrates one set of options on unexpected findings delivered by another set of options. Summative Essay ? The power of Triangulation Paper Example
Types of Triangulation
The most common form of data triangulation is methodological triangulation. Such a model uses more than one set of collecting data using the same method, like using the same qualitative data sources. Alternatively, the study could use two different data collection methods both quantitative and qualitative. As per Heale& Forbes (2013), it allows for the limitation from either method to be transcended through the comparison of findings from various perspectives. Other than the methodological triangulation discussed, Carter, Bryant-Lukosius, et al. (2014) suggest thatthe other forms of triangulation are theory triangulation, data source triangulation and investigator triangulation.
According to Olsen (2004), data triangulation involves persons, space and time. Investigator triangulation allows for multiple researchers in one investigation. Theory triangulation uses more than one theory or theoretical framework to interpret a phenomenon(Carter, Bryant-Lukosius, et al., 2014). Methodological triangulation uses more than one option of collecting data, for instance, documents, observations, interviews and questionnaires. Summative Essay ? The power of Triangulation Paper Example
Triangulation Results
The use of triangulation, describes research using a variety of methods. Combining qualitative and quantitative research methods to analyse a specific research study or question, could draw up one of three outcomes: first, the results could converge and come to the same conclusions(Heale& Forbes, 2013). Converging results confirm or verify the validity of a research or study. Secondly, they may be in relation to different phenomena, leading them to complement each other, thereby supplementing each result(Heale& Forbes, 2013). Complementary results underscore the various aspects of the phenomenon being analysed.Thirdly, they may be divergent or contradictory where the results fail to converge to a similar conclusion(Heale& Forbes, 2013). Divergent findings could result in a newer and better understanding of a phenomenon that is being investigated.
Importance of Triangulation
Triangulation of data in research has been identified to have several advantages. For starters, it confirms and validates the results of a quantitative study(Jick, 1979). By approving the results from a different study, triangulation certifies the results of both studies. Secondly, by using multiple data sources and methods, inadequacies of one approach or process can be minimized(Johnson& Onwuegbuzie, 2004). Thirdly, by triangulating data sources, more insight can be obtained by using the multiple methods available. Next, it increases and strengthens the validity and credibility of data, leading it to make stronger research designs(Greene& McClintock, 1985). Finally, triangulation recognizes and helps in removing inconsistencies in a research paper. Summative Essay ? The power of Triangulation Paper Example
Disadvantages of Triangulation
Triangulation has a few drawbacks including the issue that it is time-consuming and for it to be conducted, requires proper planning and the consolidation of resources which might be unavailable to some. When such cases present themselves, a researcher is forced to get help from statisticians who have in-depth knowledge on a topic. Unfortunately for such situations, researchers may find themselves with biased investigators, lack understanding and have conflicts in theoretical frameworks. It, therefore, means triangulation requires all the necessary information at hand and not be conducted just for the sake of it. Before embarking on a triangulation plan, ensure you are using the correct methods and understand why you are using the specific process.
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Criticisms of Data Triangulation
Triangulation of data, although key to adding richness and depth to a research, has been criticized for several reasons. For instance, it presumes that data from two unique research methods, can be compared to one another and may be or may fail to be of equal weight to the research in question(Heale& Forbes, 2013). Also, when two or more sets of data are converged, caution has to be interpreted as it could just mean that every data set is compromised. Another criticism is the fact that the term ?triangulation? might fail to have the correct meaning if it is so broadly defined. Instead, the term ?mixed methods? should be used. Summative Essay ? The power of Triangulation Paper Example
Managing Bias
As already mentioned, triangulation could lead to the use or reliance on biased data. When researching, several types of bias could arise. Luckily, triangulation can help lower or minimize such chances of bias. First, there is measurement bias which is caused by the method used to collect data. Researchers use triangulation to combine both individual and group research options to help lower the bias, like peer pressure placed on focus group participants(Johnson& Onwuegbuzie, 2004). Secondly, there is procedural bias which arises when participants undergo some form of pressure, so that they provide information. Triangulation provides the researcher with the chance to combine shorter engagements with longer engagements assuming participants have adequate time to consider the responses.
Finally, there is sampling bias which occurs when a researcher fails to cover all the population up for studying, or only covering parts because they are more convenient. The former is referred to as omission bias while the latter is inclusion bias(Greene& McClintock, 1985). Triangulation can help lower such bias by combining different strengths or options available, ensuring the researcher covers what is necessary.
Conclusion
In sum, triangulation is a vital part of conducting researches to a specific question or point of the study. It involves the use of more than one method to undertake a research. It has been identified as having several advantages which ensure the research paper is robust, credible and validated by at least two other previously conducted analyses. It provides more accurate answers to a research question and hypotheses as the information being used is gathered from various angles. Summative Essay ? The power of Triangulation Paper Example
References
Carter, N., Bryant-Lukosius, D., DiCenso, A., Blythe, J., & Neville, A. J. (2014). The Use of Triangulation in Qualitative Research. Oncology Nursing Forum, 41(5), 545?547. https://doi.org/10.1188/14.ONF.545-547
Casey, D., & Murphy, K. (2009). Issues in using methodological triangulation in research. Nurse Researcher, 16(4), 40?55. https://doi.org/10.7748/nr2009.07.16.4.40.c7160
Greene, J., & McClintock, C. (1985). Triangulation in evaluation: Design and analysis issues. Evaluation Review, 9(5), 523-545.
Heale, R.& Forbes, D. (2013) Understanding triangulation in research. Evidence-Based Nursing. 16(4), 98. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/eb-2013-101494
Huettman, E. (1993). Using Triangulation Effectively in Qualitative Research. Bulletin of the Association for Business Communication, 56(3), 42. https://doi.org/10.1177/108056999305600318
Jick, T. D. (1979). Mixing Qualitative and Quantitative Methods: Triangulation in Action. Administrative Science Quarterly, 24(4), 602?611. https://doi.org/10.2307/2392366
Johnson, R. B., & Onwuegbuzie, A. J. (2004). Mixed methods research: A research paradigm whose time has come. Educational researcher, 33(7), 14-26.
Olsen, W. (2004). Triangulation in social research: qualitative and quantitative methods can really be mixed. Developments in sociology, 20, 103-118. Summative Essay ? The power of Triangulation Paper Example
