Triangulation in research is understood as use of more than one approach to studying a research question.

A combination of findings from two or more rigorous approaches provides a more comprehensive representation of the results than one single approach could do by yourself– thus triangulation in research is a method used to increase credibility and validity of research results.

The following four types of triangulation in research are often applied:

• theory triangulation, which supports use of several theories of theoretical frameworks for interpretation of a phenomenon,
• method triangulation, which takes advantage of several data collection and analysis methods,
• investigator triangulation, which includes participation of several researchers in a study, and
• in qualitative research, for example, triangulation typically comprises of analysing data from interviews, focus groups, written archives, or other sources.

  However, many researchers apply triangulation in their research studies as a combination of both quantitative and qualitative methodology– in various sequences, known as mixed methods design.

  All research methods are limited in some way. One way to increase the credibility and validity of your research results is to use the triangulation, so the limitations of one single theory or method or investigator or data source are mitigated by another.

  But do not forget that the triangulation can have some disadvantages as well, like complexity of the research process and it can be time-consuming.

This webinar will assist doctoral students in:

1. Discussing the main benefits of triangulation in research.
2. Understanding the main differences and application of different types of triangulation.
3. Comprehending various sequences and combinations of used methods in mixed methods design.