Triangulation is a term used in different contexts but has come to be associated most clearly with the use of more than one method for gathering data and an explicit concern for comparison of different sets of data. However researchers also talk about triangulation of data over time (for example re interviewing the same respondents); triangulation of sources ( for example seeing how the same event is described by people with different roles); triangulation of investigators (for example comparing the responses made to different interviewers especially in the context of open ended interviews). Yet another possible context for triangulation is that of external validity where one is comparing ones’ finding with that of other cases as reported in the literature – though this might usually be associated with external validity. One might also consider participant validation as a kind of triangulation.

It is a disputed question as to what triangulation tells you as a researcher and what to do with the results. The term is borrowed from surveying and hints at a process of reaching accurate measurement through comparing a set of readings. However, this may be a misleading metaphor for your research if it leads you to believe that you will arrive at a proven outcome jsut becuase there is agreement between several people.

Nonetheless consistency within data can improve the credibility of findings – for example if respondents are saying the same things in different contexts at different times and you are accessing these responses through different methods then the least you can say is that have done all you can to reach a credibile finding. However contrasting findings should not glossed over, they are as worthy of comment as consistency.

It is very difficult to argue that triangulation should not be employed in principle. In practice it involves time and expense which you may not have and may be ruled out through access or ethical issues. For example it might not be appropriate to carry out group surveys and formal interviews with young learners and you may want to rely much more on ‘ethnographic conversations’.

Hammond, M and Wiriyapinit, M. (2005) Learning through online discussion: A case of triangulation in research, Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 2005, 21(3), 283-302.

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