4 types of Trianggulation in Qualitative Research

Data triangulation refers to using a validation test process from qualitative data (Interviews, Observations, FGDs). Triangulation refers to using several methods or data sources in qualitative research to comprehensively understand a phenomenon (Patton, 1999). Triangulation is also a qualitative research strategy to test validity by converging information from various sources. Denzin (1978) and Patton (1999) identified four types of triangulation: (a) method triangulation, (b) inter-researcher triangulation, (c) theory triangulation, and (d) data source triangulation. This article will present the four types of triangulation, followed by a discussion of using focus groups (FGs) and in-depth individual interviews (IDI) as examples of triangulation of data sources in qualitative research.

How is Triangulation Practiced in Research?

Triangulation is commonly used in qualitative research and applied in quantitative research. If your research uses mixed methods, you will always use methodological triangulation.

Example: Triangulation in various types of research

• Qualitative research: You conduct in-depth interviews with various stakeholder groups, such as parents, teachers, and children.

• Quantitative research: You run an eye-tracking experiment and involve three researchers in analyzing the data.

• Mixed methods research: You conduct a quantitative survey, followed by some structured (qualitative) interviews.

Types of Triangulation in Research

There are four types of triangulation:

•Data triangulation: Using data from different times, spaces, and people

•Triangulation techniques between researchers: Involve many researchers in collecting or analyzing data

•Theory triangulation techniques: Use multiple theoretical perspectives in your research

Methodological triangulation: Using different methodologies to approach the same topic

Example: Collaborative research. You research what makes people behave cooperatively vs. selfishly. You want to understand what motivates people to work with others in a team environment.

Methodological triangulation

When using qualitative triangulation methods, you use different methods to answer the same research question. This triangulation is the most common type, and researchers often combine qualitative and quantitative research methods in a single study.

Data triangulation

In data triangulation, you use multiple data sources to answer your research question. You can vary data collection across different times, spaces, or people.

Triangulation between researchers

Using the researcher triangulation technique, you involve multiple observers or researchers to collect, process, or analyze data separately.

Theory triangulation

Theory triangulation means applying several different theoretical frameworks in your research instead of approaching the research question from only one theoretical perspective.

SOURCE: Triangulasi Data, Contoh, Penjelasan dan Prakteknya Pada Riset - Ascarya Solution