Comprehensive Analysis of Triangulation in Management Research Methods

This report delves into the concept of triangulation in management research, focusing on its application within mixed methods research (MMR). It defines triangulation as the use of multiple methods and data sources to enhance research validity and credibility. The report examines key terminologies, including MMR and its benefits, such as providing a holistic view of research subjects. It explores different types of triangulation, including data, theory, investigator, and methodological triangulation, and discusses how each contributes to a deeper understanding of research phenomena. The report highlights the advantages of triangulation, such as mitigating biases and strengthening research outcomes, while also acknowledging the issues and controversies surrounding its implementation, such as the challenges of integrating diverse data and selecting valid arguments. The report concludes by emphasizing the importance of triangulation in ensuring robust and reliable research findings, particularly in management studies.

Management Research

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Key terminologies............................................................................................................................1
Mixed method research ...............................................................................................................1
Triangulation and its types ..........................................................................................................2
Triangulation in research methods ..............................................................................................2
Method discussion ..........................................................................................................................4
Triangulation protocol and methods ...........................................................................................4
Issues and controversies surrounding triangulation ........................................................................5
CONCLUSION ...............................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION
Triangulation is defined as an approach to use at least two methods for exploring a
research subject. Thus, use of multiple number of data sources for the study purpose helps to
cross verify the data (Creswell and Clark, 2017). The technique is quite common and effective in
mixed method research (MMR). The study will discuss the various ways in which triangulation
can be used in MMR for enhancing the validity and credibility of the research study. It will also
analyse the controversies and issues which affects the use of triangulation in research practices.
Key terminologies
Mixed method research
The central aspect of mixed method research (MMR) studies is to use both qualitative
and quantitative methods in a single study. It helps to analyse the different phenomenons
associated with the study subject. This integration of both the methods helps better overview and
solution for the research question. The use of qualitative data in the study provides open handed
observations so that diverse ideas can be collected using interview, surveys and other
observations. Contrary to this quantitative data is based upon close ended information like
attitude, performance instruments and rating scale. It involves statistical analysis of the recorded
measurements so that hypothesis can be answered.
(Source: The Mixed Method in Research Design, 2019)
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Illustration 1: Mixed method research

One of the most important benefit of MMR is that it gives researcher an opportunity and
possibility to employ triangulation within study. Unlike MMR triangulation is not only limited to
methods instead it allows using different sources, methods, researchers and vantage points so
that research phenomenon can be analysed more precisely. MMR provides a combination of both
inductive and deductive reasoning so that personal bias can be minimised. However several
challenges are associated with this type of study (Turner, Cardinal and Burton, 2017.). It is very
complex and time consuming approach to choose and utilise the variety of research methods and
to demonstrate the clear methodology so that readers can understand it.
The researchers often faces difficulties in mixed method evaluation is that use of mixed
paradigmatic approaches and data collection techniques. The combination of multiple methods
results in synergistic evaluation and thus mixed methods research is also demonstrated as
synergistic. Paradigm provides the theoretical framework for the worldwide perspective and
concepts related to research criteria.
Triangulation and its types
Triangulation is known as the technique of data validation through cross verification by
using number of sources. One of the advantage of using triangulation is that consistency of
research findings can be tested. It also helps to evaluate the vast range of factors which
influences the study results so that research variables can be controlled more effectively.
Triangulation is not only associated with the validation of data but it also emphasis on variety of
data sources so that deep and widen understanding can be developed (Archibald, 2016). The
multiple perspectives and interpretation are integral element for MMR studies.
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Illustration 2: Triangulation

(Source: Designing a robust user research approach, 2013)
For research studies triangulation can be used in four patterns which are as follows:
Data triangulation: This approach focus on data collection through multiple methods and
sources. For instance data can be collected from different places, diverse groups and at different
instances of time instead of highly specific data collection model. It makes data interpretation
more exploratory and effective.
Theory triangulation: The research studies cannot be made successful without analysis and
application of multiple theories. Thus, theory triangulation helps researchers to approach the data
with several theories so that knowledge can be expanded and better conclusions can be drawn.
Investigator triangulation: This approach focus on involvement of more than one individual for
the data collection and analysis purpose. This type of triangulation encourages an organised
comparison of various researchers who contributed in the same study (Molina-Azorín and Font,
2016).
Methodological triangulation: This aspect involves the utilisation of several methods for data
collection. For instance researchers can use combination of observations, questionnaire,
interviews and survey so that in depth outputs can be obtained.
Triangulation in research methods
There has been regular debate over the effectiveness of qualitative and quantitative
research methods. However, both the methods are equally important and thus researchers are not
finding it suitable to choose any one method over other. When MMR is used then the studies
appears to be more valid and reliable as their accuracy is verified by number of sources and
methods instead of a single source.
The use of MMR by triangulation helps to gain holistic, contextual and detailed portrayal
of research variables (Kern, 2018). It also acts as realistic approach to analysed and evaluate the
different perspectives and sources so that social reality and human behaviour can be effectively
recognised. One of the advantage of using triangulation in the research studies is that it helps to
suppress the limitations of one research methods by compensating it with the strength of other
method. The use of a single option set instead of triangulation has several limitations (Almalki,
2016). For instance single choice of method or data may not give the detailed explanation while
the use of triangulation can help to enrich the various perspectives and their explanations.
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The multiple data set and methods can also confirm or disproves the hypothesis so that
more validate outcomes are observed. The conjunctive mixed methods involves triangulation
which depends upon qualitative and quantitative integration instead of merely evaluating the
agreements and disagreements. It helps to develop comprehensive and theoretical framework.
The second type of causation called mechanical or M-causation is used in the mixed method
research studies to formulate the basis for triangulation.
The relation between dependent and independent research variables can help to assert the
M-causation. It has been also analysed by Modell, (2015) that with the use of triangulation MMR
are also capable to employ the constructivist approach. As per Joslin and Müller, (2016)
particular research subjects are capable to justify the use of mixed methods and thus the user of
triangulation becomes essential to evaluate the multiple perspective on the issue. In general
mixed methods based research can be considered or analysed as the studies which needed
triangulation perspective for the better understanding of the research problem. On the basis of
program evaluation, qualitative methods and diverse perspective on sociology it can be
concluded that MMR can get benefits by using triangulation.
The triangulation provides the data interpretation in both statistical and observational
format and thus interpretation power issues can be easily resolved which makes study more
impactful. It relies completely in the hand of researcher to interpret the findings on the basis of
variety of data with minimum influence from society or biasing factors. To make the MMR
studies more validate and powerful qualitative portion of the study can be given more privilege.
The strategies such as respondent validation and member check are also important and effective
for the data triangulation. According to Gibson, (2017) the key objective for using triangulation
in the research studies is that two fundamental sociological perspectives can be integrated and
better outcomes can be achieved. The quantification of the qualitative data is significant in
testing hypothesis while the qualitatising of quantitative data helps in demonstrating the data
sequence or patterns. From the perspective of validity convergence mixing methods can be taken
as weak strategy.
Advantages of triangulation:
The most significant and key benefit of triangulation in MMR is that triangulation
technique is capable to eliminate the variety of bias elements which affects the research
outcomes. When triangulation methods are used group research options are employed so that
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measurement and sampling bias can be overcome. The use of multiple methods also eliminates
the scope of procedural bias in which study respondents are forced to a specific method or data
collection technique. Thus, in order to increase the comprehensiveness researchers must shift
from single methodology to triangulation (Bulsara, 2015). The use of several perspectives on
single issue also makes research more trustworthy and effective. The studies which are based on
single method does not include the comparison and confirmation of trends and inconsistencies.
The unbiased attitude of triangulation eliminate these intrinsic deficiencies and improves
reliability.
Method discussion
Triangulation protocol and methods
The triangulation methods allow researchers to combine the findings and data obtained
from different methods. This integration explains the collaboration between multiple set of
findings as well as it also allows gaining of detailed insight of research problem. The
triangulation findings can be described by variety of techniques. For instance researchers can
combine the findings from all sources and can converge the information. It is known as
convergence technique. Contrary to this researcher can also provide complementary or
discrepancy information on the same subject. For executing the triangulation in mixed method
based studies and multiple qualitative method triangulation protocol can be used. In this method
convergence coding matrix is used to demonstrate the findings from several study components.
The most widely used method of triangulation is based upon use of multiple data
collection techniques and procedures so that various dimensions can be evaluated for the same
research aspect. Such type of triangulation method which is based upon the procedure is known
as the methodological triangulation.
Within method or intra methods of triangulation
This type of triangulation method emphasis on using more than one data collection
method. It can be qualitative or quantitative but not both. For instance if research study is using
quantitative data then multiple methods such as questionnaire, existing data base or survey can
be used. While on the other hand if study uses qualitative data then methods like open and close
handed interview, observations can be used.
'between method' or inter triangulation
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Contrary to intra methods, in case of inter triangulation method multiple procedures of
different research methods are used. For instance the researcher can use questionnaire
(quantitative) as well as focus groups (qualitative) in the same study. In order to assure the
effectiveness of each of the methods must be taken care that the findings and procedures of
different methods must not be mixed. Instead, each of the method must be discussed separately
and then as part of triangulation they must be interpreted collectively.
Abdalla and et.al., (2018) stated that methodological triangulation enhances data
understanding by confirming the findings through various sources or procedures. Thus, the
weakness or limitations associated with any one method can be easily overcome. The use of
inaccurate methods and improper articulation can be considered as one of the limitation of
triangulation methods. In order to overcome this limitation it is recommended that each of the
data collection method used must be independently complete. The use of triangulation methods
is vital for aggregating diverse data so that holistic analysis of the research can be carried out.
When multiple sampling and data collection methods are used by triangulation strategies then
reliability can be achieved for the study.
Issues and controversies surrounding triangulation
Despite having several benefits and scope for making the study reliable, triangulation
within MMR experiences several issues and controversies. The triangulation approach is based
upon the integration of different methods and perspective. Thus, the first issue which challenges
the triangulation is the choice of integrative thinking can lead to better understanding
(Venkatesh, Brown and Sullivan, 2016). With the use of triangulation researchers establishes a
link between various types of data. Thus, it is a critical issue that how researchers synthesis the
outcomes by integration of different types of data. It has been also argued that for integration of
sources there must be single valid argument or source so that other sources can be compared and
on the basis of this comparison invalid arguments or sources can be discarded.
However, selection of valid and invalid arguments out of multiple sources can be difficult
for the researchers and it can influence the findings (Shannon-Baker, 2016). The disadvantages
associated with the triangulation are also critical aspect which serves as controversial attributes
of triangulation. The triangulation within MMR is time taking and complex. The use of variety
of data collection and preparation methods makes this technique expensive as compare to the
singular method usage. The quality of the data interpreted is also one of the key issue. As
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triangulation need utilisation of number of methods, it is also expected from the researchers that
they are highly expertise in each of the method used. It makes study more demanding and critical
as compare to the traditional research approach. It is also observed that though triangulation
allow researchers to gain convergence but it never terminates in data reduction.
Contrary to this Creswell and Clark, (2017) stated that it has been one of the controversial
issue that due to inclusion of diverse perspective triangulation often results in proliferation. It is
also possible that multiple theories and methods produce contradictions and it can become
impossible for the researcher to develop final conclusion. This issue become very complicated
especially in case of social research because on social issues extremely diversified opinions can
be obtained. When huge number of opinions or theories are available then it cannot be
guaranteed that accurate results will be obtained. The use of single procedure or method is
capable to give complete description of the research.
Thus, another issue associated with MMR and triangulation is that multiple procedures
may not assure the high quality or complete description. It is very important that the theories
related to the study must be clear so that methods can be effectively applied to the theoretical
concepts (Molina‐Azorín and López‐Gamero, 2016). It has been also observed that the needs
placed by the triangulation on study and researcher restricts their widespread usage.
Incompatibility of the paradigms and its impact on mixed methods studies is also one of the
important concern. The mixed methods scholars often claims that the use of pragmatic paradigm
can overcome the compatibility issue. The pragmatic paradigm develops meaning and
conclusions on the basis of experiences and consequences of interpretive activities.
According to Flick, (2017) it is essential for the researchers that they must understand the
diversity extent present in the communities while conducting researches. The feminist theoretical
lens can be considered as the best example for this aspect. For instance in the cultures in which
women are stigmatised with the cultural limitations both type of data collection approaches may
not get any kind of privilege. Thus, for the studies which are conducted in such background
legitimacy is needed for collecting evidences and diversity in perspective for data interpretation
is vital. It can be achieved by using subjugated knowledge through triangulation based
interpretation. This issue encourages the praxis issue surrounding triangulation deployment.
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CONCLUSION
From the above study it can be concluded that triangulation methods can be effective in
complementing the debate of qualitative and quantitative research. It has been analysed from the
study that triangulation has the potential to enhance decision making for quality research. The
use of different methods expands the exploratory perspective of the study. It has been also
evaluated from the study that the controversies related to triangulation does not have any critical
impact on the benefits of triangulation. Thus, it is recommended that use of triangulation must be
encouraged in the mixed method research so that broader and in depth analysis of the study area
can be obtained.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Abdalla, M.M. and et.al., 2018. Quality in qualitative organizational research: Types of
triangulation as a methodological alternative. Administração: Ensino e Pesquisa. 19(1).
pp.66-98.
Almalki, S., 2016. Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Data in Mixed Methods Research--
Challenges and Benefits. Journal of Education and Learning. 5(3). pp.288-296.
Archibald, M.M., 2016. Investigator triangulation: A collaborative strategy with potential for
mixed methods research. Journal of Mixed Methods Research. 10(3). pp.228-250.
Bulsara, C., 2015. Using a mixed methods approach to enhance and validate your
research. Brightwater Group Research Centre, pp.1-82.
Creswell, J.W. and Clark, V.L.P., 2017. Designing and conducting mixed methods research.
Sage publications.
Flick, U., 2017. Mantras and myths: the disenchantment of mixed-methods research and
revisiting triangulation as a perspective. Qualitative Inquiry. 23(1). pp.46-57.
Gibson, C.B., 2017. Elaboration, generalization, triangulation, and interpretation: On enhancing
the value of mixed method research. Organizational Research Methods. 20(2). pp.193-
223.
Joslin, R. and Müller, R., 2016. Identifying interesting project phenomena using philosophical
and methodological triangulation. International Journal of Project Management. 34(6).
pp.1043-1056.
Kern, F.G., 2018. The trials and tribulations of applied triangulation: weighing different data
sources. Journal of Mixed Methods Research. 12(2). pp.166-181.
Modell, S., 2015. Theoretical triangulation and pluralism in accounting research: a critical realist
critique. Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal. 28(7). pp.1138-1150.
Molina-Azorín, J.F. and Font, X., 2016. Mixed methods in sustainable tourism research: an
analysis of prevalence, designs and application in JOST (2005–2014). Journal of
Sustainable Tourism. 24(4). pp.549-573.
Molina‐Azorín, J.F. and López‐Gamero, M.D., 2016. Mixed methods studies in environmental
management research: prevalence, purposes and designs. Business Strategy and the
Environment. 25(2). pp.134-148.
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Shannon-Baker, P., 2016. Making paradigms meaningful in mixed methods research. Journal of
Mixed Methods Research. 10(4). pp.319-334.
Turner, S.F., Cardinal, L.B. and Burton, R.M., 2017. Research design for mixed methods: A
triangulation-based framework and roadmap. Organizational Research Methods. 20(2).
pp.243-267.
Venkatesh, V., Brown, S.A. and Sullivan, Y.W., 2016. Guidelines for conducting mixed-
methods research: An extension and illustration. Journal of the Association for
Information Systems. 17(7). p.435.
Online
Designing a robust user research approach. 2013. [Online]. Accessed through
<https://www.peakxd.com.au/articles/triangulation/>
The Mixed Method in Research Design. 2019. [Online]. Accessed through <http://study-
aids.co.uk/dissertation-blog/mixed-method-research-design/>
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