The Pocket Universal Methods of Design

091 Triangulation

The convergence of multiple methods on the same research question to corroborate evidence from several different angles

• It ensures accuracy of information by combining sources and mitigating the weaknesses of any single method or source.

• The most common occurrence of triangulation is to combine behavioral observation methods with self-report methods such as questionnaires or interviews.

• Self-reported behaviors or attitudes aligned with social norms or research expectations may be contradicted by actual behaviors observed.

• Triangulation may compare physiological data such as heart rate or pupil dilation with self-reported information or observations of visible behaviors.

• Anecdotal information collected through qualitative ...