Qualitative research methodology Paper III Qualitative research methodology

Objective 1.8 Explain the effect of triangulation on the credibility/trustworthiness of qualitative research .

Triangulation refers to the use of more than one approach to the investigation of a research question in order to enhance confidence in the ensuing findings. Since much social research is founded on the use of a single research method and as such may suffer from limitations associated with that method or from the potential subjective application of it, triangulation offers the prospect of enhanced credibility. Building context

EFFECTS OF TRIANGULATION By combining multiple observers, theories, methods, and empirical materials, researchers can hope to overcome the weakness or intrinsic biases and the problems that come from single-method, single- observer, single-theory studies. Often the purpose of triangulation in specific contexts is to obtain confirmation of findings through convergence of different perspectives. The point at which the perspectives converge is seen to represent a credible reality. EFFECTS OF TRIANGULATION

EFFECTS OF TRIANGULATION Triangulation, when properly used, can reduce the effect of researcher bias-which in turn increases credibility of research. Explain this to the reader. Provide an example (preferably from the stimulus material on the exam). Triangulation, when used between qualitative and quantitative methods, can also increase the internal validity of your research. Explain this to the reader. Provide an example. EFFECTS OF TRIANGULATION

TYPES OF TRIANGULATION Denzin (1970) extended the idea of triangulation beyond its conventional association with research methods and designs. He described three forms of triangulation: Data Triangulation: Gathering data using multiple sampling methods. Investigator triangulation: which refers to the use of more than one researcher in the field to gather and interpret data. Methodological triangulation: which refers to the use of more than one method for gathering data. TYPES OF TRIANGULATION

Data triangulation involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study. These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a group—participants, other researchers, family, other community members, and so on. Data Triangulation

If we were researching the RHS afterschool program, for example, the research process would start by identifying the stakeholder groups such as youth in the program, their parents, school teachers, and school administrators. In-depth interviews could be conducted with each of these groups to gain insight into their perspectives on program outcomes. During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence. Data Triangulation

If we were researching the RHS afterschool program, for example, the research process would start by identifying the stakeholder groups such as youth in the program, their parents, school teachers, and school administrators. In-depth interviews could be conducted with each of these groups to gain insight into their perspectives on program outcomes. During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence. Data Triangulation

Investigator Triangulation Investigator triangulation involves using several different investigators in the analysis process. Typically, this manifests as an evaluation team consisting of colleagues within a field of study wherein each investigator examines the group with the same qualitative method (interview, observation, case study, or focus groups). Investigator Triangulation

Investigator Triangulation The findings from each evaluator would then be compared to develop a broader and deeper understanding of how the different investigators view the issue. If the findings from the different evaluators arrive at the same conclusion, then the credibility in the findings would be heightened. Investigator Triangulation

Methological Triangulation Methodological triangulation involves the use of multiple qualitative and/or quantitative methods to study the program. For example, results from surveys, focus groups, and interviews could be compared to see if similar results are being found. If the conclusions from each of the methods are the same, then credibility is established. Methological Triangulation

How would triangulation effect credibility?

Effect of Data Triangulation Data triangulation validates your data and research by cross verifying the same information. This triangulation of data strengthens the research because the data has increased credibility due to fact that multiple sources confirm the description. Effect of Data Triangulation

Effect of Data Triangulation The triangulation of data strengthens the research. Additional sources of information often give more insight into a topic Inadequacies found in one-source data is minimized when multiple sources confirm the same data Effect of Data Triangulation

Effect of Data Triangulation In addition to that, triangulation can take on a confirmatory approach, overcoming challenges related to a single-method, single-observer and single-theory biasness and thus can be applied to add truth value to the research results and conclusions (Denzin,1989 in (Shih, 1998). Effect of Data Triangulation

Investigator Triangulation The findings from each evaluator would then be compared to develop a broader and deeper understanding of how the different investigators view the issue. If the findings from the different evaluators arrive at the same conclusion, then the credibility in the findings would be heightened. Investigator Triangulation

It is important to note that the use of triangulation strategies does not strengthen a flawed study. Why is this the case? Provide an example. Researchers should use triangulation if it can contribute to understanding the phenomenon; however, they must be able to articulate why the strategy is being used and how it might enhance the study. A closing reflection…

It is also important to note that one can never rule out bias or preconceptions but you should be cognizant of their presence and potential impact. In fact, failing to recognize bias in itself is known as “design bias” (which also includes failing to disclose assumptions and possible bias when reporting your findings). A closing reflection…

Particularly with qualitative research, it is considered best practice to acknowledge bias and preconceptions. This is what Contemporary Psychologist refer to as “REFLEXIVITY”. A closing reflection…

Explain reflexivity in qualitative research. Objective 1.9 Explain reflexivity in qualitative research.