Research Methods Paper
Social science research is a broad term which can be loosely defined as the act of searching for both scientific and oral material of a particular topic with the specific intent of examining particular aspect in the society, bringing about understanding and new knowledge. In social science research there is precise synthesis of various researched data sources to give off information. In social science research there is an inherent tendency of getting information which is not entirely accurate hence being invaluable, worthless, and deceiving. Triangulation is a concept derived from surveying according to Denzin (1988), introduced in social science research to ensure the accuracy of resourced data. The main thrust of this essay is to discuss the relevance of triangulation in social science research.
According to O Donoghue and Punch (2003), Triangulation is a method of cross checking data from multiple sources for regularities in the research data. Robson (1993; 404) advocates that, “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”. These various definitions from different scholars suggest though salient, that it is quiet difficult to pin down the exact definition of triangulation as has been stated by Robson (1993; 290) again that, “… triangulation in it’s various guises for example using the multiple method, or obtaining information relevant to a topic or issue from several informants…” it might seem as if it cannot be defined but the main emphasis portrayed by many definitions is that it is a testing mechanism used to ensure the accuracy of data gathered and the outcomes analyzed are telling you what you think they are telling you.
Triangulation is subdivided into four types which are analysis triangulation, investigator triangulation, theory triangulation, and methodological triangulation. They are all designed to serve one common cause mentioned
According to O Donoghue and Punch (2003), Triangulation is a method of cross checking data from multiple sources for regularities in the research data. Robson (1993; 404) advocates that, “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”. These various definitions from different scholars suggest though salient, that it is quiet difficult to pin down the exact definition of triangulation as has been stated by Robson (1993; 290) again that, “… triangulation in it’s various guises for example using the multiple method, or obtaining information relevant to a topic or issue from several informants…” it might seem as if it cannot be defined but the main emphasis portrayed by many definitions is that it is a testing mechanism used to ensure the accuracy of data gathered and the outcomes analyzed are telling you what you think they are telling you.
Triangulation is subdivided into four types which are analysis triangulation, investigator triangulation, theory triangulation, and methodological triangulation. They are all designed to serve one common cause mentioned