Volume 33, Issue 3 p. 253-258

The Point of Triangulation

Veronica A. Thurmond

Corresponding Author

Veronica A. Thurmond

Veronica A. Thurmond, MAJ, AN, RN, MS, Delta , Doctoral Student, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS

Ms. Thurmond. E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author
First published: 23 April 2004
Citations: 625

The author acknowledges the assistance of Dr. Ann Kuckelman Cobb. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, the Departments of Defense, or the U. S. Government.

Abstract

Purpose: To explore various types of triangulation strategies and to indicate when different types of triangulation should be used in research.

Methods: Reviews included literature on triangulation and multimethod strategies published since 1960 and research books specifically focusing on triangulation.

Findings: Triangulation is the combination of at least two or more theoretical perspectives, methodological approaches, data sources, investigators, or data analysis methods. The intent of using triangulation is to decrease, negate, or counterbalance the deficiency of a single strategy, thereby increasing the ability to interpret the findings.

Conclusions: The use of triangulation strategies does not strengthen a flawed study. 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.