noun · academic
triangulation
UK/traɪˌæŋɡjʊˈleɪʃən/US/traɪˌæŋɡəˈleɪʃən/tri·AN·gu·la·tion
the use of multiple methods or data sources to cross-check findings and increase credibility
Examples
“The study used methodological triangulation—interviews, observation and a questionnaire—to validate the findings.”
“Triangulation helped the team resolve discrepancies between survey results and field notes.”
“Although 'triangulation' literally sounds like three, it refers to combining any multiple sources.”
Band 8 sentence
“By employing triangulation across data sources and analysts, the study achieved greater internal validity and nuanced interpretation of participant behaviour.”
Collocations
- methodological triangulation
- use triangulation
Word family
Common mistakes
Triangulation means using exactly three methods.→Triangulation means using multiple sources or methods (not necessarily three).
We triangulate the data by only one interview.→We triangulate the data using interviews, observation and documents.
Say it for a higher band
5use different methods→6cross-check→7+triangulation
Synonyms
cross-check
Easily confused
mixed methods
“The researchers used a mixed methods approach, combining a survey with focus groups.”
Related words
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In Science & Research
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