Triangulated Research Designs — A Justification?

Abstract

The use of triangulated research designs is becoming increasingly popular, particularly in applied sociology and evaluation research. There is a substantial amount of literature on triangulated research methods, particularly in the fields of social research methods and nursing. This paper examines the uses of the concept of triangulation in applied sociological research. It does so first by reviewing uses of the term in various applied contexts. We then turn to whether and how the information derived from multiple methods is actually integrated by the applied researcher. Finally, we discuss the importance of triangulation for the quality of work in the field of applied sociology.