How do you use mixed methods or triangulation to combine and compare data from different sources and methods?

1 What are mixed methods and triangulation?

Mixed methods are research designs that use both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods in a single study. Qualitative methods are those that explore meanings, experiences, or interpretations of phenomena, such as interviews, observations, or document analysis. Quantitative methods are those that measure variables, test hypotheses, or produce statistics, such as surveys, experiments, or tests. Mixed methods can help you answer complex research questions, address multiple aspects of a problem, or complement the strengths and weaknesses of each method.

Triangulation is a technique that uses multiple sources or methods of data to cross-check or verify the findings of a study. Triangulation can help you increase the credibility, consistency, and completeness of your results, as well as identify contradictions, gaps, or biases. There are different types of triangulation, such as data triangulation (using different sources of data), method triangulation (using different methods of data collection or analysis), investigator triangulation (using different researchers), or theory triangulation (using different theoretical frameworks).

2 Why use mixed methods or triangulation?

Using mixed methods or triangulation can offer you several advantages for your research, such as enhancing the validity and reliability of your findings by comparing different types of data or methods. It can also provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of your research topic by capturing different dimensions, perspectives, or contexts. Additionally, it can generate new insights or hypotheses by integrating or synthesizing diverse data or methods. Moreover, mixed methods can address the limitations or challenges of a single method or source by compensating or supplementing with another. Finally, it can increase the generalizability or transferability of your findings by demonstrating their applicability or relevance to different situations or populations.

3 How to use mixed methods or triangulation?

When using mixed methods or triangulation, there is no one-size-fits-all approach; it depends on the research purpose, question, design, and context. To get started, you should define your research purpose and question and decide whether you need to use mixed methods or triangulation. Then, choose the appropriate type and level of mixing or triangulation for your study and justify your choice. After that, plan how you will collect and analyze data from different sources or methods, and how you will integrate or compare them. Executing the data collection and analysis procedures is also important, as well as documenting the process and challenges. Finally, report and interpret your findings while discussing how they are supported, enriched, or challenged by the mixed methods or triangulation approach. Using mixed methods or triangulation can help improve the quality and depth of data and analysis; however, it is important to consider the suitability, feasibility, and ethics of using these approaches for your research project.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?