Triangulation and Reflexivity

triangulation

combination of different approaches to collecting and interpreting data

method triangulation

if the same results are obtained using various methods, credibility increases

data triangulation

using data from a variety of sources

researcher triangulation

combining the oberservations/interpratations of several researchers. If two people see the same thing, this increases the credibility of their findings

theory triangulation

using multiple perspectives or theories to interpret the data

reflexivity

researchers should reflect on the possibility that their own biases might have interferred with the obeservations or interpratations. A certain degree of subjectivity is unavoidable

epistemological reflexivity

linked to knowledge of strengths and limitations of the method used to collect data

personal reflexivity

linked to the personal beliefs and expectations of the researcher

credibility

refers to the degree to which the results of the study can be trusted to reflect reality

generalizability

the extent to which we can generalize the results of a research study beyond the study itself