Triangulation is a technique used to increase the validity and credibility of the study by using multiple approaches, such as data sources, methods, theories, or investigators, to study the phenomenon from different perspectives. This reduces the biases and limitations of using only a single method or source.
Lets understand this concept in detail
suppose you are teacher at school where you want assess students performance; however, you don’t want to rely wholly on written exams because it don’t give you whole picture; thus, using multiple methods can be used to evaluate student performance comprehensively:
Objective: To assess student performance in a course on Business Communication Skills, focusing on knowledge retention, critical thinking, application, and communication skills.
Evaluation Methods
- Class Test:
- Purpose: Measures knowledge retention and understanding of key concepts covered in lectures.
- Format: A timed written test including multiple-choice questions, short answers, and definitions.
- Frequency: Mid-semester and end-semester.
- Weight: 20% of total grade.
- Oral Test:
- Purpose: Assesses verbal communication, understanding, and ability to articulate thoughts under pressure.
- Format: Each student presents on a chosen topic, followed by questions from the evaluator.
- Frequency: Twice a semester.
- Weight: 15% of total grade.
- Surprise Test:
- Purpose: Evaluates readiness and ongoing engagement with the course material.
- Format: Unannounced quiz covering recent topics.
- Frequency: Once every month.
- Weight: 10% of total grade.
- Case Study Analysis:
- Purpose: Tests critical thinking, analytical skills, and application of theoretical knowledge.
- Format: Students analyze a business communication case study and provide solutions, either individually or in groups.
- Frequency: Assigned once in the semester.
- Weight: 25% of total grade.
- Written Assignment:
- Purpose: Assesses research, writing skills, depth of understanding, and ability to organize information.
- Format: A detailed report on a chosen topic related to business communication, including references and structured arguments.
- Frequency: Once per semester.
- Weight: 30% of total grade.
Overall Assessment Approach
Using this mix of evaluation methods allows educators to assess students from different perspectives. For instance:
- Class and surprise tests provide a quantitative measure of knowledge retention.
- Oral tests reveal students’ ability to verbally communicate and respond in real-time.
- Case studies assess practical application and analytical thinking.
- Written assignments gauge depth of understanding, research skills, and written expression.
This holistic approach provides a richer, multidimensional view of student performance, reducing the impact of biases from any single evaluation method and offering a balanced, fair assessment of both theoretical and practical competencies.
Types of Triangulation
- Methodological triangulation : In this type, we use multiple methods, e.g., quantitative as well as qualitative to study the phenomenon ).
- Data Triangulation: When we use multiple sources for data collection, e.g., surveys, interviews, observations, documents, etc.)
- Investigator Triangulation: It involve multiple researcher to study the same phenomenon; it helps to reduce the bias because there is no single researcher involve in study.
- Theoretical triangulation: Using multiple theories to understand and interpret the findings of the study.
By applying the triangulation technique, researchers can get comprehensive insights and confidence in their studies; however, the only drawback of triangulation is that it requires huge resources, planning, and expertise.