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Chapter 3 Research Framework
Begley, 1996). Four main approaches are identified: data, investigator, theoretical
and methodological. Data triangulation involves using multiple sources of data, all
with a similar focus (Polit and Beck, 2006). Within this approach the researcher may
choose time, space or person triangulation. Time triangulation involves collecting
data about the same phenomenon at different time intervals, space triangulation
involves collecting data from multiple sites, and person triangulation involves
collecting data from any pair of the three levels of persons - these may be
individuals, groups or collectives (Begley, 1996). Investigator triangulation involves
two or more skilled researchers examining the data (Begley, 1996). Theoretical
triangulation involves developing competing hypotheses from different theoretical
backgrounds, which are then tested against each other with the purpose of generating
or testing theory (Begley, 1996). Finally, methodological triangulation involves
using two or more research methods.
Many authors have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of triangulation in
nursing research (Briller et al., 2008; Casey and Murphy, 2009; Redfern and
Norman, 1994; Silverman, 2001). Redfern and Norman (1994) state that
triangulation is ideal if one is investigating complex social issues and seeking to
provide rich explanations of phenomena. They state that the advantages include
achieving completeness from the research, achieving confidence in the research
results, and confirmation that the data collection tools are valid and that overall it can
overcome the bias inherent in using one single method. Redfern and Norman (1994)
also acknowledge that the disadvantages of triangulated research studies include the
high costs associated with using multiple methods of data collection and the
potential for error in the use of any one of the methods. Begley (1996) argued that
some of the highlighted disadvantages may in fact be limitations of any type of
research, and are not specifically related to triangulation. Begley (1996) further
explained that the researcher choosing triangulation must choose it for the correct
reasons and give an adequate rationale and adequate description of the planning and
method employed. Finally, Speziale and Carpenter (2003) suggested that
triangulation is particularly suited to nursing research due to the complexity of
nursing phenomena.