Issues in using methodological triangulation in research

Nurse Res. 2009;16(4):40-55. doi: 10.7748/nr2009.07.16.4.40.c7160.

Abstract

This paper describes how methodological triangulation was used in two nursing research studies. The literature identified a number of principles in reporting studies that used triangulation, including giving the rationale for using triangulation, detailing the process used to assist with triangulation and explaining how rigour was maintained. A brief review of triangulated studies revealed that few adhered fully to these principles. A 'within method' and an 'across method' study are used to illustrate how methodological triangulation was used, and the ways in which rigour was addressed are also described. In addition, the different contributions of triangulation to nursing research are highlighted.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Data Collection / methods*
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Humans
  • Nursing Methodology Research / methods*
  • Qualitative Research*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Research Design*