ASSIGNMENT

 ASSIGNMENT NO: 02

 TOPIC NAME: Triangulation Research and Grounded Theory Research

 SUBMITED TO: DR. KHUSHBAKHT HINA

 SUBMITTED BY: SHERAZ KHAN

 REGISTRATION ID:

 SUBJECT: ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS IN STRATEGIC STUDIES

 DESCIPLIN: MSSS, SEMESTER : 01

 DATE: 12-11-2019

Department of Aerospace Science

and Strategic Studies

Air University Islamabad

 Triangulation Research

Introduction

Triangulation is a powerful technique that facilitates validation of data through cross

verification from two or more sources. ... It is process of using more than one method, theory,

researcher and data collection method & technique to make the research findings more valid,

reliable and generalizable.

The term ‘triangulation’ originates in the field of navigation where a location is determined by

using the angles from two known points. Triangulation in research is the use of more than one

approach to researching a question. The objective is to increase confidence in the findings

through the confirmation of a proposition using two or more independent measures. The

combination of findings from two or more rigorous approaches provides a more comprehensive

picture of the results than either approach could do alone.

Triangulation is typically associated with research methods and designs. However, there are

several other variations on the term. Triangulation may be the use of multiple theories, data

sources, methods or investigators within the study of a single phenomenon. The technique was

originally introduced into qualitative research as a means to avoid potential biases arising from

the use of a single methodology. This technique is used to confirm suggested findings, but it can
also be used to determine the completeness of data. In triangulation research may include two or

more sets of data collection using the same methodology, such as from qualitative data sources.

Alternatively, the study may use two different data collection methods as with qualitative and

quantitative. “This can allow the limitations from each method to be transcended by comparing

findings from different perspectives.’’

Types of Triangulation Research

In general, triangulation can enhance the validity and reliability of existing observations about a

given situation. If findings converge, it can also generate new, credible findings about a situation

or phenomenon and can create new ways of looking at a situation or phenomenon. Most

importantly, it can provide a better understanding of a situation or phenomenon.

There are four main types of triangulation research.

1. Methods triangulation

In the most widely-used type of triangulation the researcher off-sets the weaknesses of one

method with the strengths of another as a means of improving the reliability and validity of their

research.

A combination of methods can give a more rounded picture of someone's life and behavior; a

researcher could, for example, observe a respondent's behavior using participant observation and

also question them about why they did something. Alternatively the researcher could compare
the results from two different methods used on the same people (such as a semi-structured

interview and a focus group) and if the conclusions drawn are broadly the same this helps

confirm the reliability and validity of the data.

2. Data Triangulation

Data triangulation entails using different sources of information in bid to increase the validity of

a study. It also involves the cross-checking of the consistency of given factual data items from

different sources through various methods at different times, (Patton 1990).

This involves gathering data through differing sampling strategies such as collecting data:

▪ at different times

▪ in different contexts

▪ from different people.

This type may also include gathering data from both the people involved and the researcher's

own experiences of a situation.

3. Theoretical triangulation

This type involves a researcher combining different research methodologies, such as

interpretivism and feminism and methods (quantitative and qualitative) in an attempt to

 improve research reliability and validity. The primary strength of theoretical triangulation is

its ability to look deeper and more broadly at findings.

Theory triangulation involves the use of various perspectives/disciplines to infer a distinct set of

data. Theories are regarded as having better consistence with existing facts than common sense

and not only this but rather theories summarize and organize a great deal of information.

4. Investigator triangulation

A key strength of investigator triangulation is the reduction of bias in gathering, reporting and

analyzing data. There is a general sense that having multiple investigators not only reduces bias

but can also have a positive impact on both validity and reliability. Investigator triangulation is

another type. This involves using many different investigators in the analysis process. While this

is may be an efficient method of establishing validity.

Using researchers from different ethnic, age, gender and class groups can be used to check for

things like observer and interviewer bias and would also ensure a broader and potentially more

balanced perspective on the situation being examined.

 Grounded theory Research

Grounded theory involves the collection and analysis of data. The theory is “grounded” in actual

data, which means the analysis and development of theories happens after you have collected the

data. It was introduced by Glaser & Strauss in 1967 to legitimize qualitative research. However,

it’s use isn’t limited to qualitative studies; it is a general method that can be applied to many

areas of research.

Grounded theory is a well-known methodology employed in many research studies. Qualitative

and quantitative data generation techniques can be used in a grounded theory study. Grounded

theory sets out to discover or construct theory from data, systematically obtained and analyzed

using comparative analysis. While grounded theory is inherently flexible, it is a complex

methodology.

To start the grounded theory process, you should:

1. Identify the area of interest.

2. Avoid preconceived theories and focus on the data only.

3. Use theoretical sensitivity an awareness of subtle messages and meanings in data.

Grounded theory commonly uses the following data collection methods:

 Interviewing participants with open-ended questions.

 Participant Observation (fieldwork) and/or focus groups.

 Study of Artifacts and Texts

  Features of Grounded Theory

Charmaz (1995, 2002) identifies a number of features that all grounded theories have:

• Simultaneous collection and analysis of data

• Creation of analytic codes and categories developed from data and not by pre-existing

conceptualizations (theoretical sensitivity)

• Discovery of basic social processes in the data

• Inductive construction of abstract categories

• Theoretical sampling to refine categories

• Writing analytical memos as the stage between coding and writing

• The integration of categories into a theoretical framework.

Realistically there are several main types of grounded theory:

Classical Grounded Theory

Classical grounded theory is based on the Glaser and Strauss (1967) book “The Discovery of

Grounded Theory”, in which it is envisaged more as a theory generation methodology, rather

than just an analytical approach. The idea is that you examine data and discover in it new theory

– new ways of explaining the world. Here everything is data, and you should include fieldwork

notes as well as other literature in your process. However, a gap is recommended so that
literature is not examined first (like when doing a literature review) creating bias too early, but

rather engaging with existing theory as something to be challenged.

Modified (Straussian)

The way most people think about grounded theory probably links closest to the Strauss and

Corbin (1990) interpretation of grounded theory, which is probably more systematic and

concerned with coding and structuring qualitative data. It traditionally proposes a three (or

sometimes two) stage iterative coding approach, first creating open codes (inductive), then

grouping and relating them with axial coding, and finally a process of selective coding. In this

approach, you may consider a literature review to be a restrictive process, binding you to

prejudices from existing theory. But depending on the different interpretations, modified

grounded theory might be more action oriented, and allow more theory to come from the

researcher as well as the data.

Feminist

A lot of the literature here comes from the nursing field, including Kushner and Morrow

(2003), Wuest (1995), and Keddy (2006). There are clear connections here with constructivist

and post-modern approaches: especially the rejection of positivist interpretations (even in

grounded theory!), recognition of multiple possible interpretations of reality, and the

examination of diversity, privilege and power relations.

When would you use it?

Focus of the methodology is uncovering basic social processes • Ideal for exploring integral

social relationships and the behavior of groups where there has been little exploration of the

contextual factors that affect individual’s lives.(Crooks 2001) ‘get though and beyond conjecture

and preconception to exactly the underlying processes of what is going on, so that professionals

can intervene with confidence to help resolve the participant's main concerns’ (Glaser 1978).
Conclusion

Triangulation is seen by the researcher not only as a tool, but also a solution in our complex

world to provide valid and reliable data. Thus the qualitative research approach is not only

strengthened, but also empowered by implementing triangulation. Triangulation also represented

a more discursive approach to the identification of needs as well as being of potential value for

decision-making relating to the promotion of quality in staff and the Programme as a whole.

Therefore the above-mentioned demonstrated that the qualitative-quantitative debate moved

from conflict to co-operation.

Rather than an engagement in philosophical discussion or a debate of the different genres that

can be used in grounded theory, this article illustrates how a framework for a research study

design can be used to guide and inform the novice nurse researcher undertaking a study using

grounded theory. Research findings and recommendations can contribute to policy or knowledge

development, service provision and can reform thinking to initiate change in the substantive area

of inquiry.