Unit 1: Introduction to Research Triangulation
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Research Triangulation course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Action Research #
a type of research that is carried out by practitioners in their own context to solve problems and improve practices. It is a form of participatory research that emphasizes collaboration, reflection, and continuous improvement.
Case Study #
an in-depth investigation of a particular case or situation, often used in qualitative research. Case studies can provide rich, detailed information about a specific context, and can help researchers understand the complex interactions between variables.
Data Triangulation #
the use of multiple sources of data to verify and cross-check findings. Data triangulation can help researchers ensure that their findings are robust, reliable, and valid. It can include the use of different types of data (e.g., quantitative and qualitative), different data sources (e.g., interviews, surveys, and observations), and different data collection methods (e.g., structured and unstructured).
Epistemology #
a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature, sources, and limits of knowledge. Epistemology is concerned with questions such as: What is knowledge? How is it acquired? How can it be verified? What are the limits of knowledge? Epistemological assumptions can have a significant impact on research design, data collection, and data analysis.
Ethnography #
a research method that involves studying a culture or social group in depth, often through participant observation. Ethnography aims to provide a rich, holistic description of a particular social context, and can help researchers understand the meanings, values, and practices of the people being studied.
Mixed Methods Research #
a research approach that combines both qualitative and quantitative methods. Mixed methods research recognizes the strengths and limitations of both approaches, and seeks to integrate them in a way that provides a more complete understanding of a research problem.
Observational Research #
a research method that involves observing and recording the behavior of people, animals, or other phenomena in a natural setting. Observational research can provide valuable insights into how people behave in real-life situations, and can help researchers identify patterns and relationships that might not be apparent from other types of data.
Paradigm #
a set of assumptions, beliefs, and values that shape how researchers approach a particular research problem. Paradigms can influence research design, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation. Common paradigms in social science research include positivism, constructivism, and critical realism.
Participatory Research #
a type of research that involves active participation of the people being studied. Participatory research emphasizes collaboration, empowerment, and social change. It can help researchers build trust and rapport with participants, and can lead to more relevant and actionable findings.
Phenomenology #
a research method that focuses on the subjective experiences of individuals. Phenomenology aims to understand how people make sense of their world, and how they construct meaning from their experiences.
Pragmatism #
a philosophical approach that emphasizes practical solutions to real-world problems. Pragmatism recognizes that there may be multiple ways of understanding a research problem, and that the best approach is the one that works in a particular context.
Reliability #
the degree to which a research method or finding is consistent and replicable. Reliability is an important criterion for assessing the quality of research, as it helps ensure that findings are robust and trustworthy.
Research Design #
the overall plan or strategy for conducting a research study. Research design includes decisions about the research question, the research approach, the data collection methods, and the data analysis techniques.
Research Question #
a specific question or hypothesis that guides a research study. A well-crafted research question should be clear, focused, and feasible, and should lead to meaningful and actionable findings.
Survey Research #
a research method that involves collecting data through standardized questionnaires or interviews. Survey research can be used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data, and can provide valuable insights into the attitudes, behaviors, and opinions of a large and diverse population.
Systematic Review #
a comprehensive and rigorous synthesis of existing research on a particular topic. Systematic reviews use explicit and transparent methods to identify, evaluate, and synthesize all relevant studies, and can help researchers identify gaps, inconsistencies, and biases in the literature.
Triangulation #
the use of multiple methods, data sources, or perspectives to validate and corroborate research findings. Triangulation can help researchers ensure that their findings are robust, reliable, and valid, and can provide a more complete and nuanced understanding of a research problem.
Validity #
the degree to which a research method or finding accurately reflects the phenomenon being studied. Validity is an important criterion for assessing the quality of research, as it helps ensure that findings are meaningful and trustworthy.
Visual Research #
a research method that involves the use of visual data, such as photographs, videos, or diagrams. Visual research can provide valuable insights into the social, cultural, and political dimensions of a research problem, and can help researchers communicate their findings in more engaging and accessible ways.
These glossary terms provide a foundation for understanding research triangulati… #
By using multiple methods, data sources, and perspectives, researchers can ensure that their findings are robust, reliable, and valid, and can provide a more complete and nuanced understanding of complex social phenomena.