Triangulation in mixed-methods studies serves to?

Triangulation in mixed-methods studies serves to?

• A. Replace the need for diverse data
• B. Increase sample size
• C. Cross-validate findings across sources and methods
• D. Eliminate qualitative data

Answer: (C)

Triangulation in mixed-methods research is about cross-checking findings using multiple data sources and methods to strengthen the credibility of results. When different approaches—like quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews or observations—converge on the same conclusion, you gain greater confidence that the result reflects a real pattern rather than a quirk of any single method. It also helps explain why findings might diverge, guiding interpretation rather than discarding data. By showing where evidence aligns across sources and methods, triangulation serves as a way to cross-validate findings.

Triangulation in mixed-methods research is about cross-checking findings using multiple data sources and methods to strengthen the credibility of results. When different approaches—like quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews or observations—converge on the same conclusion, you gain greater confidence that the result reflects a real pattern rather than a quirk of any single method. It also helps explain why findings might diverge, guiding interpretation rather than discarding data. By showing where evidence aligns across sources and methods, triangulation serves as a way to cross-validate findings.