Why is "triangulation" significant in qualitative research?

Triangulation is significant in qualitative research primarily because it improves the credibility and trustworthiness of the findings by utilizing multiple data sources, methods, or perspectives. By gathering data from different sources or employing various research methods, researchers can cross-verify and corroborate their findings. This multi-faceted approach helps to provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the research topic, reducing bias that may arise from relying on a single source or method.

In qualitative research, where subjectivity and interpretation play vital roles, triangulation allows for a deeper exploration of the phenomenon being studied. This can lead to richer insights, as different angles of inquiry can reveal aspects that might have been overlooked if only one source or method was used. Ultimately, triangulation strengthens the overall reliability of qualitative research findings and enhances the ability to draw robust conclusions from the data.