What is the difference between methodological pluralism and triangulation

You are commenting using your WordPress. You are commenting using your Google account. You are commenting using your Twitter account. You are commenting using your Facebook account. Notify me of new comments via email. Notify me of new posts via email. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Email Address:.

Blog at WordPress. Methodological triangulation refers to what Denzin calls the use of two or more research methods, the general idea being the researcher can off-set the weaknesses of one method with the strengths of another as a means of improving reliability and validity. This approach can be further subdivided in terms of:. In this respect, Harvey and MacDonald summarise the use of researcher-focused methodological triangulation as involving any combination of:. Sociological research, therefore, should of necessity involve collecting different types of data, qualitative and quantitative, primary and secondary — something that serves three main purposes:.

Data triangulation involves gathering information through different sampling strategies — such as collecting data:. Venkatesh , for example, was able to make sense of certain forms of behaviour — such as drug dealing — and experiences — such as being black and poor — in ways that would not have been possible if he had not been intimately involved in the world he was studying.

He gathered data from both those involved — their understanding of what it meant to be black and poor, for example — and from his own experience of living in their world. Theoretical triangulation is based on the idea that just as research methods are inherently error prone, so too are theoretical positions. Supplemented with informal interviews to gain in depth knowledge.

Methodological Pluralism and Triangulation Methodological Pluralism: The use of variety methods in a single piece of research. Useful for increasing sociological understanding of social life -Sociologists will often use use a variety of methods and different type of data to check the results obtained by a particular method are valid and reliable. Triangulation: Use of two of more research methods in a single piece of research to check the reliability and validity of research evidence - Examples of these 2 approaches: "Huphreys in Tearoom Trade" - Use a combination of Q, UI and PO.

Provide qualitative date to check findings of quantative data 2. Provide quantative data to check the findings of qualitative data 3.