What does triangulation in research involve?

Triangulation in research involves employing multiple methods or sources to enhance the validity of findings. This approach recognizes that using diverse data collection techniques—such as interviews, surveys, and observations—can provide a more comprehensive understanding of a research question. By integrating different perspectives, researchers can cross-verify results, which helps to mitigate the biases that can arise from relying on a single source or method. This strengthens the overall credibility of the research findings, allowing for a richer and more nuanced analysis.

The other options focus on either a singular approach or specific research designs that do not align with the concept of triangulation. Using a single source for data collection or studying a single variable in isolation limits the scope of research and can lead to incomplete or biased conclusions. Conducting a longitudinal study, while valuable in certain contexts, does not inherently reflect the principle of triangulation, which is centered specifically on the variety of methods and sources used within the research process.