The article “The Methodological Triangulation in the Social Research Scope” is devoted to collecting information from different points of view and how this affects the research process. The central hypothesis of this study was that methodological triangulation, a principle of combining several complementary methods, enriches social research (Andoy et al.). This is especially important since the object of study in sociology is multifaceted and complex (Andoy et al.). The article discusses approaches to several social studies using pluralistic methods that complement each other.
The notion that triangulation could be helpful in social research appeared in the 1950s. However, for a long time, different methods, for example, quantitative and qualitative, were considered opposite and incompatible in one study (Andoy et al.). Nevertheless, different types of triangulation can be used in scientific work – methodological, theoretical (combining several theories), and triangulation of sources (attracting different kinds of sources) (Andoy et al.). This enriches the study and makes it possible to contrast the results.
Andoy et al. analyzed the methodology for studying people with disabilities in the context of using pluralistic methods. To do this, the researchers created various surveys and questionnaires for disabled people and their caregivers. They started with a survey and quantitative methods of collecting information and then supplemented them with qualitative ones, seeing possible gaps (Andoy et al.). Thus, the researchers obtained a picture of the state of people with disabilities from different points of view, both statistically and in individual cases.
Although traditionally quantitative and qualitative research methods were perceived as opposite, the article shows how they complement each other, creating a multidimensional picture. Qualitative methods explain processes and phenomena, while quantitative methods determine their size and prevalence (Andoy et al.). Using secondary sources completes the picture with additional information not sought initially. In general, this approach makes the object of study less flat and more realistic.
Reference
Andoy, L. N., Del Amo, S. P., & Ruiz, J. The methodological triangulation in the social research scope: two examples of use. Institute of Social Studies of Andalusia (Iesa/Csic). Department of Telephone Studies.