Investigator Triangulation: A Strategy for Enhancing Trustworthiness in Qualitative Research

Abstract

Introduction: The use of various strategies in qualitative research is essential for enhancing research trustworthiness. One widely accepted and commonly used strategy is triangulation, which involves using multiple data sources, methods, or perspectives to verify the consistency of research findings and reduce bias in data interpretation. Investigator triangulation is a crucial approach that emphasizes the use of multiple researchers' viewpoints and analyses to ensure the credibility and reliability of the interpretation and presentation of research results.

              Main Content: The trustworthiness of qualitative research is established using four criteria: credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. Of these, triangulation is one of the critical components in verifying and validating the research results. Such way, investigator triangulation has two basic dimensions: the conjugation of the triangulation process and researcher population diversity. The triangulation process has three phases: (1) preparation during which researchers are recruited, instruments are developed, data is collected and researchers are trained; (2) During this phase data collection, discussions, coding, code comparison, and result summarization are conducted; and (3) reporting which presents the oral and written findings of the research. The diversity of the researchers is analyzed in terms of specialization, pedigree and neutrality.

              Conclusion: Investigator triangulation is a useful factor for increasing the trustworthiness and validity of qualitative research. This is one of the principles which researchers can implement in enhancing the consistency and the quality of their research work with regard to the topic. To this effect, investigator triangulation is beneficial as it enriches the understanding of the data by bringing in researchers with different and divergent views on the matter.

              Knowledge and Utilization: Key approaches to increasing the trustworthiness of qualitative research through investigator triangulation include (1) using diverse data sources, (2) employing various data collection methods, (3) involving multiple investigators, (4) applying different theoretical frameworks, and (5) performing repeated analysis checks. These strategies allow all researchers in a project to contribute to data analysis and interpretation, ensuring objectivity, reducing bias, and improving the overall credibility and depth of research findings.