Triangulation and the stages of research

Question 1

Methodological pluralism definition

Answer 1

the term used to describe when sociologists use a variety of methods in a single piece of research

Question 2

Triangulation definition

Answer 2

the use of 2 or more research methods in a single piece of research to check the reliability and validity of research evidence

Question 3

Most sociologists use a range of methods

Answer 3

to collect different kinds (qualitative and quantitative) of data, using the methods that seem best suited and most practical for what they’re studying

Question 4

Sociologists may use triangulation to check

Answer 4

that their results are valid and reliable (eg using observation to check if data collected in questionnaires is accurate or valid

Question 5

Examples of sociologists using methodological pluralism/triangulation

Answer 5

• Humphries in ‘Tea Room Trade’ used a combination of questionnaires, unstructured interviews and participant observation
• Hobson’s (2000) research on teacher training courses used questionnaires to obtain the views of 300+ trainees, and supplemented this with interviews with 20 trainees and participant observation
• Social Issues Research Centre in 2011, ‘The Changing Face of Motherhood’, used a review of data and official statistics 1930-2011, qualitative research through focus groups with mothers, interviews and an online quantitative survey

Question 6

The uses of methodological pluralism and triangulation

Answer 6

• provide qualitative data to back up the findings of quantitative data
• provide quantitative data to back up the findings of qualitative data
• check the findings of secondary data by primary research
• overcome doubts about the representativeness and generalisability of research
• make the research more reliable
• build a fuller picture of the population or group being studied
• overcome the limitations of one research method by the advantages of other methods
• check the validity of findings

Question 7

The stages of the research process

Answer 7

1. Select the research problem or topic to be investigated
2. State your aims (form a hypothesis or pose questions)
3. Operationalise concepts
4. Choose the most suitable research method (select suitable sampling techniques if survey)
5. Ensure ethical guidelines are complied with
6. Carry out a pilot study
7. Carry out the research
8. Analyse the results
9. Prepare a report