Definition

Triangulation

Strengthening a conclusion by approaching it through multiple methods, data sources, researchers, or theories.

Borrowed from navigation: one bearing locates a line, two locate a point. In research, if interviews, usage logs, and survey data all point at the same conclusion, the conclusion inherits robustness none of the methods has alone — each method’s weakness is another’s strength.

Four canonical types (Denzin): methods, data sources, investigators, theories. Convergence is not guaranteed — and divergence is a finding, not a failure: it usually means the phenomenon is more contextual than assumed.