Triangulation means using more than one method to study the same thing. By combining a suite of methods and data sources, we can come to a more complete answer to a question. The term is loosely borrowed from geometry, where it refers to calculating the distance to a point by looking at it from two other points.

For example, an evaluator could use interviews, a survey, and document content analysis together to draw better conclusions. By using multiple methods, data types, or evaluators, we can overcome the weaknesses of any one alone.

See also: qualitative data analysis, quantitative data analysis, mixed methods

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