The use of triangulation for completeness purposes.

Abstract

Triangulation in research refers to the use of multiple techniques for gathering and/or handling data within a single study The original purpose of triangulation was to seek confirmation of apparent findings. There now appears to be support for a second purpose - completeness. This paper reviews the arguments surrounding the use of triangulation, and shows how its use facilitated one researcher's attempt to provide a complete picture of the phenomenon explored in a qualitative study of the adequacy of the nurse education system in Malta.