Triangulation and mixed methods designs: Practicing what we preach in the evaluation of an Israel experience educational program

Abstract

This article clarifies the role of triangulation in mixed methods research designs. Triangulation is used to describe "severe" statistical tests of correlation between alternative quantitative measurements and is employed to test the accuracy of those measurements. In contrast, the broader concept of mixed methods describes the integration of diverse qualitative and quantitative approaches and is employed to build theory. The concepts are developed and demonstrated in relation to a complex field study that evaluated an Israel experience educational program. © 2008 Sage Publications.