Triangulation Reflexivity Credibility

 1) To understand what triangulation of research is.  2) To understand what reflexivity in qualitative research is.  3) To understand why it is important that Psychology research is credible.

 This means simply combining several research methods together in order to study one thing.  There are 4 different types which we will look at. “The use of evidence from difference sources, of different methods of collecting data and of different investigators, where feasible, are all triangulation techniques which enhance credibility” Robson, C. (1998), Real World Research Blackwell: Oxford.

 This uses data from different times, locations and participants.  It means the sample is a wider range and therefore the data is more likely to be valid to society in general than if we interviewed 30 teachers, or 70 IB students. PP1 – asked at 12.00pm in the street PP2 – asked at outside the local shop PP3 – asked at in the local pub

 This involves using multiple observers, rather than single observers.  This reduces the experimenter bias that an individual experimenter can cause.  It also ensures that the results are valid as all observers should get the same results. Observer 2 Observer 4 Observer 3Observer 1 PP’s

 This is using theories from more than one perspective to interpret the data. Cognitive ApproachBiological Approach Socio-cultural Approach We commit crime because we THINK it is justifiable We commit crime because we have criminal GENES We commit crime because we are around OTHERS who commit crime

 Using more than one method to study someone / something. Observation Case Study Cognitive function (memory test) Interview IQ test If we were to study KF we could triangulate any of the methods to get a full picture of his brain injury.

 Reflexivity is: the awareness of how the researcher’s involvement in the study will have an effect upon the outcome of the study.  Similar to experimenter bias.  It is important for the experimenter to be aware of their existing perceptions, cultural, religious and moral background and know how they in turn may affect research.  This is especially important in qualitative research as methods such as case studies and interviews require a lot of time to be spent by the experimenter with participants.

 For example, if you have been asked to conduct a case study of teenage psychiatric patient who has a history of drug abuse and neglect, here are some things you may want to consider involving reflexivity: Your opinion of drug use Your experience of mental health issues Your age Your socio- economic background

 It is important that research done in Psychology is credible, Psychology is a science and as such any research must be:  Ethical  Reliable  Valid  Necessary  Professional  Of a sufficient sample size

 What would be the implications for Psychology if research studies were not conducted credibly?