Our minds are like nomads - we wander, eat, and move on. We consume in this way to keep our brain fed, but there are issues when we process information in such a way. Taken too quickly, it can lead us to hasty generalizations. Taken too far, it can lead us to take the wrong route and send us somewhere we never expected.
However, like a foodie with a fine palette, we can savor our meals and take another approach when consuming information. We can train our brains to make conclusions more slowly and deliberately. We can train our brain to find consciously find and integrate information to make better judgments.
In the social sciences, they call this the process of triangulation. This framework suggests that when we use multiple data sources, perspectives, and research approaches to validate or invalidate an idea, our findings will be more reliable and valid.
So, instead of acting like a nomad, hungry for his next meal, we can take the approach of a hunter-gatherer, slowly collecting information to get to the best meal possible.
Origins
Making accurate judgments requires us to sustain a balanced information diet. By combining quantitative and qualitative data from varied sources, we can reach new and better conclusions that are closer to the truth. Which will give us confidence when we think and act.
The science of triangulation started in ancient times when Egyptians measured distances and points as they built their massive pyramids and other structures. They mostly centered their use cases around measuring the height and slight of their constructions.
Over time, other civilizations picked up the method for various other uses:
As it found use in the physical world, social scientists picked it up for their own use case, social research. Seeking more valid and reliable results, the foremost scientists to pick up the hard science of triangulation and bring it into the social sciences were Donald Campbell and Donald Fiske in 1959. In their paper, which sounds like a movie in the Marvel series, “Convergent and discriminant validation by the multitrait-multimethod matrix”, the two promote the use of using at least methods in the process of validation.
As it developed over the next few decades in the field, the concept has been refined to better define the methods of triangulation. As a result, there are now five forms of triangulation that can lead us to valid results.
The types of triangulation
Per the University of Tennessee, the types of triangulation are:
(Denzin, 1970; Denzin & Lincoln, 1998)
Data triangulation - entails gathering data through several sampling strategies, so that slices of data at different times and social situations, as well as on a variety of people, are gathered
Investigator triangulation - refers to the use of more than one researcher in the field to gather and interpret data
Theoretical triangulation - refers to the use of more than one theoretical position in interpreting data
Methodological triangulation - refers to the use of more than one method for gathering data
Environmental triangulation - refers to the use of different locations, settings, and other key factors related to the environment in which the study occurred
The importance of triangulation today
Knowing how to triangulate is one thing, but why is it important? As we stated earlier, we live in a world that gives us a heaping of useful information. Every tweet we come by, article headline, or podcast comes with information that shapes how we see the world. Taking this information without cross-verifying it can be dangerous and lead us to unhealthy minds and poor decisions.
As a human living in a fast-paced and highly technical world, we need to make a habit of pausing and reviewing information. We need to cross-verify it to reach confirmation or disconfirmation. In the process, we will become smarter and wiser.
Continuous triangulation
In real-time, triangulation comes down to recognizing what you don’t know and speed and access to resources. It requires patience and diligence.
Taking an example - think about how you might learn about how global warming affects the ocean.
As a first step, you’d want to find the most credible source for the google search with your question in mind.
Then you’d continue by talking to, or if not possible, listening to, a marine biologist about the impact.
You’d continue doing more research and using varied methods until you formed a judgment of the topic.
In this straightforward way, you’d eventually reach a perspective that is balanced, reliable, and valid.
Golden rules
As you become a more efficient and rigorous researcher, you should know of a few anti-patterns that can affect your process.
Avoid making hasty generalizations
Even though triangulation combats against quick judgments, it can sometimes lead to the wrong conclusions. This happens because you find sources that confirm one another, or you become too committed to too few sources. This leads to the thing we’re trying to avoid - hasty generalizations. An anecdote for this is to never cease exploring alternative sources that both validate and invalidate your perspective. In ancient times, triangulating was the practice of using multiple triangles to get to the right point, tap that historic activity, and keep forming your own triangles on your journey to a more accurate belief.
Using balanced sources
The most insidious way of getting lost as we triangulate is entering a filter bubble. These bubbles manifest as we subconsciously find confirming information rather than seeking to balance our existing opinion. In this process, we get lost in sources that lean to the right or left, which can lead to deceptively politicized opinions. An easy way to combat is to find out who is funding the source. Once you know this, you can discern an agenda and determine if you want to believe this information or discard it.
Becoming a good triangulator is pivotal in such an information-dense environment. Even if it takes patience and restraint, it yields realistic and valid perspectives. With these, you’ll be a much more informed thinker and doer.
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