An overview of Triangulation and its effect in Language Assessment

Triangulation is defined as using more than one method of data collection and analysis when studying a social phenomenon so as to seek convergence and corroboration between the results obtained from different methods, therefore, eliminating the bias inherent in the use of a single method (Denzin, 2012). Moreover, he believes triangulation originally refers to the use of multiple forms of qualitative research methods, not the combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. Triangulation is a tool or a strategy for validation; triangulation is an alternative to validation, reflecting and it is an attempt to secure understanding of the phenomenon which was under study. Through triangulation of qualitative and quantitative research methods one can reach a complementarity. Since different data types and analysis are appropriate for different research questions and processes. In this way, quantitative and qualitative results may be used to interpret different aspects of the phenomenon. The basic logic for complementarity relies on viewing social phenomena as multi-layered. This complementarity is best achieved by performing each method interactively/interdependently and concurrently, to focus on all possible complexity of the phenomena under study. Furthermore, it seems that teachers for achieving a correct criteria for assessing students’ performance should use mixed approaches method or triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data assessment for reaching a correct answer in assessing and strengthening the research.

Keywords:

Language Assessment , Quantitative Methods , Qualitative Methods , Triangulation