Triangulation in Research: Exploring Moroccan EFL University Graduate Students’ Knowledge and Familiarity

Abstract

Research methodology constitutes the stem of most empirical studies, ranging from qualitative, quantitative, to mixed methods. In the course of conducting any study, the extensive knowledge of these practices is prerequisite, especially for novice researchers. Be it the least conventional type, mixed methods or triangulation has been grounded in theory since 1970s. It has become widely accepted as a way to improve the analysis and interpretation of findings (Denzin, 2010), as well as increase the validity of the outcomes (Creswell, 2014). Bearing in mind the valuable interest guaranteed by this latter, the present paper aimed at exploring the extent to which graduate students are familiar with triangulation in research, as translated in their knowledge about its types along with its previous use. This was carried out on 20 Moroccan graduate students coming from different universities through an open-ended/ self- reported survey questionnaire done online. The results revealed 70% of the participants claimed familiarity with the concept of triangulation, while 30% reported no prior knowledge of it. Half of the participants reported prior use of triangulation in their theses/ articles, master’s degree dominating, while ‘methodological triangulation’ was the type mostly adopted. These findings count as a great foundation for future research aiming to investigate the reasons behind each result obtained. The answers of which will help connect the bridge of theory and practice accounting for research methodology.