Data Triangulation-Validity, Measurement and Perception

Data triangulation improves research validity by grabbing information to understand a subject form multiple sources. One may also want to explore varying types of measurements to improve upon the formulation of a mental image of what a particular phenomenon looks like. Just like we wouldn't rely on a single opinion (or vantage point) before making an important decision we also don't want to rely on a single measurement (perhaps an incorrect one) to anchor our understandings (leading to incorrect assumptions throughout the chain of logic such as a conspiracy theory, racism, bigotry, or erroneous belief because people didn't go back and check the initial false assumptions/measurement). 

When trying to grasp the nature of a phenomenon it is helpful to think of all the different ways in which one could "see"👀 the problem. Selecting the methods with the most promise for exploration is an important strategic consideration. Where there are no existing ways to measure you may need to use multiple measurements in multiple ways to explore the edges of a concept (thereby defining it). Sometimes you will need to invent new ways (advancing scientific methodology) to reach into latent variables (You can read about latent variables HERE).

Italian Renaissance Painter
Vanishing Point Depth Perspective Example

Extra data point turns two dimension into three dimension. 

Points create perception(see/aware), to knowledge (understand/truth), to wisdom (act/responsibility).

Geometry and Perspective

In other words, one might use triangulation of data, investigator, theory, environment, etc... (You may want to read about triangulation categories HERE) to paint a mental picture much like an artist paints a picture with a vanishing point perspective. I look at this LIKE a category of information that allows one to pull multiple measurements from the same category that provides greater insight into the nature of a phenomenon. Triangulating multiple categories helps create a more well rounded (hoping for a 360 degree) view of the subject problem. 

You can use triangulation as a scientific tool that can be applied to business, market trends, societal trends, stock selection, medical fields, business intelligence, etc...The more we know about a particular phenomenon from multiple sources, the more likely we will be able to create a mental model for further testing. When we measure and verify form a wide range of data, that which measures other data, we can create metadata through secondary and third level triangulation (creating a spider web of data at different levels into a data catalog. You can read about meta data levels HERE). 

You can kinda get the point....this is a little chart I'm including for blog readers.