Triangulation in Evaluation

More effective use of mixed-methods evaluation designs employing quantitative and qualitative methods requires clarification of important design and analysis issues. Design needs include assessments of the relative costs and benefits of alternative mixed-methods designs, which can be differentiated by the independence of the different methods and their sequential or concurrent implementation. The evaluation reported herein illustrates an independent, concurrent mixed-method design and highlights its significant triangulation benefits. Strategies for analyzing quantitative and qualitative results are further needed. Underlying this analysis challenge is the issue of cross-paradigm triangulation. A comment on this issue is provided, in conjunction with several triangulation analysis strategies.