Complex social problems sometimes ask for more comprehensive methodological approaches. The concept of “triangulation” refers to combining several methods and multiple theoretical backgrounds. It has been a key concept in the methodological discussion about qualitative methods in the last four decades. Combinations can refer to linking qualitative and quantitative approaches and to using several qualitative methods. More recently, interest in mixed methods research is growing. Here, the focus is more on combining qualitative and quantitative methods and not so much on combining qualitative approaches or on integrating the theoretical backgrounds of each method in such a combination. In this talk, the concept of triangulation (in difference to mixed methods approaches) will be discussed also for practical issues of doing qualitative research with it. As an example, recent research on health problems of homeless adolescents will be used.

Einladung [PDF]