[Triangulation or how different research methods may lead to different results].
A study of general practitioners' attitudes towards rehabilitation demonstrates how a mix of methods (focus group, case analysis, survey) does not only provide confirmation and validation of research results but also reveals divergences and contradictions. On the one hand, these differences will uncover the weaknesses and strengths of the different methods used but they will also indicate the existence of parallel realities. Different ways to interpret and integrate such divergences will be presented. Triangulation will help to avoid premature conclusions and formulate the conclusions in a such a way that special consideration will be given to the complexity of the subject under investigation.
Dunkelberg
Sandra
S
Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf. dunkelbe@uke.uni-hamburg.de
van den Bussche
Hendrik
H
D006801:Humans; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012106:Research / Q000592:standards*; D012107:Research Design