The reason that I want to use a triangulation method is that I believe that the convergence of different methods can lead to a better understanding of the research and the “gaps of knowledge.” Triangulation studies are defined as a “comparison of two or more forms of evidence with respect to an object of research interest…If data from two or more methods seem to converge on a common explanation, the biases of the individual methods are thought to ‘cancel out,’ and validation of the claim is enhanced” (Lindlof & Taylor, 2002, p. 240). The addition of virtual ethnography to the triangulation would add “crystallization” to the overall process and would intensify that convergence themes by presenting artifacts present in the environment.
Ostrander (2008) used a virtual ethnography in “Second Life” as a starting point to build a theoretical framework of discussing society and communities that developed in the confines of the Second Life arena. She worked from what she called a “‘multi-sited’ ethnographic approach” as a method of following connectivity as it exists within Second Life. Most of the research she engages in follows the guidelines developed by Hine. Ostrander explores how ideas and meaning are transmitted within the virtual arena. Facebook, much like Second Life, represents a type of gift culture where artifacts, ideas, and meaning is sharing among the group. The social norms, customs, and practices are reflected in the interactions and what is exchanged between the members of the group. Each group that the individual joins in Facebook adds to the bricolage that is the avatar of the individual and allows the individual to tinker with their personality online (Turkle, 1995).
The role of the researcher in the setting is to be able to understand how all of the pieces fit into a vast mediascape. The researcher must be “hyperaware” and remain reflexive throughout the process (Jenkins, 2002). One must recognize his or her role in the development of an agglomeration of the information gathered from the research. It is through the continued reflection of the researcher that there can be realistic questioning of the research process and a critical evaluation of the analysis of the materials.
The advantage of the triangulation method in the research process is that the researcher is not beholden to one set of protocols. She or he can manage their resources and be prepared for conflicts present in the research process. There must also be a clear definition of boundaries between the researcher and those “in the field.” The researcher must be able to describe the position within the superstructure and be able to clearly define the level of connection with the community they are researching. A survey and an interview protocol intertwined with the virtual ethnography with add to the overall research product and add to the thick descriptors present in the virtual ethnography. Surveys and interviews will prevent themes that can be easily explored and dissected through the triangulation process. The virtual ethnography analysis would reinforce and provide exemplars to the ideas. Reflexivity would then be produced by the two methods and a critical analysis of the researcher’s work. A level of defense of every decision is built into the triangulation process as the methods will either reinforce the decision made along the way or force the researcher to change direction as dictated by the analysis. This definition is how I see my role as a researcher.
