The purpose of a Triangulation mixed methods design is to simultaneously collect both quantitative and qualitative data, merge the data, and use the results to understand a research problem. A basic rationale for this design is that one data-collection form supplies strengths to offset the weaknesses of the other form.
Example: quantitative scores on an instrument from many individuals provide strengths to offset the weaknesses of qualitative documents from a few people. Alternatively, qualitative, in-depth observation of a few people offers strength to quantitative data that does not adequately provide detailed information about the context in which individuals provide information. Creswell, J. W. (2008). Educational Research. Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research. New Jersey. Pearson Education, Inc. (chapter 17, pg. 557)
Example: quantitative scores on an instrument from many individuals provide strengths to offset the weaknesses of qualitative documents from a few people. Alternatively, qualitative, in-depth observation of a few people offers strength to quantitative data that does not adequately provide detailed information about the context in which individuals provide information.
Creswell, J. W. (2008). Educational Research. Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research. New Jersey. Pearson Education, Inc. (chapter 17, pg. 557)