The triangulation data collection process suggested by Marshall and
Rossman (1999) from the three data collection instruments (questionnaire,
interviews, and classroom observations) was used to strengthen the reliability and
validity of the study. Reliability was also maintained through the stability and
consistency of the data collected. Additionally, consistent and emergent themes
were established by asking similar questions on the questionnaire and interview
probes. As previously mentioned, detailed descriptions were kept on how the
results were obtained from the participants via tape-recorded transcriptions.
Although triangulation is helpful, Fielding and Fielding in Maxwell (2005) caution
that triangulation is not, in itself, a guarantee of validity. The researcher in this
study was assured that the data were not invalidated by self-report bias. Because of
the background knowledge of the researcher, this particular bias could have been a
very real possibility and tainted the data; however, just being aware of this
possibility tended to minimize the possibility that it would invalidate the data.