Emotional Intelligence

            In social research, the term triangulation is applied to mean making observation of an issue from at least two varying angles. The term is normally applied in both quantitative and qualitative research methods within the context of blending the two. More often, the statement is equated by the application of varying methodological approaches. Earlier debates in regard to multi trait method matrix and non reactive measurements was the pioneering point of triangulation idea.Intially,this method was majorly taken as a strategy for validation.However,different forms which are four in number are distinguished in a wider understanding (Creswell, 2009).

            Data triangulation combines data derived from assorted sources and at varying times, from different people or different places. Investigator triangulation entails using different interviewers or observers with an aim of balancing influences that are subjective from individuals. It entails incorporating theoretical and methodological approaches. In the instance of Parents emotional intelligence compared to that of their children, the study focuses on whether the parents have higher emotional intelligence than their children do. The study incorporates both qualitative and quantitative methods in order to make the findings more reliable and practical (Creswell, 2009). Apart from question and answer methods being used, intelligence tests will also be taken to limit subject influences of individuals in the finding. Recent research findings have established that emotions play a prominent role in the lives of individuals and just like IQ, it has a contribution in individual successes. According to Goleman, the family can be said to be the first school of emotional learning.

            Emotional intelligence enables individual determine what they feel about themselves and how others would probably react to our feelings. For example, how parents react to their children behavior or to circumstances indicate the strength of their emotional intelligence. Two women on hearing their college students are pregnant chose to react in different ways. The first parent gets too irritated about the occurrence and sends her daughter away from home while the second one decides to support her daughter all through the pregnancy period. Two years, the one who was supported by the parent goes back to complete his studies while the one sent away gets married and terminates her studies. To apply triangular approach in this scenario, two or more women that have had pregnant teens would also be interviewed with the main aim of establishing how they reacted. They would be asked questions such as:

1. How would you react to the news that your collage daughter is pregnant?
2. Would you recommend an abortion for her to complete collage?

            Responses from these questions when put together would then give researcher some clue on how majority of mothers would emotionally react to the pregnancy cases among their teens. To make the findings more validated, emotional intelligence tests are applied to the same people then results compared. This enables the researcher come up with a much more reliable authentic data than when only the question and answer method is applied. Combination of theoretical approaches and methodological approaches is therefore the main aim of triangular approach in research.

Mixed method research has increasingly become an alternative research method. Many definitions of the method have been fronted but in general, terms, mixed method research is defined simply as a research methodology or approach:

-It focuses on questions of research that require perspectives that are multilevel,

contextual understandings depicted in real life and cultural influences.

-It employs rigorous assessment of construct frequencies and magnitude in quantitative

Research, exploration, and constructs understanding in qualitative research

-Utilization of multiple approaches such as in-depth interviews and intervention trials

-Intentional integration or combination of the various methods used to capture the unique            

Strengths of each

-Investigation being framed by theoretical and philosophical positions

The designs that are commonly incorporated include.

1. Convergent designs
2. Sequential designs
3. Embedded designs
4. Multiphase designs

Challenges of executing mixed method research.

1. Methodological issues should always be anticipated
2. Resources

It is intensive since multiple forms of data are involved and need to be analyzed.

3. Team work

In interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and trans-disciplinary teamwork, challenges of team,  approach should be anticipated.

                                                                   Reference
Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approach (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
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