Session 10th March


1) Here are six abstracts of journal articles related to the topic of “triangulation”. You are not
sure what triangulation means as a method and how you could use it in the area of Humanities. Read
the abstracts (a-f) and choose which texts are worth reading.


a) The Ordinance Survey techniques of analytical aerial triangulation have been widely reported
over the years. The author describes some modifications to that system as well as tests on
independent model methods of aerial triangulation and investigations into the cause of image
deformation. (Farrow, 2006)


b) Triangulation involves the careful reviewing of data collected through different methods in
order to achieve a more accurate and valid estimate of qualitative results for a particular
construct. This paper describes how we used three qualitative methods of data collection to study
attitudes of students toward graphing, hands-on activities, and cooperative grouping techniques
using the triangulation method. (Oliver-Hoyo, DeeDee, 2006)


c) We show that a triangulation of a set of n points in the plane that minimizes the maximum edge
length can be computed in time O(n 2). The algorithm is reasonably easy to implement and is based
on the theorem that there is a triangulation with min-max edge length that contains the relative
neighbourhood graph of the points as a subgraph. With minor modifications the algorithm works for
arbitrary normed metrics. (Edelsbrunner,  Seng Tan, 1991)


d) This paper explores various types of triangulation strategies and indicates when different types
of triangulation should be used in research. Our reviews included literature on triangulation and
multimethod strategies published since 1960 and research books specifically focusing on
triangulation. By triangulation we mean the combination of at least two or more theoretical
perspectives, methodological approaches, data sources, investigators, or data analysis methods. The
intent of using triangulation is to decrease, negate, or counterbalance the deficiency of a single
strategy, thereby increasing the ability to interpret the findings. The use of triangulation
strategies does not strengthen a flawed study. Researchers should use triangulation if it can
contribute to understanding the phenomenon; however, they must be able to articulate why the
strategy is being used and how it might enhance the study. (Thurmond, 2004)


e) The more recent interpretation of triangulation in social and educational research was
summarised and examined with reference to theory triangulation applied in an empirical study. The
construction of special educational needs (SEN) from the individual experiences of a sample of SEN
co-ordinators and SEN teachers, parents, and adolescents with emotional and behavioural
difficulties or physical disabilities were interpreted from the perspectives of personal construct
theory, bio-psycho-social model, socio-psychological analysis, bioecological model of human
development and a developmental model of self-understanding. Their points of convergence and
divergence enriched and extended theoretical understanding. The focus on the 'verstehen'
psychological level of analysis and on forging closer theory, concept and data connections
influenced the range of theory choice. This instance of theory triangulation casts doubts on the
Duhem-Quine thesis of underdetermination. (Ma,  Norwich, 2007)


f) The ice movement on the Byrd Glacier, Antarctica, was measured as function of time, on the basis
of aerial photography. The method of aero-levelling strip triangulation with a minimum of geodetic
control was applied. The methods and procedures were verified over Laufen-Bauma test area. (Adler,
1984)


2) Read the texts below and explain, what the authors want us to believe and how we, if we were
non-critical readers, could be confused.


a) There are clear disparities between the treatment of white and other non-white drug users in the
USA. A recent survey of the US Public Health Service estimated that 75% of illegal drug-users in
the US were white, 13% Afro-American, and 9% Hispanic. Yet, in New York State, 93% of all
drug-possession offenders sent to prison were Afro-American and Hispanic; in California, it was
72%.



b) If an author really wants to make sure that the reader loses interest I recommend that he/she
does not introduce the ideas and main findings straightaway, but instead hides them at the end of a
lengthy narrative. The techniques can be refined by putting the same emphasis on what is
unimportant or marginally important to what is really important to make certain that the writing
creates the proper hypnotic effect which will put the reader to sleep. (Snad-Jensen, 2007: 2)



c) Europe is above all a community of values. The aim of European unification is to realise, test,
develop and safeguard these values. They are rooted in common legal principles acknowledging the
freedom of the individual and social responsibility. Fundamental European values are based on
tolerance, humanity and fraternity. Building on its historical roots in classical antiquity and
Christianity, Europe further developed these values during the course of the Renaissance, the
Humanist movement, and the Enlightenment, which led in turn to the development of democracy, the
recognition of fundamental and human rights and the rule of law. The great currents of culture and
art, scientific discoveries and their application for the general good, and the critical analysis
of accepted views and perceptions have all had the effect that we can now live and work together in
peace, liberty and freedom from want. Europe has spread these values throughout the world. Thus our
Continent became the mother of revolutions in the modern world. Europeans have worked to establish
freedom, justice and democracy as the principles of international relations, thereby opening the
way to a free and peaceful future. (Buamgart, 2003)



d) The fact is that the world is divided between users of the Macintosh computer and users of
MS-DOS compatible computers. I am firmly of the opinion that the Macintosh is Catholic and that DOS
is Protestant. Indeed, the Macintosh is counter-reformist and has been influenced by the ratio
studiorum of the Jesuits. It is cheerful, friendly, conciliatory; it tells the faithful how they
must proceed step by step to reach -- if not the kingdom of Heaven -- the moment in which their
document is printed. It is catechistic: The essence of revelation is dealt with via simple formulae
and sumptuous icons. Everyone has a right to salvation.

DOS is Protestant, or even Calvinistic. It allows free interpretation of scripture, demands
difficult personal decisions, imposes a subtle hermeneutics upon the user, and takes for granted
the idea that not all can achieve salvation. To make the system work you need to interpret the
program yourself: Far away from the baroque community of revellers, the user is closed within the
loneliness of his own inner torment.

You may object that, with the passage to Windows, the DOS universe has come to resemble more
closely the counter-reformist tolerance of the Macintosh. It's true: Windows represents an
Anglican-style schism, big ceremonies in the cathedral, but there is always the possibility of a
return to DOS to change things in accordance with bizarre decisions: When it comes down to it, you
can decide to ordain women and gays if you want to. (Eco, 1994)