In the social sciences, a form of cross-checking; the equivalent of ‘validity and reliability’ in scientific paradigm research (that is, using multiple people’s perspectives, or research gathering methods, to check that your interpretation is robust and not wholly a subjective construct) (Ernest (2000) U. Exeter). Forms include data, investigator, method, and theoretical triangulation; see K. Hoggart et al. (2002) on researching human geography, and Farmer et al. (2006) Qual. Health Res. 16 on developing and implementing a triangulation protocol. Hobson (2006) Area 38, 3 uses the term for interdisciplinary work: ‘triangulation from the human sciences literature with human geographers’ arguments could strengthen both sub-disciplines’ ability to have the viable policy inputs that both have missed out on in recent times, as it may, in the eyes of policymakers at least, add legitimacy through inter-disciplinarity.’