Sharifah Norazizan Syed Abd. Rashid
Department of Social and Development Science
Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia
Serdang,
Selangor

Date: 26 October 2001
Time: 12.30-13.00

This paper outlines and evaluates an empirical investigation of a particular contemporary phenomenon within a real life context where a combination of research methods was used, referred to as 'multiple strategies'.  This paper looks at the multiple case studies approach conducted within the spirit of an ethnographic research.  This approach to research provides opportunities for 'data triangulation' and 'between methods' where the former helps to overcome the problems of relying upon a single set of data, and the latter helps overcome the problems of relying upon a single method.  The use of more than a single method within the same study allows for cross checking of materials collected.  It allows for comparison to be made of results using one technique or data source with those from another.  This approach for data triangulation detailed out the trade offs and its strengths and weaknesses.