Once again, with information being produced via three or more methods, we will usually find alignment between two of the findings that are being reported. As in the case of multiple sources, the discordant information produced by use of one of the methods can often produce insights regarding how the method being used can influence the information obtained. As noted by Gleick (1987) in his early report on the study of chaos, the method being deployed and the level of detail being engaged by this method will often have a greater influence on the outcome of a research project than the “reality” being studied.

Questions that might be asked to determine the type of information to be collected and the ways this information is to be used:

• What are the most salient facts with regard to the circumstance in which you now find yourself?
• What are the “facts” about which you are most uncertain at the present time? How could you check on the validity of these facts?
• What are alternative ways in which you could interpret the meaning or implications of the facts that you do believe to be valid?