Beyond Data Triangulation: Visualization of the Invisible in Sociological Research Report Writing

Abstract

This paper aimed to explores the use of visualization techniques to represent and analyse sociological data by making them more understandable in report writing. Utilizing content analysis drawing from other studies and secondary sources of data. The paper argued that triangulation helps the researcher to arrive at the understanding of relationships of cause and effect of all social phenomena. Visual sociology increases validity of data through several viewpoints in the process. The paper further posits that visualization help in transmission of information to key audiences through pictures and other forms of visual art, television broadcasts, billboards, videos/films, animation and live performances. This further demonstrate the advantage of visual sociology in the technological world. The various forms of new media source for visual reporting such as slideshow presentations, uploaded videos, for effectiveness to convey intended messages. The paper concludes that all the existing tools of social research have advantages and disadvantages. Each method contains its strength and weakness. No single one proves all the required ideals. Therefore, it is useful to triangulate and employ visualization of the invisible in sociological research report writing in order to complement the weaknesses of other methods so as to have a holistic view of sociological realities. The paper recommends among others that, sociological researchers (in this era) should go beyond the conventional dependence on textual and statistical data by incorporating visual methods such as photography, mapping, film, and digital imagery as legitimate tools of inquiry and interpretation of sociological reporting and writing.