IP Lifeline: Triangulation—The Guide to Uncovering Truth

IP Lifeline From Infection Control Today

I live in a home with tweens, tiny humans who are certain they are as knowledgeable as their adult counterparts. Recently, these tiny humans have begun to pay attention to mainstream news, social media, and the opinions of their friends. This has led to some very interesting conversations….

“Mom! Did you see that they captured the Loch Ness monster!?”

Information is everywhere—more accessible than ever before. If I want to learn something, I can watch a 10-minute YouTube tutorial. If I want to know another language, I can download an app. If I have a question, I can ask my AI assistant to research relevant articles. Knowledge is now available at lightning speed, which is both exciting and dangerous. While knowledge can foster growth, without discernment, it can just as easily serve to mislead us.

In today’s information-saturated world, we must teach our children—and ourselves—how to distinguish truth from lies. This has never been more critical.

The Art of Triangulation

“Did you triangulate that?” I ask as they sigh and roll their eyes.

It is a phrase you’ll hear spoken quite frequently in our home. I want my children to be curious about what they see, hear, and believe. Fact-checking information will only serve to fortify their beliefs and opinions, not weaken them.

Triangulation in research refers to using multiple data sources to produce understanding. Unfortunately, many people don’t use multiple data sources. They absorb 1 source of information as fact without question. They read a peer-reviewed study and overlook the small sample size. They stumble upon a WordPress blog and are quick to believe its suppositions. Or, while reading what their friend’s uncle said about using this new topical paste to relieve back pain, they jump online faster than a cheetah hunting a hyena to press “Buy.”

Somewhere along the way, between the encyclopedia and the rise of social media, we have lost our ability to discern truth through triangulation. As infection preventionists (IPs), discerning truth is an important skill to have in one’s tool bag as we are largely responsible for being able to translate that truth to other people. Hospital leadership, administrators, clinical teams, and patients all rely on us to discern evidence-based practice for preventing and controlling infections. Cultivating the ability to identify truth through a discerning eye is essential for balancing cost, benefit, and risk while prioritizing patient safety. But even beyond that, discerning truth is just as important to our everyday lives in an information-saturated world.

How do we uncover truth? Misinformation exists everywhere—on both sides of an issue. And we must take the time to separate facts from fiction, even when the truth challenges our beliefs, attitudes, or practices.

How to Triangulate Like a Pro

Think of triangulation as detective work. You wouldn’t solve a mystery with only 1 clue, right? You need multiple pieces of evidence to confirm what happened. The same goes for identifying truth. Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Identify Your Question

Before diving into research, clearly define what you’re trying to learn. For an IP, this might mean asking: “How effective is this new disinfection protocol in reducing health care-associated infections?” or “What is the evidence behind the recommendation for universal masking in health care settings?”

Defining your question helps narrow your focus, ensuring you collect only the most relevant data—whether digging into peer-reviewed research or scrutinizing claims made in the media. Imagine you’re investigating a claim that a novel cleaning agent reduces infection rates by 30%. Your precise question might be, “Does the latest research support a 30% reduction in infection rates with this cleaning agent compared to standard protocols?”

Step 2: Seek Out Multiple Sources

No single source can provide the complete picture. For robust triangulation, gather information from at least 3 different sources. In infection prevention, this could include:

• Peer-reviewed studies that report on clinical trials or observational research.
• Guidelines from reputable organizations (like the CDC or the World Health Organization) that reflect consolidated expert consensus.
• Firsthand accounts or field observations from hospital infection control committees.

Similarly, in today’s political discourse, look beyond partisan news outlets or past national news sources. Compare mainstream media reports, expert analyses, and independent fact-checking organizations. This diverse sourcing helps prevent reliance on any single narrative and reduces the risk of confirmation bias.

Step 3: Consider the Credibility of Each Source

Not all sources are created equal. A research article from a top-tier journal or an official report should carry more weight than an anonymous online blog post. When evaluating each source, ask:

• Who is behind the information? Consider the expertise and reputation of the author or institution.
• Is there an agenda at play? Determine if the source might have financial or political biases.
• How current are the data? In fields like infection prevention, outdated information might not apply to new pathogens or emerging resistance patterns.

If you encounter a study touting a new antiviral treatment, check if it is published in a reputable journal and review the authors’ affiliations. Contrast that with an online article that makes similar claims but is hosted on a politically charged website. A rigorous study should be your primary reference, while an article or blog might serve only as a signal for further inquiry and investigation.

Step 4: Cross-Check for Consistencies and Discrepancies

With multiple sources in hand, it is time to compare notes. Look for patterns to determine which claim is supported by credible evidence. If you find one outlier, dig deeper into its context. Sometimes discrepancies arise from differences in study design, population demographics, or even political motivations.

Suppose 3 studies and a health agency report that a particular vaccination protocol is highly effective with few adverse effects noted, while a politically motivated newsletter conducts its investigation and disputes these claims. Investigate the methodology for the claim held by the outlier: Does it use rigorous research methodologies and representative sample size? Do other reputable research studies support its claims? This step helps you understand not only what the consensus is but also why some sources might deviate from it.

Step 5: Synthesize and Draw Logical Conclusions

After gathering and comparing your data, step back and look at the bigger picture. Ask yourself: What do the collective findings suggest? Can the conclusions be scrutinized, and can they be applied in practice? For IPs, this might mean deciding whether to implement a new disinfection protocol based on a balanced review of all available evidence. In political discourse, synthesizing diverse viewpoints can help you arrive at an informed, balanced stance that withstands scrutiny.

If you are evaluating a policy on mask mandates, you might conclude that while some nuances exist (like varying effectiveness in different settings), the overall evidence supports the measure in reducing the spread of disease. This informed conclusion becomes a robust basis for both policy recommendations and public communication.

Truth is Worth the Work

Triangulation is not just for researchers; it is a practical skill for everyday life. In our current political climate—where misinformation and biased reporting are rampant—verifying what we hear is more important than ever. Whether you are an IP deciphering research for best practices or a concerned citizen evaluating public health policies, taking the time to triangulate your information can prevent you from falling prey to scams, misinformation, or outright falsehoods.

After we talked, my son triangulated the claim that the Loch Ness monster was found. Then, he told me, “You’re right, Mom. I triangulated, and they didn’t find any monsters.”

Next time you encounter a claim, pause. Ask yourself, “Did I triangulate that?”

If not, it is time to start.