What is the role of evidence triangulation in investigations?

• A. To corroborate facts using multiple independent sources and reduce reliance on a single data point.
• B. To confirm a single data source's accuracy.
• C. To discard conflicting evidence.
• D. To gather opinions from non-experts only.

Answer: (A)

Evidence triangulation in investigations is about corroborating facts by using multiple independent sources and data types to avoid depending on a single point of information. In an aircraft mishap inquiry, this means checking whether witness statements, physical evidence, maintenance records, sensor data, and other documents all point to the same conclusion. When different, independent sources converge, confidence in the finding increases and the result is less vulnerable to bias, errors, or gaps from any one source. If sources disagree, investigators examine the discrepancies, assess which data are more reliable, seek additional information, and adjust the conclusion accordingly. This approach strengthens the validity of conclusions and supports solid safety recommendations. It’s not about discarding conflicting evidence or collecting opinions from non-experts; it’s about gathering converging evidence from diverse sources to build a robust, defendable picture.