What research method involves the use of both quantitative and qualitative techniques in sociology?

The choice of triangulation as the correct answer highlights its function in combining both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Triangulation refers to the use of multiple methods or approaches to gather data, allowing researchers to create a more comprehensive understanding of a phenomenon. By integrating these diverse techniques, triangulation enhances the validity and reliability of research findings. For example, a researcher might conduct surveys to gather quantitative data about social trends while also carrying out interviews to capture the qualitative experiences behind those trends. This combination helps to provide a more nuanced perspective than either method could achieve alone.

Other research methods listed do not inherently involve this blending of qualitative and quantitative data. Sampling is primarily a technique for selecting individuals from a population for research, but it does not specify the type of data collected. Observation involves collecting qualitative data through watching behaviors but does not typically incorporate quantitative measures. A case study focuses on an in-depth analysis of a particular case, often emphasizing qualitative data, though it can include some quantitative data as well; however, it is not defined specifically by the use of both types. Thus, triangulation is the most fitting term that encapsulates the integration of qualitative and quantitative methodologies in sociological research.