Author: Dini Mulyani, Undergraduate Student in Islamic Education Management, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, Sunan Gunung Djati State Islamic University, Bandung / VD
In the modern era of research, there is a phenomenon of incompatibility between research methods and the complexity of the issues being studied. The assumption is that many researchers still view quantitative approaches as more "scientific," while qualitative approaches are considered merely complementary. In fact, both paradigms have equally important axioms and objectives in understanding scientific reality. Based on this gap, this paper aims to explain the conceptual framework of quantitative and qualitative research, including paradigms, axioms, and methodological implications so that researchers are able to select and apply methods appropriate to the context of the issues being studied.
First: Quantitative research is based on a positivistic paradigm that emphasizes objectivity, numerical measurement, and regularity of relationships between variables. Meanwhile, qualitative research is based on a constructivist paradigm that emphasizes meaning, context, and subjective experience. The research paradigm becomes a framework that guides researchers in viewing reality and determining methods. Research axioms are basic assumptions that are not debated, such as objectivity in quantitative research and subjectivity in qualitative research. Methodology and validity ensure that the data obtained truly represents reality scientifically and is accountable.
Second: Every study begins with the identification of a relevant, specific, and methodologically testable problem. A good problem must be rooted in scientific context and can be explained through appropriate concepts. Conceptual definitions explain the theoretical meaning of a concept, while operational definitions describe how the concept is measured in the study. The relationship between the problem and the concept must be logical and consistent so that the research has a strong theoretical and empirical foundation. Thus, researchers can systematically and scientifically connect theory with facts in the field.
Third: Constructs are abstract representations of phenomena described by theory, such as motivation or leadership. Indicators are used to measure the intensity or existence of constructs so that they can be tested empirically. The operationalization of indicators produces research instruments, such as questionnaires in quantitative research or interview guidelines in qualitative research. The validity of indicators is the main determinant of whether the measuring instrument truly corresponds to the intended construct. The combination of constructs, indicators, operationalization, and validity forms a bridge that connects theory with empirical reality.
Fourth: Phenomena are real symptoms that are the focus of research. Data is a representation of phenomena collected for analysis, either in the form of numbers (quantitative) or narratives (qualitative). In quantitative research, variables are divided into independent, dependent, moderator, mediator, and control variables. Data analysis is supported by measurement scales---nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio---which determine the accuracy of the results. Meanwhile, qualitative research emphasizes the exploration of meaning through observation and interviews. These four elements form the foundation of the validity of scientific analysis and interpretation.
Research paradigms and axioms form the philosophical basis for understanding scientific reality. Quantitative and qualitative research are not two opposing poles, but rather complementary approaches to explaining phenomena from various dimensions. Consistency between paradigms, problems, concepts, and methods is the key to successful research. Researchers are required to not only understand analysis techniques, but also the philosophy behind them so that research results have academic value, empirical relevance, and a real contribution to the development of science and evidence-based policy.
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*) This article is a review of Part 5 (PARADIGMS, AXIOMS, AND SPECIFIC CONCEPTS OF QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH) from the teaching materials for the Management Research Methods course, taught by Prof. Dr. H. A Rusdiana, M.M. (https://digilib.uinsgd.ac.id/id/eprint/121673)
Sumber: Dokumen Pribadi