Understanding the Characteristics of Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methodology as a Theoretical and Practical Foundation in Educational Manage

By: Fitri Rahmawati Syahwal (1232010111), 5th Semester Student/D Department of Islamic Education Management, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, Bachelor's Degree Program, Sunan Gunung Djati State Islamic University, Bandung

In the world of education, research plays an important role in understanding, explaining, and solving various problems that arise over time. This shows that education management usually requires a scientific basis so that decisions made are more accurate and measurable. However, there is still an assumption that research is merely collecting data, when in fact each type of research has a different basis, characteristics, and methods. On the other hand, there is still a lack of knowledge among students and practitioners regarding the fundamental differences between quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research, both in terms of theory and data analysis techniques. Therefore, this paper aims to provide a deeper understanding of the basics of research methodology in the field of educational management, especially regarding theory, characteristics, and types of research, so that it can be used as conceptual knowledge in developing correct, relevant, and useful research in the field of education.

First, the Theoretical Foundation of Quantitative Research, which includes paradigms, basic assumptions, the relationship between theory, hypotheses, and variables, as well as the role of instruments and methods of data measurement. In quantitative research, theory serves as a framework that supports the research. Theory generates hypotheses, which are then tested through measurable indicator variables. This shows that theory, hypotheses, and variables are systematically related to ensure that quantitative research has good scientific validity. Research instruments are important in quantitative research. These instruments are used to convert abstract ideas into something that can be measured. With the right instruments, researchers can collect objective, consistent, and accurate data, thereby supporting the process of generalization and hypothesis testing.

Second, Special Characteristics of Quantitative Research, Quantitative research explains cause-and-effect relationships, namely how one variable affects another. Quantitative research has structured and organized procedures, starting from experiments, surveys, and ex post facto. Quantitative research relies on rigorous and planned methods, using numerical data and statistical methods to test hypotheses.

Third, Special Characteristics of Qualitative Research, Qualitative research is based on interpretive and constructivist paradigms that focus on meaning and understanding of how phenomena develop. Qualitative research uses data collection techniques such as in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. This process provides a rich and comprehensive picture of the phenomenon being studied. These techniques can also produce unexpected data, making the research more open and reflective.

Fourth, Types of Research Based on Paradigms and Data Analysis, Research based on approaches and methods of data analysis is divided into three main types. Quantitative research includes descriptive, comparative, correlational, and experimental types. This research is based on numbers, variable measurements, and statistical data processing. The goal is to test the relationships, differences, or impacts between variables objectively so that the results can be applied to larger groups. Meanwhile, qualitative research includes ethnography, phenomenology, case studies, and theories based on real data. This research aims to deeply understand meanings, experiences, and social phenomena, using data in the form of stories, words, or observations that are analyzed descriptively and interpretively. Mixed research is a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches. This approach combines numerical and narrative data to obtain a more complete, accurate, and relevant understanding, thereby improving the quality and reliability of the research results.

Quantitative research uses an objective and measurement-based approach, with interconnected theories, hypotheses, variables, and instruments to produce numbers that can be analyzed statistically. Its main characteristics are organized procedures, a focus on cause-and-effect relationships, and the use of methods such as experiments, surveys, or ex post facto. Meanwhile, qualitative research uses an interpretive and constructive approach, with a focus on meaning and understanding of phenomena through interviews, observations, and reflective document analysis. Mixed research combines both approaches, namely numerical and narrative data, to provide a more complete, valid, and contextually appropriate picture.

This article is a review of Part 3 (Foundations of Educational Management Research Methodology. Research Methodology & Types of Research: From the Perspective of Paradigms and Types of Data Analysis) from the course materials for the Management Research Methods course, taught by Prof. Dr. H. A Rusdiana, M.M (https://eknows.uinsgd.ac.id/pluginfile.php/)