Differences Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research in Research

Differences Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research in Research

Author : Ani Nuraeni/Islamic Education Management Student, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung V-D

Educational research serves not only as an academic requirement but also as a strategic instrument for understanding educational management issues. The two main approaches used are quantitative and qualitative, which differ in paradigms, characteristics, and objectives, yet can complement each other.

First, the research paradigm. Quantitative research is based on positivism, viewing reality as objective, fixed, measurable, and value-free, using a deductive approach to statistically test theories. Qualitative research is based on constructivism, viewing reality as the result of subjective, complex social interactions, and understood inductively through the researcher as the primary instrument.

Second, Characteristics. Quantitative research begins with theory and hypotheses, using numerical data through surveys, tests, or experiments with standardized instruments, resulting in tables, graphs, or numbers. Qualitative research is more flexible, using data in the form of words, behavior, and documents through interviews, observations, and narrative analysis, with the researcher as the primary instrument.

Third, advantages and limitations. Quantitative research excels because it's objective, measurable, and generalizable, but tends to be reductive and rigid. Qualitative research excels at exploring meaning and experience in depth, but is subjective, difficult to generalize, and time-consuming.

Fourth, implications for educational management. Quantitative research is useful for evaluating policies, learning outcomes, and program effectiveness. Qualitative research is used to understand organizational culture, leadership, and social interactions. Both can be combined in mixed methods research for more comprehensive results.

Natizah. The difference between the two lies in perspective, methods, and objectives. Quantitative research focuses on objectivity, numbers, and generalizations, while qualitative research emphasizes meaning, context, and depth. In educational management, both are essential and complementary. Integration through mixed methods is the best strategy for producing valid, relevant, and useful research.

This article is a review of Part IV (Differences between Qualitative and Quantitative 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 )