Analysis of Paradigms, Axioms, and Specific Concepts in Quantitative and Qualitative Research

Analysis of Paradigms, Axioms, and Specific Concepts in Quantitative and Qualitative Research

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

In the modern research era, understanding the paradigms, axioms, and concepts of quantitative and qualitative research is a crucial foundation for researchers. Paradigms determine how researchers view reality, while axioms serve as philosophical assumptions that guide researchers in understanding, measuring, and explaining scientific phenomena. This chapter discusses four main focuses: core research concepts, problems and concepts, constructs and indicators, and phenomena, data, and variables.

First, the Main Concepts of Quantitative and Qualitative Research. Quantitative research is based on a positivistic paradigm, emphasizing objectivity, numerical measurement, and generalization. Its goal is to test hypotheses and discover causal relationships through statistical data. In contrast, qualitative research is based on a constructivist paradigm that focuses on meaning, context, and social interpretation. The two are distinct yet complementary: quantitative assesses "how much," while qualitative understands "why" and "how." Research validity is a key aspect in ensuring the reliability of results, both through instrument reliability (quantitative) and data triangulation and validity (qualitative).

Second, Problems and Concepts in Research: Research begins with the identification of a specific, relevant, and researchable problem. The researcher then formulates a conceptual definition, a theoretical explanation of the concept, and an operational definition, how the concept is measured in the research. The relationship between the problem and the concept must be consistent for the research to have a strong scientific foundation. Without this connection, the research is merely descriptive and lacks theoretical contribution.

Third, Constructs and Indicators: Conceptual Facts. Constructs describe abstract concepts such as motivation, leadership, or innovation. To be empirically testable, constructs are translated into indicators, which are measurable phenomena. The operationalization process then transforms the indicators into instruments, such as questionnaires or interview guides. Finally, indicator validity ensures that the measurements truly reflect the intended construct. These four elements form the foundation of valid and measurable research.

Fourth, Phenomena, Data, and Variables. Phenomena are real events observed by researchers. Data are empirical representations of these phenomena in the form of numbers (quantitative) or narratives (qualitative). Variables are used to analyze relationships between phenomena and are classified as independent, dependent, moderator, or control. In quantitative research, four measurement scales are used: nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio, which determine the method of analysis and the strength of the research results.

Natizah, this chapter emphasizes that scientific research is not merely a technical procedure, but rather a philosophical endeavor that demands consistency between paradigms, concepts, and methods. Researchers who understand the interrelationships between phenomena, constructs, and variables will be able to produce valid, relevant research that makes a significant contribution to the development of science.

This article is a review of Part V (PARADIGM, 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 )