Exsploring the Differences Between Qualitative and Quantitative Reserch

Qualitative and quantitative research are two important approaches in research that have different paradigms, but both contribute greatly to the development of science, including in the field of educational management. Quantitative research stems from a positivist paradigm that emphasizes generalization, validity, and numerical measurement. Meanwhile, qualitative research is based on a constructivist paradigm that views reality as the result of dynamic social construction, with the main objective of gaining a deep understanding of meaning.

The differences between the two can be seen from the ontological, epistemological, and methodological perspectives. Quantitative research considers reality as something objective, measurable, and testable with a deductive approach through numbers and statistical analysis. In contrast, qualitative research views reality as something complex and contextual, using a more flexible inductive approach and emphasizing the interpretation of meaning. In the context of educational management, quantitative research is able to present measurable data for program evaluation, while qualitative research explores the dynamics of interactions and processes that occur in the field.

The characteristics of the two are also different. In formulating problems, quantitative research derives them from theory into testable hypotheses, while qualitative research allows problems to develop along with the research. Quantitative data consists of objective numbers, while qualitative data consists of words, behaviors, or documents. Quantitative instruments are usually questionnaires or standardized tests, while in qualitative research, the researcher himself becomes the main instrument. Quantitative analysis uses statistics, while qualitative analysis emphasizes understanding meaning in context.

Each has its own strengths and limitations. Quantitative research excels in objectivity, generalization, and theory testing, but is less capable of capturing social complexity. Conversely, qualitative research excels in understanding experiences and exploring the meaning of phenomena holistically, but it is difficult to generalize and prone to researcher subjectivity. Therefore, a combination of the two, or mixed methods, is often used to provide a more complete picture, both in terms of outcomes and processes.

Thus, exploring the differences between qualitative and quantitative research shows that the two complement each other. In educational management research and other fields, quantitative research can provide objective data, while qualitative research provides in-depth understanding. When combined, the two can produce research that is not only methodologically sound but also relevant and useful for the development of educational science and practice.

This article is summarized from various research literature and teaching modules for the Research Methods in Management course taught by Prof. Dr. A. Rusdiana, M.M.

https://digilib.uinsgd.ac.id/id/eprint/121673 

CV Annisa