Paradigms, Axioms, and Specific Concepts of Quantitative Research in Education

Research plays an important role in generating new knowledge and solving real problems. In academia, research is conducted based on paradigms, axioms, and key concepts that guide researchers. The two main approaches used are quantitative and qualitative. Both have different objectives, methods, and results, but are equally important for understanding phenomena.

Quantitative research is oriented towards numbers and objectivity. This type of research aims to test hypotheses and find cause-and-effect relationships through surveys or experiments. Its strength lies in measurable empirical evidence that can be generalized. Meanwhile, qualitative research focuses on meaning, experience, and in-depth understanding of social phenomena through interviews or observation. Its limitation is that the results cannot represent a broad population, but it remains important for exploring context in detail.

Paradigms and axioms form the basis that distinguishes the two types of research. Quantitative research is based on an objective paradigm with an emphasis on the validity of measurement tools, while qualitative research is subjective and emphasizes data validity through triangulation techniques. In addition, research requires clear problem identification, accompanied by conceptual definitions to provide theoretical boundaries and operational definitions as a means of measuring abstract concepts. The right relationship between the problem and the concept will produce meaningful and valid research.

The research concept also includes constructs, indicators, and operationalization. Constructs are abstract concepts such as motivation or leadership that are described through indicators so that they can be measured. Indicators are then operationalized into instruments such as questionnaires or interview guidelines. The validity of indicators is very important so that the data obtained truly represents the construct. In addition, research always starts from observed real phenomena, producing data in the form of numbers and narratives, which are then analyzed through variables and measurement scales.

Thus, quantitative and qualitative research are equally important in producing valid and credible knowledge. Quantitative research excels in measurable empirical evidence, while qualitative research is strong in understanding social meaning. A combination of the two, based on the right paradigm, axioms, and research concepts, will help researchers explain phenomena more comprehensively.

*This article is presented from the Teaching Module for the Course on Research Methods in Islamic Education Management Part IV: Differences between Qualitative and Quantitative Research (https://digilib.uinsgd.ac.id/id/eprint/121673) Lecturer: Prof. Dr. H. A. Rusdiana., M.M.

Curiculum Vitae