Thoroughly Analyze at Educational Management Research Methods: The Key to Understanding Reality Holistically

Amidst the rapid pace of information and the complexity of modern problems, research has become a key pillar for uncovering the truth and making data-driven decisions. More than just an academic process, research is the foundation that allows us to understand phenomena more deeply, whether in the social sciences, education, or science. Understanding research methodology—as a systematic framework—is not only important for academics, but also for anyone who wants to analyze and solve problems in a logical and structured manner.

In Islamic teachings, science and research hold a very noble position. The Qur'an and Hadith encourage believers to think, reflect, and observe Allah SWT's creations to discover the wisdom behind them. Allah's wo rds, “Do they not consider how the camel was created?” (Al-Ghasyiyah: 17), and the Hadith of the Prophet SAW which encourages seeking knowledge even as far as China, are proof that research and the pursuit of knowledge are religious commands that must be carried out.

In the world of education and science, research is not merely an activity of collecting data. More than that, research is a way for us to view, understand, and explain the reality around us. Understanding research methodology in depth is the key to producing valid and meaningful findings. At least, there are two main approaches that form the foundation of every research, namely quantitative and qualitative approaches, each of which has unique characteristics and uses.

Quantitative research is often likened to a “photographer” who takes pictures of reality from an objective and measurable point of view. Based on the positivist paradigm, this approach believes that reality is singular and measurable. Using numerical data and statistical analysis, quantitative research aims to test hypotheses, find cause-and-effect relationships, and generalize findings to a wider population. Through valid and reliable instruments, researchers can ensure the objectivity and accuracy of data. The main advantage of this approach is its ability to provide strong empirical evidence, but it often fails to capture the depth of meaning and context behind the numbers.

On the other hand, qualitative research acts as a “narrator” that delves into and recounts reality in all its complexity. Rooted in interpretive and constructivist paradigms, this type of research views reality as something complex that is shaped by individual interactions and interpretations. The focus is not on numbers, but on meaning, processes, and the deep understanding experienced by participants. Techniques such as in-depth interviews, observation, and document analysis are the main tools for collecting context-rich data. Although it cannot be generalized as widely as quantitative research, the main strength of qualitative research lies in its ability to reveal why a phenomenon occurs, providing a holistic understanding that cannot be achieved by quantitative approaches.

In practice, modern research increasingly recognizes that reality is too complex to be understood from only one perspective. Therefore, the Mixed-Methods Research approach has emerged as a solution that combines the strengths of quantitative and qualitative methods. By combining statistical analysis and thematic analysis, researchers can test hypotheses with numerical data while still understanding the deeper meaning and context. This approach allows researchers to produce findings that are not only valid and generalizable, but also rich in insight and contextually relevant. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of research methodology is an important foundation for every researcher, enabling them to choose the right tools to explore the truth from various perspectives.

Quantitative research is positivistic, objective, general, and causal. Quantitative research tests hypotheses and measures variables. Qualitative research is interpretive and constructivist. Types of research include quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research.

This article is summarized from the Learning Module on Research Methods in Management by Prof. Dr. H. A. Rusdiana, M.M. Part 2 Research in Educational Management. Linked: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JWHPi7UBx7sph7HqAcwnUpQ7z91axMAV/view?usp=sharing