By Chandra Meiriyanto, (1232010131) 5th Semester Student, Class D, Department of Islamic Education Management,
Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, Undergraduate Program, Sunan Gunung Djati State Islamic University, Bandung.Â
Education is fertile ground for the growth of various research studies that shape policies and learning strategies. Through research, educational phenomena can be deeply understood and addressed using the right approach. Educational research is not only about numbers, but also about meaning, process, and the human experiences involved in it. Therefore, understanding paradigms, approaches, and data analysis becomes the key for research to remain relevant and impactful.
First, quantitative research is rooted in the positivistic paradigm, which views reality as something that can be objectively measured. The quantitative foundation emphasizes the importance of objectivity, generalization, and causal relationships. Theories are translated into hypotheses and tested through variables using valid and reliable instruments. The strengths of quantitative research lie in data precision, general applicability, and replicability. However, its limitation often lies in its inability to fully capture the social context and deeper meanings.
Second, qualitative research stems from interpretive and constructivist paradigms. Its focus is not on numbers but on meaning, processes, and deep experiences. The techniques used include interviews, observations, and document analysis. Data validity is maintained through triangulation and credibility. The strength of qualitative research lies in its depth of analysis and rich contextual descriptions, while its weakness is the difficulty of generalizing findings on a broader scale.
Third, there is also the mixed-methods approach, which combines quantitative and qualitative research. This combination produces more comprehensive results, bridging the strengths of numerical precision with the depth of meaning. In practice, data analysis is adjusted accordingly: quantitative analysis uses statistics, while qualitative analysis uses coding and thematic interpretation.
Fourth, the development of educational research demands that researchers choose methods that align with the objectives and problems being studied. No single approach is entirely perfect, as each has its own strengths and limitations. It is the combination of understanding paradigms, approaches, and analytical techniques that enables research to become relevant, useful, and responsive to modern educational challenges.
From this discussion, it can be concluded that quantitative research ensures that studies are measurable, objective, and systematic—excelling in precision and generalization. Meanwhile, qualitative research provides deeper meaning and rich contextual descriptions, though it is harder to generalize. Therefore, selecting the right method is crucial so that research is not only academically valid but also relevant and impactful for the world of education.
Chandra Meiriyanto, born in Bekasi City on May 17, 2003, is the only child of Mr. Jakaria and Mrs. Siti Memunah.
Residential Address: Jl. Masjid Al Mabrur, Kranggan Wetan Rt 01/011, Jatirangga Subdistrict, Jatisampurna District, Bekasi City, West Java.
Current Address: Jl. Desa Cipadung No. 234, Cibiru District, Bandung City, West Java.
Phone: 085213861159
Email: chandmrynt@gmail.com
Education:
