Education, as a pillar of national development, requires not only policies but also a strong scientific basis for every decision-making process. Research provides the answer to understanding phenomena, finding solutions, and developing targeted policies. Whether through quantitative, qualitative, or a combination of both approaches, research serves as a crucial bridge between theory and practice. With research, the world of education can move in a more focused, systematic, and sustainable manner, creating a quality generation ready to face the challenges of the times.
First, education, as a pillar of national development, cannot be separated from the role of research. Through research, various educational issues can be mapped, understood, and more appropriate solutions can be found. In the academic world, research encompasses various approaches, particularly quantitative, qualitative, and a combination of the two. Each approach has its own foundation, characteristics, advantages, and limitations that are important to understand for students, lecturers, and education practitioners.
The quantitative approach is rooted in the positivistic paradigm, which emphasizes objectivity, measurement, and verification of theories. Reality is considered singular, measurable, and explained through universal laws. Theory serves as a basic framework that generates hypotheses, which are then tested using measurable variables and valid instruments. By using measurement scales ranging from nominal to ratio, quantitative research produces valid, reliable, and generalizable data. This makes it highly useful for addressing educational issues objectively and systematically.
Second, quantitative research also has unique characteristics. Its primary objective is to test hypotheses, measure variables, and explain cause-and-effect relationships. The process is structured through experiments, surveys, and ex post facto methods. Data is analyzed numerically with the aid of statistics, both descriptive and inferential. The advantages of this approach are objectivity, generalizability, and ease of replication. However, it also has limitations due to its lack of in-depth understanding of social meanings and contextual sensitivity. Awareness of these strengths and weaknesses is crucial for the wise use of quantitative research.
Third, qualitative research follows an interpretive and constructivist paradigm that emphasizes understanding meaning, process, and context. Researchers engage directly with research subjects, capturing phenomena through social interactions. The focus of this research is not on numbers, but on rich narrative descriptions. Data is collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. Validity is maintained through credibility, transferability, and triangulation. Although prone to subjectivity and difficult to generalize, qualitative research excels in understanding the complex dynamics of education in depth.
Fourthly, types of research in education can be distinguished based on paradigms and data analysis. Quantitative research includes descriptive, comparative, correlational, and experimental research. Qualitative research includes ethnography, phenomenology, case studies, and grounded theory. Meanwhile, a mixed-methods approach combines the two to gain a more comprehensive understanding. Quantitative analysis relies on statistics, while qualitative research uses coding and thematic analysis. This combination makes research more credible, rich, and relevant to the development of educational science and practice.
Education expert Prof. Ahmad Rusdiana emphasized, "Every decision in education should be based on research. Quantitative provides an objective picture, qualitative provides contextual understanding. The two complement each other to deliver targeted policies." Meanwhile, a school principal in Bandung added, "We experience the benefits of research firsthand. Through small studies of school culture, we can develop programs that better suit the needs of teachers and students."
In conclusion, research methodology in education encompasses three main strands: quantitative, qualitative, and a combination of both. Quantitative methods provide objectivity and generalization, while qualitative methods provide a deeper understanding of meaning. Because each has its own advantages and limitations, mixed methods are often chosen to present more comprehensive research results. By selecting the right method, educational research not only produces valid data but also provides contextual insights that support.
Note: This article is a review of Part 3 (Research Methodology and Types of Research) of the Management Research Methods course. Lecturer: Prof. Dr. H. A. Rusdiana, M.M. (https://eknows.uinsgd.ac.id/?lang=id)
