How Do question and Qualitative Methodologies Shape Research Quality?

In fact, research is a crucial part of developing science and making effective educational policies. In this process, two main approaches are often used: quantitative and qualitative, each with distinct characteristics, techniques, and objectives. The quantitative approach focuses on numerical data and objectivity, while the qualitative approach focuses on meaning and social context. In general, these two approaches are not mutually exclusive but rather complement each other in building a comprehensive understanding of educational phenomena. Therefore, a discussion of the methodology and techniques of quantitative and qualitative research is crucial so that researchers can choose the approach most relevant to the objectives and problems being studied.

First, quantitative research is a widely used approach to obtain measurable and objective data. Based on a positivistic paradigm, this research emphasizes the importance of measurement, objectivity, and the ability to generalize results. Through systematic steps---from problem formulation and theoretical review to hypothesis development and statistical analysis---this approach can provide a clear picture of the causal relationships between variables. Instrument validity and reliability are key to ensuring accurate results. It's no surprise that quantitative research is often used in policy evaluations, measuring program effectiveness, and data-driven decision-making in education.

Second, qualitative research offers a different yet complementary perspective. Grounded in a constructivist paradigm, this approach focuses on understanding human meaning, processes, and experiences. The researcher acts as the primary instrument, exploring social reality through direct interaction with participants. Through interviews, observations, and document analysis, qualitative research seeks to capture the depth of social phenomena contextually. Validity is maintained through triangulation and the researcher's active involvement in the field. This approach is an appropriate choice when the research objective is to understand the dynamics of school culture, leadership, or complex social interactions in education.

Third, in practice, quantitative research employs a variety of techniques to support its analysis. Surveys are used to describe phenomena in large populations through standardized questionnaires, while experiments test the effects between variables under controlled conditions. Ex post facto techniques are used to examine causal relationships based on existing data without variable manipulation. Statistical analysis, both descriptive and inferential, forms the basis for drawing objective conclusions. Selecting the right technique will significantly determine the accuracy and relevance of research results to the desired objectives.

Fourth, qualitative research employs more in-depth and contextual data collection and analysis techniques. Participatory observation, open-ended interviews, and document analysis are crucial in exploring the meaning behind social phenomena. The analysis process is conducted thematically, starting from data reduction to drawing conclusions. Research credibility is maintained through the researcher's active involvement and sensitivity to context. Qualitative research results emphasize meaningful narrative descriptions, presenting a comprehensive picture of behavior, motivation, and social relationships in education.

In conclusion, quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and techniques have fundamental yet complementary differences. Quantitative answers the questions "how much" and "how much" with measurable numerical data, while qualitative answers "why" and "how" with meaningful contextual explanations. In modern educational practice, a combination of the two---known as mixed methods---is often the ideal choice for producing more comprehensive, valid, and applicable research. Because, in essence, good research involves not only measuring phenomena but also understanding their underlying meaning.

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*)This article is a review of Part 6 (Methodology and Techniques of Quantitative and Qualitative Research) of the teaching materials for the Management Research Methods course, lectured by Prof. Dr. H. A Rusdiana, M.M (https://digilib.uinsgd.ac.id/id/eprint/121673)

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