Paradigms, axioms, and Specifics Concepts of Quantitative and Qualitative Research as a Comparative Study of Scientific Research

By: Fitri Rahmawati Syahwal (1232010111), 5th Semester Student/D Department of Islamic Education Management, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, Bachelor's Degree Program, Sunan Gunung Djati State Islamic University, Bandung

In the world of research, social, educational, and scientific phenomena continue to evolve, requiring deep and organized understanding. From this phenomenon arises the assumption that every research must be based on clear perspectives and principles so that the research process can be consistent and accountable. However, in practice, researchers often face difficulties in choosing the appropriate approach, concepts, and methods according to the nature of the phenomenon being studied. Therefore, the discussion of paradigms, axioms, and specific concepts in research aims to provide a basic understanding of how research is designed, measured, and verified to produce accurate, meaningful knowledge that is in accordance with scientific principles.

First, paradigms and axioms, are the main foundations of research. Axioms are basic assumptions that cannot be debated, whereby quantitative research is based on objectivity, generalization, and causality, while qualitative research emphasizes subjectivity, contextualization, and plurality of meaning. Thus, paradigms and axioms guide researchers in establishing consistent methodologies. Methodology and validity are important pillars in research. Methodology serves as a systematic strategy for obtaining data, while validity ensures that the research truly measures and understands what it is intended to. Both are crucial in order for research to be scientifically accountable.

Second, problems and concepts, play an important role. Problem identification is the initial stage that determines the focus of the study, where the problem must be specific, relevant, and methodologically testable. Conceptual definitions then provide clear theoretical boundaries and avoid multiple interpretations. The relationship between problems and concepts determines the direction of the research and helps researchers develop an analytical framework and select appropriate methods, so that the research can produce meaningful new knowledge.

Third, Constructs and Indicators, Constructs are abstract representations of phenomena that bridge theory and empirical data. These constructs are then manifested through indicators, which are measurable variables that show the intensity or existence of constructs. Indicators must be clear, specific, and relevant so that abstractions can be converted into data that can be analyzed. The validity of indicators is also an important requirement to ensure consistency between what is measured and the intent of the construct.

Fourth, phenomena, data, and variables, are also key elements of research. Phenomena are real symptoms that are interesting to study scientifically and are the starting point for the emergence of problems, concepts, and hypotheses. Data is a representation of phenomena that is collected for analysis, thus becoming the basis for drawing objective conclusions. Variables, as the core of quantitative research, enable the analysis of cause-and-effect relationships. To support this, a measurement scale is used, which is a way of classifying data based on its nature to determine the appropriate analysis method to use.

In conclusion 

Paradigms and axioms are important foundations in research that determine the direction and consistency of research. Quantitative research focuses on objectivity, measurement, generalization, and causality, while qualitative research emphasizes subjectivity, context, and plurality of meaning in understanding reality. Good research begins with the identification of a clear problem, supported by concepts, constructs, indicators, and validity that ensure the validity of the results. The observed phenomena are then manifested in the form of data, variables, and measurement scales so that abstractions can be analyzed empirically. With this foundation, research is not only methodologically valid, but also capable of producing meaningful, objective, and scientifically accountable knowledge.

This article is a review of Part 5 (Paradigms, Axioms, and Special Research Concepts) from the teaching materials for the Management Research Methods course, taught by Prof. Dr. H. A Rusdiana, M.M (https://digilib.uinsgd.ac.id/121673/) 

CV Fitri Rahmawati Syahwal