By: Hera Ergia Berliana/Undergraduate Student in Islamic Education Management/Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training/Sunan Gunung Djati State Islamic University Bandung/VD
Global phenomena such as digital advancement, educational inequality, and social dynamics demand evidence-based and methodological research. The basic assumption is that every study must be based on consistent paradigms and axioms in order to describe reality scientifically. A major gap arises when research methods are not suited to the complexity of the problem, resulting in biased interpretations. Therefore, this paper aims to explain the four main components of research: basic concepts, problems and concepts, constructs and indicators, as well as phenomena, data, and variables as the basis for developing valid, systematic, and meaningful research.
First: Quantitative research is rooted in the positivistic paradigm that emphasizes objectivity, measurement, and cause-and-effect relationships to produce generalizations. In contrast, qualitative research is based on the constructivist paradigm that emphasizes meaning, experience, and social context. Paradigms and axioms serve as a philosophical foundation that guides researchers in viewing reality. In quantitative research, validity and reliability ensure the accuracy of results, while qualitative research emphasizes triangulation and data transparency to maintain validity. Both complement each other in building scientific knowledge that is both objective and contextual.
Second: Problems and concepts are the main foundations of scientific research. Problem identification determines the focus of relevant and testable research. Conceptual definitions explain the theoretical meaning of a concept, while operational definitions translate it into empirically measurable indicators. A strong relationship between problems and concepts ensures that research has a solid theoretical and empirical basis. Without harmony between the two, research risks being invalid and losing its scientific meaning. Therefore, researchers must be able to formulate specific problems and select appropriate concepts to explain phenomena.
Third: Constructs are abstract representations of phenomena such as motivation or leadership, while indicators make these constructs measurable. Through operationalization, indicators are translated into research instruments such as questionnaires, observations, or interviews. The validity of indicators ensures that the measurements truly represent the construct being studied, whether through content validity, construct validity, or criterion validity. The four components of construct, indicator, operationalization, and validity are an interrelated system that determines the methodological quality and credibility of scientific research results.
Fourth: Phenomena are empirical symptoms that become the focus of research, while data are representations of these phenomena. Variables describe characteristics that can change and are used to test causal relationships; they consist of independent, dependent, moderator, mediator, and control variables. Nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio measurement scales are used to determine the accuracy of data analysis. Understanding these four elements enables researchers to produce accurate, objective, and scientifically accountable research.
Therefore, scientific research must be based on consistent paradigms and axioms. Quantitative research emphasizes objectivity and measurement, while qualitative research emphasizes meaning and context. Clarity of problems, concepts, constructs, indicators, phenomena, data, and variables forms a valid and measurable study. A comprehensive understanding of these aspects makes research methodological, credible, and useful for the development of evidence-based science and policy.
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*) This article is a review of Part 5 (Paradigms, Axioms, and Specific Concepts in Quantitative and Qualitative Research) from the teaching materials for the Management Research Methods course, taught by Prof. Dr. H. A Rusdiana, M.M. (https://eknows.uinsgd.ac.id/pluginfile.php/1037690/mod_assign/introattachment/0/005-%20Part%20V%20%20Paradigma%20Aksioma%20Riset%20Kualitatif%20dan%20Kuantitatif.pdf?forcedownload=1)
