Paradigms, Axioms, and Key Concept of Quantitative and Qualitative Research; Fondation in Scientific Methodology

The phenomenon in the academic world shows that the quality of research largely depends on the researcher’s understanding of the methodological foundations that underlie scientific approaches—particularly paradigms, axioms, and the core concepts of quantitative and qualitative research. However, in reality, many students and novice researchers still lack a deep understanding of the differences between scientific (quantitative) and naturalistic (qualitative) paradigms, the axiomatic principles that underpin them, and the methodological implications of these concepts in designing and conducting research. As a result, errors often occur in choosing research approaches, analyzing data, and aligning research problems with appropriate methods. Therefore, understanding paradigms, axioms, and research concepts is a crucial foundation for developing a strong and relevant scientific methodology.

The main discussion pillars are as follows:

First, the essence of the quantitative research paradigm.
The quantitative paradigm is rooted in positivism, which views reality as objective, singular, and measurable. The researcher is seen as a neutral observer who does not influence the research object. The goal of quantitative research is to discover universal laws through variable measurement and statistical analysis.

Second, the essence of the qualitative research paradigm.
The qualitative paradigm stems from constructivism, which believes that reality is multiple, dynamic, and socially constructed through human interaction. The researcher does not merely observe but also participates to understand the meaning behind phenomena. Qualitative research emphasizes interpretation, context, and participants’ subjective experiences. Therefore, its findings are contextual and not intended for generalization but rather for deep understanding of complex realities. This paradigm views knowledge as a social construct that continuously evolves through the interaction between researchers and subjects.

Third, axioms in quantitative and qualitative research.
Axioms are basic assumptions that underlie every research approach. In quantitative research, the main axioms include: (1) reality is objective and measurable, (2) the researcher and the research object are independent, (3) truth is obtained through empirical verification, and (4) results can be generalized. Conversely, in qualitative research, the axioms include: (1) reality is subjective and multiple, (2) the researcher serves as the main instrument, (3) truth is relative and context-dependent, and (4) findings are not for generalization but for in-depth understanding. These differing axioms form the basis for choosing the appropriate research approach according to the nature of the problem.

Fourth, key concepts in quantitative and qualitative research.
Key concepts in quantitative research include variables, hypotheses, populations, samples, validity, reliability, and generalization. These ensure that research produces measurable and verifiable data. In qualitative research, important concepts include meaning, context, social interaction, triangulation, data credibility, and information saturation. The emphasis is not on measurement but on deep understanding and interpretation of phenomena. Thus, qualitative research is more flexible, adaptive, and open to contextual dynamics.

Fifth, the relevance of paradigms and axioms to the foundation of scientific methodology.
Understanding paradigms and axioms is fundamental in building a solid scientific methodology. Paradigms determine how researchers view reality, while axioms guide how the research process is carried out. Without understanding these foundations, research may lose its direction and scientific validity. In the context of modern academia, integrating positivist and constructivist principles through a mixed methods approach provides a comprehensive alternative. This approach combines the quantitative strength of measurement and generalization with the qualitative depth of contextual analysis to produce more holistic and relevant knowledge.

Paradigms, axioms, and the key concepts of quantitative and qualitative research are essential foundations in scientific methodology. Quantitative research focuses on objective measurement and generalization, while qualitative research emphasizes contextual meaning and social understanding. Through a comprehensive understanding of paradigms and axioms, researchers can select the most appropriate approach for their phenomena. The integration of both approaches through mixed methods represents methodological progress in addressing the growing complexity of modern academic research.