The current phenomenon of educational development shows rapid dynamics, both in terms of management, policy, and learning innovation. Many parties assume that practical experience alone is sufficient to address these challenges. However, this assumption creates a problem/gap because without a strong research methodology, managerial decisions often lack a clear scientific basis. Therefore, the Methodology of Educational Management Research Foundations is presented with the aim of building a systematic scientific framework, providing both theoretical and practical foundations, and ensuring that every educational policy and strategy is implemented based on valid empirical data and evidence.
First, quantitative research is based on a positivistic paradigm that emphasizes objectivity, systematic measurement, and theory verification to produce valid and generalizable findings. This paradigm assumes reality is singular and can be measured empirically, where researchers must be neutral and use valid and reliable instruments to measure variables operationalized from hypotheses based on theory. This relationship between theory, hypothesis, and variables strengthens the scientific foundation of quantitative research, which, thru statistical analysis, allows for the explanation of cause-and-effect relationships and universal laws. However, understanding the context is also necessary for meaningful results in the development of educational science and practice.
Second, quantitative research has key characteristics such as testing hypotheses, objectively measuring variables, and explaining cause-and-effect relationships thru structured procedures like experiments, surveys, and ex post facto studies. The data collected is numerical and analyzed using statistical techniques to produce findings that are valid, generalizable, and replicable. Its strengths lie in objectivity, generalizability, and replicability, but its weaknesses include a limited ability to capture social context and the full depth of phenomena's meaning. Therefore, quantitative research is effective in providing measurable conclusions, but it needs to be integrated with other approaches for a holistic understanding.
Third, qualitative research is based on an interpretive and constructivist paradigm that emphasizes a deep understanding of meaning, processes, and social context as shared constructions, thus viewing social reality as plural and contextual, not singular. This approach focuses on participants' subjective experiences by using naturalistic data collection techniques such as in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis, which allow for a rich and dynamic picture of social phenomena. Validity is measured thru credibility and transferability using triangulation techniques and researcher involvement, although it has limitations in subjectivity, difficulty in generalization, and time. This approach is strong in exploring meanings and contexts that are inaccessible in quantitative research, making it an important complement in the development of holistic educational science.
Fourth, qualitative research is based on an interpretive and constructivist paradigm that emphasizes in-depth understanding of meaning, processes, and social context as shared constructions, thus social reality is viewed as plural and contextual, not singular. This approach focuses on participants' subjective experiences using naturalistic data collection techniques such as in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis to describe rich and dynamic social phenomena. Validity is measured thru credibility and transferability using triangulation techniques and researcher involvement, although it has limitations in subjectivity, generalizability, and time. The main strength of qualitative research is its ability to explore meanings and contexts that are beyond the reach of quantitative approaches, making it an essential complement to the comprehensive and holistic development of educational science.
Summary
Quantitative research emphasizes objectivity, systematic measurement, and the verification of theories thru statistical analysis, with the aim of testing hypotheses and explaining cause-and-effect relationships. The types include descriptive, comparative, correlational, and experimental, with valid instruments to generate generalizable data. Conversely, qualitative research focuses on understanding meaning, processes, and social contexts thru techniques such as in-depth interviews and observation, with an emphasis on the credibility and transferability of findings. Mixed methods combine the strengths of both to obtain measurable quantitative data and in-depth qualitative insights, resulting in a more comprehensive and valid understanding in educational research.
This article is summarized from the teaching module for the course "Lecturer Internship," taught by Prof. Dr. A. Rusdiana, M.M.
(https://digilib.uinsgd.ac.id/id/eprint/121673)
