The differences betweeen qualitative and quantitative research in education

M Tyonazwa Valeztin Nurjaman /1232010093/ Student of MPI 5-C UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung

The phenomenon of research in the field of education shows that the approach chosen by researchers greatly influences the results, interpretation, and recommendations produced. The common assumption is that quantitative research is superior because it provides objective data, while qualitative research is often viewed as more subjective. The gap that arises is the tendency of researchers to rely solely on one method, making the understanding of educational phenomena partial. The purpose of this essay is to describe the differences between qualitative and quantitative research in education, particularly in terms of paradigms, data analysis, and their relevance to educational management.

First, The paradigm of quantitative research is based on positivism, which believes that reality is fixed, measurable, and universally applicable. Therefore, quantitative studies tend to emphasize numbers, variables, and cause-effect relationships tested through hypotheses. On the other hand, qualitative research is grounded in constructivism, which views social reality as dynamic, shaped by human interaction, interpretation, and cultural context. In education, these paradigms result in different perspectives: quantitative research seeks generalization, while qualitative research emphasizes in-depth understanding of unique school or classroom situations.

Second, Data analysis in quantitative research focuses on numerical processing. Instruments such as questionnaires, tests, or surveys are used to collect data, which are then processed using descriptive or inferential statistics. The results provide measurable, reliable, and generalizable findings. Meanwhile, qualitative research emphasizes meaning. Data are collected through interviews, observations, and documents, then analyzed using coding, categorization, or thematic approaches. The main objective is not generalization, but contextual and detailed understanding of the experiences of teachers, students, or school communities.

Third, In the practice of educational management, both approaches have strategic roles. Quantitative research is useful for evaluating program effectiveness, measuring institutional performance, and assessing stakeholder satisfaction in measurable terms. Meanwhile, qualitative research helps reveal school culture, communication patterns between teachers and students, and leadership practices of school principals. By combining both approaches through mixed methods, researchers can achieve a more comprehensive understanding: quantitative data offer a broad picture, while qualitative data complement it with deeper context.

The differences between qualitative and quantitative research in education lie in their paradigms, modes of analysis, and goals. Quantitative research emphasizes objectivity, measurement, and generalization, while qualitative research highlights meaning, interpretation, and deep understanding. Instead of being positioned as opposites, both should be seen as complementary approaches to produce educational research that is holistic, valid, and relevant to the challenges of contemporary educational management.

This essay is presented from the Teaching Module of the Course "Islamic Educational Management Research Methodology" Part 3: Research Methodology and Types of Research: from the Perspective of Paradigms and Types of Data Analysis

 (https://digilib.uinsgd.ac.id/id/eprint/121673). Lecturer: Prof. Dr. H. A. Rusdiana, M.M. 

cv M Tyonazwa Valeztin Nurjaman