Critical Reflection On Paradigma,Axioma,And Special Concept Of Quantitative And Qualitative Reserch

Critical Reflection on Paradigms, Axioms, and Special Concepts of Quantitative and Qualitative Research 

Zidan Zaqiyya Abduloh/Student of PTK UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung 

The development of science requires a deep understanding of the philosophical and methodological foundations of research, especially through critical reflection on paradigms, axioms, and special concepts of quantitative and qualitative research. Paradigms determine the way researchers view reality and knowledge, while axioms become the basis of scientific beliefs that shape the direction of research. Differences in assumptions, approaches, and methods between the two researches often cause confusion in application in the field. Therefore, this critical reflection aims to explain the position, strengths, and limitations of each approach so that researchers are able to integrate it comprehensively in producing valid and meaningful scientific findings. 

First: Quantitative and qualitative research are the two main approaches in educational and social research that have different but complementary paradigms, axioms, and methodologies. The quantitative approach is based on a positivistic paradigm that emphasizes objectivity, numerical measurement, and generalization through statistical analysis to test hypotheses and explain cause-and-effect relationships. On the other hand, qualitative research is based on a constructivistic paradigm that emphasizes meaning, experience, and social interpretation with data in the form of interviews, observations, and documents. The paradigms and axioms in these two approaches become the philosophical foundation that distinguishes the way of looking at reality: the quantitative views it as singular and measurable, while the qualitative considers it plural and contextual. 

Second: Problems and concepts are fundamental elements in every research because they determine the direction, clarity, and validity of scientific study results. Problem identification helps researchers determine a specific, relevant, and methodologically testable focus. Meanwhile, the concept serves as a theoretical framework of thought that explains the meaning of a phenomenon scientifically. Conceptual definitions clarify the meaning of a concept, while operational definitions reduce it to empirically measurable indicators. The relationship between the problem and the concept ensures that the research is not only theory-based, but also has a strong empirical footing to generate new knowledge that is relevant and accurate. 

Third: Constructs and indicators are important links between theory and empirical data in scientific research. Constructs serve as abstract representations of theoretically described phenomena, while indicators make the construct measurable through relevant and specific variables. The operationalization process then turns the indicators into valid and reliable data collection instruments, such as questionnaires, interviews, or observations. Validity plays a role in ensuring that the indicator truly represents the construct being studied. Thus, the four components—construct, indicators, operationalization, and validity—form a systematic unit that determines the quality, accuracy, and reliability of the research results.

 Fourth: Phenomena, data, and variables are interrelated elements in scientific research. Phenomena describe the real symptoms that are the object of study, while data is an empirical representation of the phenomenon. Variables are characteristics or attributes that can be measured and analyzed to understand the relationship between research elements. Types of variables include independent, dependent, moderator, mediator, and control. The measurement scale—nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio—determines the accuracy of the analysis results. Accuracy in variable measurement and data management is the methodological basis that ensures objectivity, validity, and reliability in producing scientific findings. 

Scientific research is a systematic process that integrates paradigms, concepts, and methods as a whole. The problem becomes a starting point that is clearly formulated, then strengthened through conceptual and operational definitions so that the meaning is appropriate. Constructs and indicators play a role in bridging theories with empirical data through a rigorous operationalization and validation process. Phenomena, data, and variables become the link between reality and scientific analysis, while measurement scales ensure the accuracy of results. A complete understanding of all these components makes research not only valid and meaningful, but also makes a real contribution to the development of science and the problem solving of society.

 *This article is presented from the Teaching Module of the Islamic Education Management Research Methods Course Part 5: Research in Educational Management ( https://eknows.uinsgd.ac.id/mod/assign/view.php?id=302585) Teaching Lecturer: Prof. Dr. H. A. Rusdiana., M.M  

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