Understanding Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methodologies and Techniques for Successful Research
By Raidah Huwaida (1232010134)
5th Semester Student/D Department of Islamic Education Management, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, Bachelor's Degree Program, Sunan Gunung Djati State Islamic University, Bandung
In educational management research, quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and techniques play a crucial role as the foundation for systematic data collection and analysis. Current global phenomena show an increase in data complexity, triggered by the digital revolution, educational access inequality, and rapid economic dynamics. At the national level, scientific research is key to producing evidence-based policies. The basic assumptions underlying quantitative research include objectivity, reliability, validity, and causality, while qualitative research adheres to credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. The main problem to be addressed is the lack of understanding among students regarding differences in methodology, sampling techniques, instrument use, and data analysis. Therefore, the main objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding so that students are able to distinguish between types of data, design valid instruments, and analyze data appropriately to support evidence-based decision making.
First, data and variables are key components in research, where data serves as the basic source of information and variables explain the phenomena being analyzed. Research data is divided into two main types: quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative data takes the form of numbers that are processed statistically, such as scores or percentages, with the aim of measuring and testing hypotheses. In contrast, qualitative data takes the form of narratives or descriptions that are analyzed through interpretation to understand meaning and context in depth.
Second, population, sample, and data collection instruments are three vital components in a study. The population is the entire set of objects or individuals that are the focus of the study, while the sample is a portion of the population that is selected for analysis. There are two main techniques for sampling: probability (every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected) and non-probability (non-random selection of samples).Â
Third, data collection techniques are a crucial stage because data quality greatly determines the validity and reliability of research results. In quantitative research, data is generally collected through questionnaires, tests, and documentation. These methods produce numerical data that can be analyzed statistically. Meanwhile, qualitative research uses methods such as in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis to gain a deeper understanding of a phenomenon. To ensure data accuracy and consistency, strategies such as triangulation, instrument testing, enumerator training, and systematic documentation are highly recommended.Â
Fourth, data analysis is an important stage for interpreting the relationship between variables and testing hypotheses. Correlation analysis is used to determine the strength and direction of the relationship between two variables, with methods such as Pearson for interval/ratio data, Spearman for ordinal data, and Kendall as a non-parametric alternative. On the other hand, influence analysis uses simple linear regression (one independent variable) and multiple linear regression (two or more independent variables) to measure the extent to which independent variables influence dependent variables.Â
Overall, a deep understanding of research methodology, from data and variables, population and sample, to data collection and analysis techniques, greatly determines the quality of a study. Errors in any of these stages can reduce quality and lead to inaccurate conclusions. By mastering these four aspects, researchers can produce valid, reliable, and relevant findings, which can ultimately be used as a basis for meaningful decision-making, especially in the field of educational management.
*)This article is a review of Part 6 (Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methodology and Techniques) from the teaching materials for the Management Research Methods course, taught by Prof. Dr. H. A Rusdiana, M.M. (https://digilib.uinsgd.ac.id/id/eprint/121673)
