Quantitative or Qualitative? Understand the Paradigm and Axioms Before Researching!

Author: By Retina Azkia Wardah Safitri (1232010136), 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.

The increasing interest in research among students and academics indicates positive progress in the Indonesian scientific community. However, many studies are conducted without understanding the paradigms and axioms underlying the scientific method. This phenomenon shows a gap between theory and practice, where research often focuses on data collection without considering its philosophical basis. In fact, understanding paradigms and axioms is very important so that research has direction, validity, and strong scientific meaning. This paper aims to explain the main concepts of quantitative and qualitative research, as well as the importance of a philosophical foundation in designing credible research.

First: Quantitative and qualitative research have different perspectives on reality and knowledge. The quantitative approach is based on positivism, which emphasizes objectivity, numerical measurement, and deductive logic to test hypotheses and find cause-and-effect relationships. The results are statistically measurable generalizations. In contrast, qualitative research focuses on meaning and individual experience. Based on constructivism, this research interprets social reality through observation and interaction, resulting in a deep understanding of the phenomenon being studied. These two approaches differ in method but complement each other in enriching scientific knowledge.

Second: Paradigms and axioms form the philosophical basis of research. Paradigms help researchers understand the nature of reality (ontology), how to acquire knowledge (epistemology), and the values that underlie research (axiology). Axioms serve to maintain consistency between research methods and objectives. In quantitative approaches, reality is considered objective and measurable, while in qualitative approaches, reality is subjective and shaped through social interaction. Understanding paradigms and axioms helps researchers choose appropriate methods and maintain the validity of results through systematic strategies, data transparency, and the application of scientific principles.

Third: Clarity of the problem and concept is an important foundation of research. The problem must be relevant, specific, and testable. After that, researchers develop conceptual definitions to explain the theoretical meaning of a concept, then create operational definitions that describe how to measure the concept. A strong relationship between the problem, concept, and theory ensures that the research is focused and meaningful, not merely procedural.

Fourth: Scientific research requires an understanding of constructs, indicators, phenomena, and variables. Constructs are abstract concepts that are bridged by measurable indicators. Through operationalization, abstract concepts can be tested systematically. Phenomena are the starting point of research, while data from observations are analyzed to find relationships between variables. Accuracy in choosing the measurement scale of nominal, ordinal, interval, or ratio determines the validity of the research results.

Therefore, understanding paradigms and axioms before conducting research is a fundamental step in producing scientific and relevant research. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches have their own strengths. With clarity of issues, accuracy of concepts, and valid methods, research will produce new knowledge that is objective, measurable, and useful for the development of science and education in Indonesia.

This article is a review of Part 5 (Paradigms, Axioms, and Specific Concepts of Quantitative and Qualitative Research) from the teaching materials for the Management Research Methods course, taught by Prof. Dr. H. A Rusdiana, M.M (https://eknows. uinsgd.ac.id/pluginfile.php/1035857/mod_assign/introattachment/0/003-%20Part%20III%20Metodologi%20riset%20dan%20Jenis%20Riset.pdf?forcedownload=1)

CV Retina Azkia