Initial Understanding of the Fondation of Educational Management Research Methodology

In today's educational context, research quality is greatly influenced by the methodology used. Selecting the right methodology will result in research that is relevant, clear, and capable of providing concrete solutions to various problems in educational management. However, in reality, many obstacles remain, such as inaccurate research approaches, limited understanding of analytical instruments, and difficulties linking research results to practical needs in the field. If research is conducted with good planning, appropriate design, valid data, and accurate analysis, the results will not only be useful for academic purposes but can also serve as a basis for decision-making and educational policy formulation. Unfortunately, many students or novice researchers lack a basic understanding of research methodology, lack guidance, have limited access to the latest literature, and have not optimally utilized modern data analysis technology. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to provide a basic understanding of the concepts, principles, and foundations of educational management research methodology so that the resulting research is valid, reliable, and relevant to the needs of improving the quality of education in Indonesia. This will be discussed further through the following key pillars.

First, quantitative research requires a strong theoretical foundation as a basis for formulating hypotheses and explaining the relationships between the variables studied. Theory serves to establish a framework for thinking and a conceptual framework that serves as a reference for determining indicators and research instruments. Because quantitative research aims to test theories through empirical data, the theoretical foundation used must be scientific, empirically tested, and relevant to the research focus. For example, research on the relationship between motivation and academic achievement must refer to appropriate motivational theories to ensure accurate measurement of variables.

Second, quantitative research has distinctive characteristics that distinguish it from other approaches. This research is grounded in a positivistic paradigm that views reality as objective and measurable. Its primary goal is to test hypotheses and discover relationships between variables, both causal and correlational. Research variables are formulated operationally and measured using instruments such as questionnaires or tests. The research process is conducted systematically and structured, from problem formulation to data analysis. The sample is selected using probabilistic techniques and in a relatively large number to ensure generalizability of the research results. Data analysis in quantitative research uses statistics, both descriptive and inferential, such as regression, t-test, and ANOVA.

Third, unlike quantitative approaches, qualitative research is flexible and context-oriented. This research is based on an interpretive or constructivist paradigm that views reality as the result of individual subjective constructions. The goal of qualitative research is not to test hypotheses, but rather to explore and understand the meaning of a phenomenon in depth. Data is collected in narrative or descriptive form through interviews, observations, and document studies. In this research, the researcher is the primary instrument in both data collection and analysis. The analysis process is inductive, moving from field data to generalizations or developing theories. The credibility and context of the research are important factors in assessing the validity of qualitative research results.

Fourth, research types can be distinguished based on the paradigm and data analysis techniques used. Quantitative research uses a deductive approach with statistical analysis, while qualitative research uses an inductive approach with narrative or thematic analysis. Quantitative analysis includes techniques such as regression, correlation, and other inferential statistical tests, while qualitative research uses techniques such as coding, content analysis, and grounded theory. Furthermore, researchers can combine these two approaches in mixed methods research to gain a more comprehensive and comprehensive understanding of the problem being studied.

Summary:

Educational management research methodology is an essential foundation for producing high-quality, relevant, and beneficial research for improving the quality of education. Quantitative research emphasizes a strong theoretical foundation, is objective, and systematic, and uses statistical analysis to test hypotheses and relationships between variables. Meanwhile, qualitative research is oriented toward understanding meaning, is flexible, contextual, and uses inductive analysis with the researcher as the primary instrument. In addition to these two, there is also mixed methods research, which combines the advantages of quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a more comprehensive understanding. By understanding these methodological foundations, students and researchers can produce research that is valid, reliable, and relevant to practical and policy needs in the field of education.