Unraveling Paradigms, Axioms and Concepts of Quantitative & Qualitative Research

Wafa Zulfatul Fadlilah, Mahasiswi S1 Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, Fakultas Tarbiyah dan Keguruan, UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, 5/D

The phenomenon of research in educational management shows a clear difference between quantitative and qualitative approaches. The assumption is that reality can either be understood objectively through numbers, or interpreted subjectively through meaning and experience. The gap that arises is that students often understand only one approach without being able to integrate both. Therefore, this paper aims to unravel paradigms, axioms, and specific concepts of quantitative and qualitative research in order to provide a more comprehensive understanding of research.

First, Quantitative research is grounded in the paradigm of positivism, assuming that reality is objective, measurable, and empirically testable. This type of research usually focuses on hypothesis testing, cause--effect relationships, and generalization from samples to populations. Conversely, qualitative research is based on constructivism, which views reality as the result of social interaction and participants' interpretations. Its main focus is meaning, experiences, and deeper contextual understanding. These paradigmatic differences make both approaches distinct in their characteristics, instruments, and outcomes in explaining a phenomenon.

Second, n research, the problem is the starting point that must be clear, specific, and relevant. To address the problem, researchers rely on concepts. Concepts are divided into two forms: conceptual definitions, which provide the theoretical meaning of a term, and operational definitions, which turn abstract concepts into measurable indicators. For example, the concept of "learning motivation" in a conceptual sense refers to the drive to achieve goals, while operationally it can be measured through indicators such as attendance, class participation, or task completion. The right relation between problem and concept determines research quality both theoretically and empirically.

Third, A construct is an abstract representation of a phenomenon, such as leadership, interest, or motivation. Since it cannot be measured directly, constructs must be broken down into observable indicators. These indicators are then operationalized into research instruments, such as questionnaires, observations, or interviews. To ensure accuracy, validity is essential so that indicators truly reflect the constructs being studied. Moreover, research also focuses on phenomena, data, and variables. Phenomena are observable realities, data represent these phenomena, while variables are characteristics that can change and are analyzed systematically in quantitative studies.

In conclusion, Paradigms, axioms, and specific concepts in quantitative and qualitative research form the essential foundation of scientific inquiry. Quantitative research emphasizes objectivity, numerical data, and generalization, while qualitative research highlights meaning, experience, and depth of analysis. By understanding problems, concepts, constructs, indicators, phenomena, data, and variables, researchers can design more systematic and valid studies. Integrating both approaches through mixed methods provides a more holistic understanding and contributes to the development of educational management as well as research practices in general.*)

*)This article is a review of part 5: Paradigms, Axioms and Concepts of Quantitative & Qualitative Research, taken from the teaching material of the Research Methodology in Management course, taught by Prof. Dr. H. A. Rusdiana, M.M.

CURICULUM VITAE

Wafa Zulfatul Fadlilah
Lahir di Tasikmalaya, tanggal 27 Februari 2004.
Merupakan anak pertama dari pasangan Bapak Mas'ud dengan Ibu Euis Nurhasanah.
Alamat tempat tinggal: Dusun Ciwangkal Desa Cimindi Kecamatan Cigugur Kabupaten Pangandaran, Jawa Barat 46392.
Tlp/hp: 082126847084
Email: fadlilahwafazulfatul@gmail.com
Pendidikan: SDN 1 Cimindi, tahun lulus 2017. SMP IT Ummul Quro Tasikmalaya, tahun lulus 2020. SMA IT Ummul Quro Tasikmalaya, tahun lulus 2023 dan sekarang kuliah di UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung jurusan Manajemen Pendidikan Islam.
Motivasi masuk ke UIN SGD jurusan MPI: Saya memilih UIN karena di kampus ini ada jurusan Manajemen Pendidikan Islam yang memang sesuai dengan minatku. Selain itu, saya percaya kalau setiap langkah yang saya jalani adalah bagian dari takdir Allah, termasuk diterima di UIN. Jadi bukan hanya soal pilihan pribadi, tapi juga panggilan hati dan kesempatan yang sudah di gariskan.
Motto: don't change a thing u're amazing.

https://digilib.uinsgd.ac.id/121673/1/Bahan%20Ajar%20Metlit%20MP%20-%20digilib.pdf

https://eknows.uinsgd.ac.id/course/view.php?id=22535