Paradigms and Axioms: The Main Pillars of Research Methodology

By Wafda Khalida (1232010146)

Fifth Semester Student, Department of Islamic Education Management, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, Bachelor's Degree Program, UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung

The phenomenon of scientific development demands research that can explain reality objectively and meaningfully. The assumption is that quantitative research excels in measurement and generalization, while qualitative research is stronger in understanding social context. However, there is still a gap in the form of limitations of both in producing comprehensive research. Problems arise when paradigms, concepts, and validity are not consistently applied, making the results difficult to account for. This article aims to explain the paradigms, axioms, and key concepts in quantitative and qualitative research to clarify the theoretical and methodological foundations and their relevance to the quality of research.

First, qualitative research focuses on a deeper understanding of social meaning and experience, so the results are more contextual and less representative for generalization. In contrast, quantitative research emphasizes objectivity and numerical measurement in testing hypotheses and making generalizations, but its weakness lies in its limitations in capturing dynamic social complexity. Paradigms and axioms serve as the philosophical foundation that drives these two approaches so that the research design and methods are in line with the objectives. In addition, methodological consistency, validity methods, and data transparency are crucial to the quality of research so that the results are scientifically accountable.

Second, identifying problems in research requires clarity, relevance, and focus so that the study is meaningful and can be tested systematically. Once the problem has been identified, a conceptual definition is needed to clarify its meaning, limit the scope of the study, and link it to a broader theoretical framework. Furthermore, operational definitions play an important role in bridging abstract concepts with empirical reality through indicators that are measurable and scientifically testable. The close relationship between the problem and the concept ensures that the research is meaningful, valid, and has a clear theoretical basis so that the results are accountable. 

Third, constructs are conceptual foundations that serve to bridge theory with empirical data through scientifically testable indicators. Indicators then act as a bridge connecting theoretical constructs with empirical data through measurable variables. The operationalization process is necessary to translate indicators into research instruments so that they can be measured consistently, reliably, and in accordance with the research objectives. Furthermore, the validity of indicators is an important aspect in ensuring the suitability between constructs, indicators, and instruments, so that the research results are not only accurate but also scientifically accountable in the development of knowledge. 

Fourth, phenomena are the starting point of research that serves to connect empirical reality with relevant theoretical frameworks. From these phenomena, data is then collected as the foundation of research that can represent reality and become the basis for analysis in constructing scientific knowledge. In quantitative research, variables are the main components that enable researchers to test hypotheses and analyze relationships between phenomena systematically. For research results to be accurate, a measurement scale is needed to determine the accuracy of the analysis. Thus, phenomena, data, variables, and measurement scales are important foundations that ensure the scientific quality of research is maintained. 

So, quantitative research emphasizes objectivity and generalization, while qualitative research focuses on understanding social meaning. Paradigms, problem identification, and conceptual and operational definitions are necessary for research to be focused. Constructs, indicators, validity, phenomena, data, variables, and measurement scales are the main foundations for producing accurate, valid, and meaningful research.  

This article is a review of part 5 of Paradigms, Axioms, and Concepts of Qualitative and Quantitative Research from the teaching materials for the Educational Management Research Methods course, taught by Prof. Dr. H. A Rusdiana, M.M. https://digilib.uinsgd.ac.id/121673/ 

Dokpri