Uncovering Paradigms, Axioms, and Important Concepts in Research

Uncovering Paradigms, Axioms, and Important Concepts in Research

Windy Nurul Miftahuldzanah (1232010141) 5th Semester Student/D Department of Islamic Education Management, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, Bachelor's Degree UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung

In the development of science, research plays an important role in establishing new policies and theories. However, many researchers still do not understand the differences in paradigms and basic concepts between quantitative and qualitative research. This causes a gap in the application of methods and data analysis. This paper aims to explain the main concepts, the relationship between problems and concepts, the role of constructs and indicators, and the relationship between phenomena, data, and variables in scientific research.

First, Key Concepts in Quantitative and Qualitative Research. Quantitative research is based on a positivistic paradigm that emphasizes objectivity, numerical measurement, and relationships between variables to discover cause and effect and produce generalizations. In contrast, qualitative research is based on constructivism, which emphasizes meaning and individual social experiences. Paradigms and axioms serve as frameworks for thinking and basic assumptions about reality, while methodology ensures the validity of the research process and results. By understanding these two approaches, researchers can choose the most appropriate method to answer research questions scientifically and validly.

Second, Problems and Concepts in Research. Every research begins with problem identification, which is an effort to find a relevant and specific focus of study. Once the problem has been identified, researchers develop conceptual definitions to link theory with empirical phenomena, then define them operationally so that they can be measured in real terms. The relationship between problems and concepts becomes the main direction of the research; without the connection between the two, the research is only descriptive without scientific contribution. Therefore, clarity of problems and concepts becomes the foundation for the accuracy of the methodology and the validity of the research results.

Third, Constructs and Conceptual Indicators. Constructs are abstract representations of phenomena such as motivation, leadership, or job satisfaction that are formulated through theory because they cannot be measured directly. To measure them, indicators are used as specific and relevant measurable variables. The operationalization process then converts indicators into research instruments such as questionnaires or observations. To ensure that the results are valid, the validity of the indicators is tested through three main aspects: content validity, construct validity, and criterion validity. Thus, constructs and indicators become important links between theoretical concepts and empirical reality.

Fourth, Phenomena, Data, and Variables. Phenomena are social symptoms or real events that are interesting to study scientifically. From these phenomena, data is obtained, which is a representation of facts collected for analysis. In quantitative research, data is organized into variables independent, dependent, moderator, mediator, and control to see the cause-and-effect relationship. The data is measured using four scales: nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio. The selection of the appropriate scale determines the validity of statistical analysis and the accuracy of research results, making data and variables the core of the scientific process.

Paradigms, axioms, and concepts in quantitative and qualitative research play an important role in shaping scientific understanding. Quantitative research emphasizes objectivity and generalization, while qualitative research highlights social meaning and context. Clarity of the problem, constructs, indicators, and variables ensures that research is focused and valid. With a thorough understanding of these elements, researchers can produce valid, meaningful findings that contribute significantly to the development of science and educational policy.

This paper 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://digilib.uinsgd.ac.id/id/eprint/121673 ).

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