The Urgency of Understanding Research Methodology in Advancing Research Success

Here is the translation of the text into English:

 academic formality, when in fact it should be a strategic tool for problem-solving. This phenomenon creates an "assumption gap": a gap between the potential of research as a tool for evidence-based policy and the reality that it often produces only descriptive studies. The main problem is the low literacy in robust methodology, which means research is unable to provide relevant recommendations. Therefore, this essay aims to highlight the urgency of mastering research methodology as a foundation for producing quality, impactful research that can advance educational management practices in Indonesia.

First, global developments in educational research are moving toward more complex methodologies, in line with the demands of the big data and artificial intelligence era. However, in Indonesia, much research is still simply descriptive due to the low methodological literacy among students and educators. Research is often seen only as an academic requirement, not a strategic instrument. This condition highlights the urgency of a deep understanding of research methodology as a strategic foundation for the development of educational science and practice.

Second, research methodology is a philosophical framework that guides researchers in systematically designing, conducting, and analyzing research. There is a big gap between understanding research methods (technical techniques like surveys or interviews) and research methodology (the philosophical framework). Yet, understanding philosophical foundations such as the positivistic, interpretive, and critical paradigms is crucial in determining the appropriate research approach---whether it is quantitative, qualitative, or mixed.

Third, the choice of a research approach depends on the research objective. Quantitative research is rooted in the positivistic paradigm, emphasizing objectivity, measurement, and theory verification. This approach uses structured procedures like surveys and statistical analysis to produce valid, reliable, and generalizable findings. However, its strength in objectivity often ignores the context and depth of meaning of social phenomena. In contrast, qualitative research is based on the interpretive and constructivistic paradigms, focusing on meaning, process, and deep understanding. Naturalistic techniques like in-depth interviews are used to capture the complexity of participants' experiences. Although its generalizability is limited, its strength lies in the credibility and depth of analysis.

Fourth, understanding the strengths and limitations of both approaches paves the way for mixed-methods research. This approach combines quantitative and qualitative methods to gain a more comprehensive, valid, and contextual understanding. For example, quantitative data can measure student achievement, while qualitative data can explain their experiences in depth.

In conclusion, mastering research methodology is not just a technical skill, but a crucial foundation that determines the direction and quality of research. With a strong understanding of methodology, researchers are able to design studies that are relevant and impactful. This ability is key to transforming research from a mere formality into a strategic instrument that produces evidence-based policy recommendations, and ultimately, truly advances the quality of education in Indonesia.

Tulisan ini disarikan dari modul ajar Mata Kuliah Intership Dosen pengampu Prof.Dr.A.Rusdiana,M.M.

(https://digilib.uinsgd.ac.id/id/eprint/121673)