Comparison of Qualitative and Quantitative Research : Different Paths, Same Goal

By Zaskia Ratu Aliya (1232010110)
5th Semester Student/D Department of Islamic Education Management, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, Bachelor's Degree Program, Sunan Gunung Djati State Islamic University, Bandung.

The development of science has positioned research as the main pillar in producing scientific findings. Two dominant approaches used are quantitative and qualitative research. Quantitative research is often understood as objective research based on numbers, while qualitative research is considered more subjective with an emphasis on meaning. This view gives rise to the assumption that the two approaches follow different paths and are difficult to reconcile. However, reality shows that many researchers are still stuck using technical methods without a deep philosophical understanding of the underlying methodology. This gap is what often prevents research from making a strategic contribution to educational policy and practice. This article aims to compare qualitative and quantitative research, while emphasizing that although they follow different paths, both have the same scientific goal, namely to discover the truth. 

First: The research paradigm is a fundamental framework that determines the nature and steps of research. In general, research is divided into two major paradigms, namely quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative research is based on positivistic assumptions that view reality as something objective, fixed, and measurable, thus emphasizing the importance of generalization, validity, and numerical measurement. In contrast, qualitative research departs from a constructivist paradigm that believes that reality is complex, dynamic, and shaped through social interaction. The differences between the two are evident in terms of ontology, epistemology, and methodology: quantitative research considers reality to be objective and independent, maintaining a distance between the researcher and the object, while qualitative research views reality as a social construct with the active involvement of the researcher in the research process.

Second: The differences between quantitative and qualitative research are evident in several important aspects. At the problem formulation stage, quantitative research is based on pre-formulated theories and hypotheses, while qualitative research is more flexible and can evolve during the research process. In terms of data types, quantitative research relies on numerical data, while qualitative research utilizes narrative data in the form of words, behavior, and documents. The instruments used are also different, where quantitative research uses questionnaires that have been tested for validity and reliability, while in qualitative research, the researcher himself acts as the main instrument. In addition, quantitative data analysis is carried out using statistical techniques to test hypotheses, while qualitative data is analyzed inductively through data reduction, categorization, and theme search.

Third: The advantages of quantitative research lie in its objectivity, measurability, and generalizable results, making it well suited for evaluating policies and performance. However, its limitations include data that is often reductive, less able to capture deep context, and limited flexibility. In contrast, qualitative research excels at exploring meaning and understanding the complexity of phenomena, making it relevant for exploring leadership dynamics and organizational culture. Its weakness is that it is prone to researcher subjectivity and difficult to generalize due to its contextual nature, even though it provides a richer and deeper understanding.

Fourth: Quantitative methods are relevant for evaluating educational programs because they can measure effectiveness using objective numerical data. Meanwhile, qualitative methods are more appropriate for school management case studies because they can explore social realities and leadership dynamics in depth. The mixed methods approach combines the advantages of both for a more comprehensive understanding. Quantitative methods can assess results, while qualitative methods can understand the implementation process. When applying this to Student Research Proposals, researchers must choose the approach that is appropriate for the research problem and objectives to be achieved.

Quantitative research emphasizes numerical data, objectivity, and generalization, while qualitative research focuses on meaning, context, and researcher involvement. Mixed methods combine both, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of phenomena according to the objectives and context of the research.

This article is a review of Part 4 (Differences between Qualitative and Quantitative 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)

(Sumber : CV Zaskia Ratu Aliya)