Lebih mudah kualitatif atau kuantitatif? Ternyata...

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the common dilemma faced by students when choosing between quantitative and qualitative research for their thesis. Both methods are equally challenging but in different ways. Quantitative research requires a strong theoretical foundation and careful attention to the design, while qualitative research is more flexible but can be tricky to organize and analyze. The speaker emphasizes that the choice of method should align with the research question and personal strengths, whether one prefers calculations or storytelling. Ultimately, the key is to focus on the research problem first and then choose the appropriate method.

Takeaways

• 😀 Both quantitative and qualitative research have their own challenges, but neither is easy or difficult in an absolute sense. Each has its own specific set of hurdles.
• 😀 The main challenge in quantitative research lies in the early stages, particularly in formulating and identifying the research problem with a strong theoretical foundation.
• 😀 A common issue in quantitative research is the debate over which theory to use, often leading to lengthy discussions between students and their advisors.
• 😀 In quantitative research, a challenge arises when operationalizing variables, as they need to be turned into clear, measurable items (such as survey questions) before fieldwork can begin.
• 😀 Population and sampling techniques in quantitative research also present challenges, and choosing the wrong statistical methods can lead to serious mistakes in analysis.
• 😀 Once the data collection is completed, writing the results section of a quantitative research thesis tends to be more straightforward because the structure is logical and systematic.
• 😀 In qualitative research, the early stages (chapters 1, 2, and 3) are generally more flexible since theories are not tested, but rather used to explain phenomena.
• 😀 One of the main challenges in qualitative research is deciding how to write up the results, especially since data can be disorganized and come from various sources (interviews, observations, documents).
• 😀 Qualitative data collection methods, such as interviews, are often unstructured, making it harder to organize the data systematically for analysis.
• 😀 In qualitative research, there is more freedom to adjust and add theories during the writing process, especially if new findings emerge during data collection.
• 😀 When choosing a research method, students should first focus on the research problem and objectives before deciding whether quantitative or qualitative methods are more suitable for their study.
• 😀 Students should avoid overthinking about the method and instead focus on clearly defining their research questions and objectives first.

Q & A

Which research method, quantitative or qualitative, is considered easier for thesis writing?

Neither method is definitively easier; both quantitative and qualitative research have their own challenges. The key is understanding the strengths and challenges of each method and how they align with the research question.

What is the primary challenge in quantitative research?

The main challenge in quantitative research lies in the early stages, particularly in formulating the problem, identifying the right theoretical framework, and selecting the appropriate statistical methods for analysis.

Why is theory selection difficult in quantitative research?

Choosing the right theory can be challenging because students often face debates with their advisors on which theory to use as a foundation for their research.

What is the challenge of operationalizing variables in quantitative research?

Operationalizing variables involves translating abstract concepts into measurable elements, which can be a complex process as it often involves creating surveys or questionnaires that must be precise for data collection.

How does the writing process in quantitative research differ from qualitative research?

In quantitative research, once data is collected, the writing process tends to be more structured, with a clear sequence from data description to statistical analysis and discussion. This makes it less confusing for students compared to qualitative research.

Why is qualitative research considered more flexible?

Qualitative research is more flexible because it does not test a specific theory. Instead, it explores phenomena, and the theoretical framework can evolve as new insights emerge during the research process.

What is the challenge faced by qualitative researchers during the writing process?

The challenge in qualitative research often arises in organizing and writing the findings, as the data collected through interviews or observations can be unstructured and scattered, requiring careful organization before analysis.

How do qualitative researchers deal with unstructured data?

Qualitative researchers must first organize their data systematically, as interviews and observations can be disorganized, and then present their findings in a coherent manner, often requiring a more interpretive approach.

What should students focus on when choosing a research method for their thesis?

Students should focus on the research question and the objectives of the study, and then choose a method that is best suited to answer those questions, rather than fixating on whether quantitative or qualitative research is 'easier'.

How can a student's personal strengths influence their choice of research method?

A student’s personal strengths, such as their ability to analyze numbers (quantitative) or their ability to articulate and interpret qualitative data (qualitative), should guide their choice of method. It is essential to align the research method with their skills.