Methods are mere tools. It helps research achieve its goals. Therefore, the method as far as possible is mastered by all. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods. With quantitative methods, research can look at various statistical and numerical possibilities.
Kunto Adi Wibowo, Lecturer at Fikom Unpad, Bandung, received the message from his professor during his doctoral studies in the United States. Since then he has pursued various methods including studying quantitative methods to explore these methods in statistics and psychology. “My professor said that mastery over this (method) will make it easier for researchers to do research,” said Kunto at the Quantitative Research Methods Training on August 28, 2021.
The Journal and Publication Management Unit of FPSB UII held this activity so that there would be a method refresh. Journal managers within FPSB UII are expected to increase their capacity and, “assist editors in selecting quality quantitative manuscripts,” said Puji Rianto, Head of the Journal and Scientific Paper Publication Management Unit of FPSB UII, when contacted yesterday, August 30, 2021.
Types of Quantitative Research
Quantitative research, said Kunto, is divided into three types. The first is descriptive, correlational quantitative research, and the third is experimental quantitative research.
“Experimentality is a matter of causality. The characteristics are first because it must come first. Correlational is what matters,” said Kunto, who is also a reviewer of national and international journals. “Secondly, the cause must cause effect. Third, cause and effect cannot be just coincidence. It’s experimental. That’s why in the laboratory there are measurements,” he added.
To differentiate between experimental and correlational, “I usually use this. Correlation is not causation,” explained Kunto.
For Kunto, not everything whose hypothesis is wrong is a failed research. Instead, he falsified the theory. “Such research actually contributes to knowledge,” said Kunto. However, it also depends on whether the method is correct and valid.
By understanding quantitative methods in more detail, journal managers in FPSB UII are expected to be able to carefully determine incoming journal manuscripts using quality quantitative methods. In turn, the quality of the journal is expected to improve.