In conducting research or research, not a few students rush to perform statistical tests before ensuring the quality of the data used. Lecturer of the Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business UGM, Dr. Kusdhianto Setiawan, Sivilekonom., Ph.D., said that the biggest challenge in quantitative research often lies not in the data itself but in how researchers process and interpret it.
In the Workshop Series on Behavioural Research organized by the Marketing Studies Division of FEB UGM on May 27, 2025, at FEB UGM, Kusdhianto explained the challenges in managing data quality, including data cleaning in quantitative research.
“Often researchers feel that they have a problem with the data, whereas what should be adjusted is the model or estimation method,” he said.
Kusdhianto emphasized that data cleaning is not just a technical stage. Data cleaning is the primary foundation for producing valid analyses that can be scientifically accounted for.
On that occasion, he introduced two of the five commonly used statistical estimation methods: Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE). These two methods were presented as basic techniques that can be a starting point for participants in developing advanced analytical approaches.
Meanwhile, in her remarks, the Head of Marketing Studies, Dr. Naila Zulfa, conveyed the importance of understanding the data cleaning process before conducting statistical analysis. This workshop is expected to equip students to conduct quantitative research and understand data so that it is ready to be analyzed statistically.
Report by: Orie Priscylla Mapeda Lumalan
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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