CONCEPTUAL REVIEW OF RESEARCH DATA: A KEY PILLAR IN RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This study aims to examine in depth the meaning and scope of the concept of research data from a philosophical, methodological, and practical perspective through a conceptual analysis approach. The main focus of this study is to critically examine how the concept of data is defined, developed, and used in contemporary scientific discourse. Data sources are secondary literature, such as academic books, indexed journal articles [Google Scholar, Scopus, JSTOR], and relevant scientific documents in the fields of research methodology, philosophy of science, and data epistemology. Literature selection is based on the criteria of thematic relevance, academic authority of the author, and contextuality to the development of research methodology. The results of the study show that data is not only understood as a technical entity or measurement result number, but as a complex representation of the scientific process influenced by values, context, and research objectives. Data is classified based on type, collection method, source, benefits, and measurement scale, each of which has important methodological implications. A comprehensive conceptual understanding of data contributes to increasing the validity, transparency, and accountability of research. Therefore, strong data literacy is the main foundation in building a credible and effective research methodology.