methodology

noun

meth·​od·​ol·​o·​gy ˌme-thə-ˈdä-lə-jē How to pronounce methodology (audio)
plural methodologies
1
: a body of methods, rules, and postulates employed by a discipline : a particular procedure or set of procedures
demonstrating library research methodology
the issue is massive revision of teaching methodologyBob Samples
2
: the analysis of the principles or procedures of inquiry in a particular field

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Methodology and Science

The methodology employed in an experiment is essential to its success, and bad methodology has spoiled thousands of research projects. So whenever a piece of research is published in a scientific or medical journal, the researchers always carefully describe their methodology; otherwise, other scientists couldn't possibly judge the quality of what they've done.

Example Sentences

He blamed the failure of their research on poor methodology. for solving crossword puzzles my usual methodology is to begin by filling in all of the answers I'm reasonably sure of
Recent Examples on the Web Pure album sales were the sole measurement utilized by the Billboard 200 albums chart through the list dated Dec. 6, 2014, after which that chart switched to a methodology that blends album sales with track equivalent album units and streaming equivalent album units. Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 16 May 2023 Invited also emphasizes instruction and certification, ensuring that the teaching pros have a consistent and standardized teaching methodology across the portfolio. Todd Boss, Forbes, 4 May 2023 Historically, many studies demonstrating the health benefits of moderate drinking have been funded by the alcohol industry, leading some experts to question their results based not only on methodology, but also on conflict of interest. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 1 May 2023 As a member of the company from 2006 to 2009, Sánchez Ruíz worked with Brown, who died in 2017, before striking out on her own — forming a group, continuing to dance and developing teaching methodologies. Gia Kourlas, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2023 The group is the only global non-government organization of its kind, dedicated to promoting the application of theory, methodology and scientific techniques to the conservation of the architectural and archaeological heritage. Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 17 Apr. 2023 There have been dozens of studies, using very different methodologies. Matt Villano, CNN, 12 Apr. 2023 In addition to the Brandeis Center, the complaint was filed on behalf of students by the watchdog group Jewish On Campus, whose antisemitism-tracking methodology has been criticized by other groups. Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2023 That equates to roughly 120 miles, according to the U.S.'s EPA methodology. Car and Driver, 3 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'methodology.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin methodologia, from Latin methodus + -logia -logy

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of methodology was in 1800

Dictionary Entries Near methodology

Cite this Entry

“Methodology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methodology. Accessed 2 Jun. 2023.

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