methodology

noun

meth·​od·​ol·​o·​gy ˌme-thə-ˈdä-lə-jē 

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 methodology

—Bob 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.

Synonyms

• course
• line
• policy
• procedure
• program

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

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Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1