methodology

[meth-uh-dol-uh-jee]

noun

plural

methodologies 

1. a set or system of methods, principles, and rules for regulating a given discipline, as in the arts or sciences.

2. Philosophy.

   1. the underlying principles and rules of organization of a philosophical system or inquiry procedure.

   2. the study of the principles underlying the organization of the various sciences and the conduct of scientific inquiry.

3. Education.,  a branch of pedagogics dealing with analysis and evaluation of subjects to be taught and of the methods of teaching them.

methodology

/ ˌmɛθəˈdɒlədʒɪ, ˌmɛθədəˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

noun

1. the system of methods and principles used in a particular discipline

2. the branch of philosophy concerned with the science of method and procedure

Other Word Forms

• methodological adjective
• methodologist noun
• methodologically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of methodology¹

From the New Latin word methodologia, dating back to 1790–1800. See method, -o-, -logy

Example Sentences

While a paper’s methodology could be more or less rigorous, and data could be tortured into fitting preconceived conclusions, the falsification of an entire study was extraordinary.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

That figure uses a different methodology intended to replicate the government’s monthly jobs report more closely.

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Those lessons would serve him later as he developed and refined his intervention methodologies.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

I kept meticulous records, mostly because I thought my mom would come back around and be mad at me, because I messed up her very precise financial methodology.

Read more on Barron's

The four polygenic screening companies said their methodologies are valid and that the tests offer valuable insight into a child’s future health and characteristics.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• mode 
• procedure 
• technique