methodology
noun
meth·od·ol·o·gy
ˌme-thə-ˈdä-lə-jē
plural methodologies
1
: a body of methods, rules, and ideas that are important in a science, art, or discipline : a particular procedure or set of procedures
demonstrating library research methodology
the issue is massive revision of teaching methodology—Bob Samples
There have been dozens of studies, using very different methodologies.—Daniel Geschwind, quoted at CNN
2
: a science or the study of method
Our … graduate schools of education … are wholeheartedly devoted to methodology.—Mortimer Smith, quoted in American Educator
specifically
: 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.
Cite this Entry
“Methodology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methodology. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.
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