methodology
n. US //ˌmɛθəˈdɑɫədʒi// UK //mˌɛθədˈɒlədʒi// method·ol·o·gy
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1 the study of methods (n.) C2 Proficiency Academic Formalthe study of how work or research is done.
the theoretical analysis of the methods and principles belonging to a branch of knowledge. Uncountable in this philosophical or academic sense.
ExampleStudents in this course learn about the methodology of social science.
ExampleA rigorous grounding in methodology is essential for any doctoral candidate intending to conduct original field research.
Teacher's tipIn modern professional contexts, people often use 'methodology' as a fancy word for 'method'. In strict academic writing, keep them separate: 'method' is what you did, 'methodology' is the theory behind why you did it.
From French méthodologie. By surface analysis, method + -ology.
- Nounmethodology
- Adjectivemethodological