# methodology

/ˌmɛθəˈdɑɫədʒi/ (US) · /mˌɛθədˈɒlədʒi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/methodology
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 2. the study of methods

noun · CEFR C2 · Academic · Formal

the study of how work or research is done.

For teachers: the theoretical analysis of the methods and principles belonging to a branch of knowledge. Uncountable in this philosophical or academic sense.

- Students in this course learn about the methodology of social science.
- A rigorous grounding in methodology is essential for any doctoral candidate intending to conduct original field research.

Teaching tip: In 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.

## Examples

- The researchers explained their methodology in the first chapter.
- We need to change our data collection methodology to ensure the results are more accurate.
- The primary criticism of the study focused on its flawed methodology, specifically the biased selection of participants which undermined the validity of the final conclusions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.