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

Examples of methodology in a Sentence

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

This methodology has been successful in siting drill holes which intersected mineralization in multiple geologic settings. —Kansas City Star, 20 June 2024

The methodology The method used in the study to detect whether a model is likely to be confabulating is relatively simple. —Billy Perrigo, TIME, 19 June 2024

Santoro also emailed other DOH officials May 31, 2023 with specific objections to the methodology of fair share and concerns about the financial feasibility of building certain types of affordable developments in rural and urban communities alike. —Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2024

With conversations moderated by THR’s Mikey O’Connell and Lacey Rose, each episode highlights a dynamic ensemble of actors and delves deep into the urgent issues, creative methodologies and behind-the-scenes narratives that define entertainment. —Thr Staff, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1