methodology

/ˈmɛθəˌdɑlədʒi/

/mɛθəˈdɒlədʒi/

Other forms: methodologies

A methodology is a plan-of-attack, especially when that plan-of-attack is used repeatedly.

This might be obvious, but the word methodology is related to the word method. In fact, a methodology is a system of methods followed consistently. Scientists, for example, use various methodologies as they perform experiments. It might seem like the world is nothing but chaos and disorder. But actually, sometimes there is a method to this madness. And sometimes there’s a methodology.

Definitions of methodology

1. noun

   the system of methods followed in a particular discipline
   types:

   scientific method

   a method of investigation involving observation and theory to test scientific hypotheses

   experimental method

   the use of controlled observations and measurements to test hypotheses

   type of:

   method

   a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)
2. noun

   the branch of philosophy that analyzes the principles and procedures of inquiry in a particular discipline
   synonyms: methodological analysis

   type of:

   epistemology

   the philosophical theory of knowledge