Methodology
Methodology is the study of research methods,[1][2] or, more formally, “'a contextual framework for research, a coherent and logical scheme based on views, beliefs, and values, that guides the choices researchers [or other users] make”.[3][4]
It comprises the theoretical analysis of the body of methods and principles associated with a branch of knowledge such that the methodologies employed from differing disciplines vary depending on their historical development. This creates a continuum of methodologies[5] that stretch across competing understandings of how knowledge and reality are best understood. This situates methodologies within overarching philosophies and approaches.[6]
Methodology may be visualized as a spectrum from a predominantly quantitative approach towards a predominantly qualitative approach.[7] Although a methodology may conventionally sit specifically within one of these approaches, researchers may blend approaches in answering their research objectives and so have methodologies that are multimethod and/or interdisciplinary.[8][9][10]
In general, a methodology proposes to provide solutions - therefore, the same as a method.[10][11] Instead, a methodology offers a theoretical perspective for understanding which method, set of methods, or best practices can be applied to the research question(s) at hand.
References
- Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language, Second Edition, Unabridged, W. A. Neilson, T. A. Knott, P. W. Carhart (eds.), G. & C. Merriam Company, Springfield, MA, 1950. “Methodology Usage Notes”, entry at Merriam–Webster
- Baskerville, R. (1991). “Risk Analysis as a Source of Professional Knowledge”. Computers & Security. 10 (8): 749–764. doi:10.1016/0167-4048(91)90094-T.
- Kara, Helen (2015). Creative research methods in the social sciences: a practical guide. Gergen, Kenneth J., Gergen, Mary M. Bristol: Policy Press. p. 4. ISBN 978-1-4473-1627-5. OCLC 908273802.
- Creative arts research: narratives of methodologies and practices. Grierson, Elizabeth; Brearley, Laura; Hamm, Treahna. Rotterdam, The Netherlands: Sense Publishers. 2009. ISBN 978-90-8790-995-6. OCLC 551433734.
- Cooper, Barry (8 March 2012). Challenging the qualitative-quantitative divide: explorations in case-focused causal analysis. A&C Black. ISBN 978-1-4411-0063-4. OCLC 793207861.
- Niglas, Katrin (2010), “The Multidimensional Model of Research Methodology: An Integrated Set of Continua”, SAGE Handbook of Mixed Methods in Social & Behavioral Research, SAGE Publications, Inc., pp. 215–236, doi:10.4135/9781506335193.n9, ISBN 978-1-4129-7266-6, retrieved 2020-10-28
- Newman, Isadore. (1998). Qualitative-quantitative research methodology: exploring the interactive continuum. Benz, Carolyn R. Carbondale, Ill.: Southern Illinois University Press. ISBN 0-585-17889-5. OCLC 44962443.
- Irny, S.I. and Rose, A.A. (2005) “Designing a Strategic Information Systems Planning Methodology for Malaysian Institutes of Higher Learning (isp- ipta), Issues in Information System, Volume VI, No. 1, 2005.
- Andiappan, Viknesh; Wan, Yoke Kin (2020-04-01). “Distinguishing approach, methodology, method, procedure and technique in process systems engineering”. Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy. 22 (3): 547–555. doi:10.1007/s10098-020-01819-w. ISSN 1618-9558. S2CID 211074515.
- Brookshier, Kathryn (2018-05-30). “Method vs. methodology: understanding the difference”. Medium. Retrieved 2020-10-28.
- Campbell, Steve (2016). “Perspectives: Method and methodology in nursing research”. Journal of Research in Nursing. 21 (8): 656–659. doi:10.1177/1744987116679583. ISSN 1744-9871. S2CID 78696476.