Origin: Greek suffix -ology
Methodology has 3 different meanings across 1 category:
the branch of philosophy that analyzes the principles and procedures of inquiry in a particular discipline
"The department's new curriculum is designed to teach students how to rigorously evaluate the underlying methodology of their chosen field."
the system of methods followed in a particular discipline
"The research team spent weeks refining their methodology to ensure the psychological study met all ethical standards for human subjects."
The study of methods used in a field.
"The university hired a new professor to teach students the rigorous methodology behind conducting historical research."
In plain English: Methodology is the specific way someone plans and carries out a project to get results.
"The professor explained her research methodology to the students before they began their projects."
Usage: Use "methodology" to refer to the systematic study or collection of methods employed within a specific discipline, rather than a single technique. It describes the overall approach and principles guiding how research or tasks are conducted, not the individual steps taken.
The word methodology comes from French and is formed by combining the words method and -ology. It entered English to describe a systematic way of doing something or studying a subject.