-jē, -ji noun
( -es )
Etymology: New Latin methodologia, from Latin methodus method + -o- + -logia -logy — more at method
1.
a. : a body of methods, procedures, working concepts, rules, and postulates employed by a science, art, or discipline
the limitation of science arises from a feature of its methodology — Henry Margenau
the statistical methodology is perhaps the most useful tool for controlling quality — N.C.Brown
applying the … methodology of geology and soil science to the practical problems of mineral exploration — H.T.U.Smith
b. : the processes, techniques, or approaches employed in the solution of a problem or in doing something : a particular procedure or set of procedures
attempts to teach students a methodology of reading — Hargis Westerfield
the first stage of the research has been devoted to the development of a methodology — American Anthrop. Association Bulletin
the methodology of this study is outlined — Journal American Medical Association
c. : the theoretical foundations of a philosophical doctrine : the basic premises, postulates, and concepts of a philosophy
the methodology of Aristotelianism
the methodology of dialectical materialism
these methodologies … are so divergent as to render futile any effort at reconciliation — Murray Krieger
2. : a science or the study of method
graduate schools of education … are wholeheartedly devoted to methodology — M.B.Smith
specifically : a branch of logic that analyzes the principles or procedures that should guide inquiry in a particular field