— methodological /meth'euh dl oj"i keuhl/ , adj. — methodologically , adv. — methodologist , n.
/meth'euh dol"euh jee/ , n. , pl. methodologies .
1. a set or system of methods, principles, and rules for regulating a given discipline, as in the arts or sciences.
2. Philos.
a. the underlying principles and rules of organization of a philosophical system or inquiry procedure.
b. the study of the principles underlying the organization of the various sciences and the conduct of scientific inquiry.
3. Educ. a branch of pedagogics dealing with analysis and evaluation of subjects to be taught and of the methods of teaching them.
[ 1790-1800; methodologia. See METHOD, -O-, -LOGY ]