Difference Between Method and Methodology

You probably have landed on this column to unblur yourself by knowing the difference between method and methodology. This subsequent description revolves around those who often misunderstand these concepts. They are terms that are often referred inaccurately by a tremendous number of people. Many fail to specifically recognize which of the two should be used and in which sentence.

Ease off because you certainly are not the only one getting confused by these two look-alike terms. So, what is the difference between method and methodology? For a short description, the difference between methods and methodology states that the former is a tool that helps to elucidate the inquiries of any report. On the other side, a methodology is a reflection of how the analysis has been done.

Hence the statement indicating – “During the analysis what was practiced?”, refers to methods. Similarly, the statement – “How did they finish the studies”, applies to the adopted methodologies. This article will help to better recognize the difference between methodology and method.  With separate definition about both concepts and a comparison chart, you’ll be able to use any of them while you conversate.

Definition of Method

So, how can we frame the definition of method? A method is, as stated above, a tool or some techniques assisting throughout your analysis. For example, it may include surveying or interviewing proceedings. They are a bunch of steps that aid in elucidating any search query. They direct you to steps for assembling the data.

When having a discussion in any company, the concept of method is mostly used. For instance, while hiring someone, choosing the right person from a contextual inquiry or personal interviews are two ‘methods’. If you ask your colleagues for suggestion about which option to prefer, you’ll be saying “Among the two considered’, which one should I choose?”

Definition of Methodology

Now coming on the definition of methodology. The methodology is an interpretation of how an investigation has been performed. If you look closely, it is made up of two words: method and -ology. This implies that to the word ‘method’, ‘ology’ is attached, indicating a subsection of knowledge. Thus, methodology refers to analyzing the methods by using some plans for determining explications.

While drafting a research paper, researchers have to create a description block regarding the ‘methodologies’ used. The mentioned section is among the most important portion of the research paper. Failure to pay consideration to it may definitely exempt the research work from having a firm base.

Method vs Methodology Comparison Table

Now, you might have understood what actually is the difference between both concepts. Below is a comparison between the terminologies. Go through it to get a quick brief about both concepts.

Conclusion of the Main Difference Between Method vs Methodology

This topic has been difficult for many. The similarity between both words have created a lot of misconception regarding their terminologies. Both words are, however, connected to each other, yet having contrastive meanings. Since method and ‘ology’ combined define methodology, it can be stated as a science where methods are discussed.

While the former one tells us about the tools that should be used while carrying out an examination, the latter one describes the procedures which were taken to do so. The difference between method vs methodology might be clearer for you. Now, hopefully, you know when to use which word.