We explain what the methodology is, its types and how it is applied to research. Also, difference between methodology and method.
What is the methodology?
The methodology It is the discipline that studies the set of techniques or methods used in scientific research. to achieve the stated objectives. It is a fundamental piece for the study of science.
All research methods must follow a methodology, which uses a normative, descriptive and comparative theory about the method, added to the researcher's procedure.
See also: Inductive method
Research methodology
Research methodology is the discipline that It is responsible for defining, classifying and systematizing the set of techniques and systems that are used in scientific research. determined.
There is a consensus on the validity of research techniques such as observation, experimentation and statistics based on surveys or questionnaires.
It is important to determine the methodology to use in each investigation according to the field of action. The research methodology seeks to optimize strategies for analyzing the effectiveness of action methods.
Research methodology in human sciences such as history necessarily involves the sources and their reliability. On the other hand, the formal sciences are the ones that most contributed to the development of methods through the methodology. It is thanks to them that the scientific method is known, which is based on the reproducibility of knowledge and its falsifiability (its possibility of being refuted).
There are different methods that understand and study the methodology, such as empirical-analytical, hypothetical-deductive, logical-deductive or inductive.
Types of research
Research is the process in which methods are applied to explain phenomena. Depending on the object of study, an investigation is classified as:
- Exploratory research. Analyze and investigate aspects of reality that are still unknown.
- Descriptive research. It exhaustively and completely describes a portion of reality or phenomenon.
- Explanatory research. Describes the causes and consequences of a phenomenon.
- Correlational research. It seeks to establish the relationship that exists between two phenomena.
Project methodology
The methodology of a project includes all the steps and procedures that must be carried out in order to complete a specific project. This methodology can be applied to any type of project in various areas and is a key element in meeting objectives.
The steps to follow vary depending on the project, but They are usually organization, planning, execution and control. These steps include specific activities such as the coordination of work groups, the administration of resources or the determination of objectives.
Methodology and method
It is important to know the difference between methodology and method, two very related terms, but with different meanings. While The method is the plan with which the scientist seeks to achieve a aimmethodology is the science that studies those methods, without stopping at pragmatic validity, but –precisely– at methodological validity.
For example: In the case of the scientific method it is Thanks to the methodology that was able to devise this logical system used to generate scientific knowledge.
References
- “Methodology” in Cambridge Dictionary.
- “Project methodology: everything you should take into account” at EAE Business School.
- “Methodology” in Wikipedia.
- “Identity and differentiation between method and methodology” in Scielo.
- “Research methodology: why?” in CLACSO.
