Task 3 WHAT ARE METHODOLOGIES

What is Methodology?

Methodology in definition means a system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity. 

Through Wikipedia: Methodology is the systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of study, or the theoretical analysis of the body of methods and principles associated with a branch of knowledge. It, typically, encompasses concepts such as paradigm, theoretical model, phases and quantitative or qualitative techniques.

A Methodology does not set out to provide solutions but offers the theoretical underpinning for understanding which method, set of methods or so called “best practices” can be applied to a specific case.

It has been defined also as follows:
"the analysis of the principles of methods, rules, and postulates employed by a discipline"
"the systematic study of methods that are, can be, or have been applied within a discipline"
"the study or description of methods"   

“Methodology” implies more than simply the methods you intend to use to collect data. It is often necessary to include a consideration of the concepts and theories which underlie the methods.

When you describe your methods it is necessary to state how you have addressed the research questions and/or hypotheses.

Every stage should be explained and justified with clear reasons for the choice of your particular methods and materials.

http://www.humanities.manchester.ac.uk/studyskills/assessment_evaluation/dissertations/methodology.html

Methodology is a series of choices:
1, Choices about what information and data to gather
2, Choices about how to analyse the information and data that you gather
3, Other methodological choices

1. What Information Do I Gather?
The answer resides in your research question –if your question is clear, you will KNOW what to gather. To ensure that your research question(s) is clear, the TERMS in your question(s) must be clearly defined:
Terms need an “Operational Definition” – “a definition which describes the operations required to collect information about the concept or term.” 

2. How Do I Analyze the Information that I Gather?
Analysis separates a research project from a term paper.
The nature of your question determines the method of analysis
- Descriptive questions call for descriptive methods
-Correlational questions call for you to make correlations
-Theoretical evaluation calls for the evaluation of the entire theory
-Cost-Benefit analysis of policies calls for you to find a method to conduct a cost/benefit analysis
3. What Are the Other Methodological Choices?
Think about practical and intellectual considerations when deciding which methodologies to employ. For example: cost, time, resources, accessibility
Qualitative vs. Quantitative:
-  Even if description is qualitative, it still needs to be precise
-  Your question determines the choice between these two approaches

Methodology includes the following concepts as they relate to a particular discipline or field of inquiry: 

1. a collection of theories, concepts or ideas; 

2. comparative study of different approaches;

3. critique of the individual methods;

What is Method?

Method is a particular form of procedure for accomplishing or approaching something, esp. a systematic or established one. It is a means or manner of procedure, especially a regular and systematic way of accomplishing something, Orderly arrangement of parts or steps to accomplish an end. It is the procedures and techniques characteristic of a particular discipline or field of knowledge.

Difference between Method and Methodology

The words 'method' and 'methodology' may sound similar, but there is a big difference between them. A method is the way in which you complete a task, or the steps you take to complete a task. Methodology is the study of a method or methods.