the structured framework of principles, procedures, and techniques that guide how research or problem-solving is carried out in a specific field. It encompasses the overall approach to designing a study, selecting and applying research methods, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting results. A strong methodology ensures that findings are reliable, valid, and applicable to the questions being asked.
Example
A health-services researcher might write: “Our study’s methodology combines qualitative focus groups to explore patient perspectives with quantitative surveys to measure satisfaction levels. This mixed-methods approach provides both depth and breadth of understanding.”