What Is Methodology?

The word methodology is defined as a system which comprises the principles, practices and procedures which are applied to a specific branch of knowledge. Methodology refers to the way in which information is found or the way something is done. Methodology includes the methods, techniques and procedures which are used to collect and analyse information.

A methodology is defined as something that represents a package comprising practical ideas and proven practices for a given area of activity. Methodology includes the planning, the development of the design and the management of the systems which are based on information technology.

The word methodology refers to a documented approach which is used to perform activities in a manner which is coherent, consistent, accountable and repeatable. Methodology is a process that mainly consists of intellectual activities. Usually only the end goal of the methodological process is manifested as the product or result of the physical work. In software, the term methodology is used to a specific series of steps or a procedure which governs the activities of analysis and design.

Methods are the steps used to obtain data, whereas methodology incorporates the theory behind the methods and the underlying principles of the research question, data collection and analysis.