Methodology

Intermediate 🎓 Education / Academia

Definition

The section of your research paper describing exactly how you collected data and why that approach is defensible despite its obvious limitations.

Example Usage

The methodology section explained the qualitative approach used to interview twelve participants, acknowledging the limited generalizability.

Origin

From Greek 'methodos' (way or path) and '-ology' (study of)

Fun Fact

The methodology section is where researchers write 'limitations exist' as a preemptive defense against criticism

Source: Research design and academic writing terminology

Related Terms