Metodologies

Methodology refers to a system of principles, methods, and practices used to plan, conduct, and evaluate research or projects. It encompasses the rationale for choosing particular approaches, the theoretical assumptions underlying them, and the procedures used to collect and analyze data. A methodology differs from a single method or technique; it provides the overarching framework within which methods are selected and applied.

Key components include the epistemological and ontological assumptions that shape what counts as knowledge, the research design that specifies how data will be gathered and assessed, and the ethical, logistical, and analytical strategies used to interpret results. Methodologies can be descriptive, explanatory, exploratory, or evaluative, and they may be qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods.

In practice, methodological choices vary by discipline. Social sciences often employ qualitative methods such as interviews or observations, quantitative methods such as experiments and surveys, or mixed-methods designs. In software development and project management, methodologies define workflows, roles, and artifacts, with examples including Waterfall, Agile, Scrum, and Kanban. In education and health sciences, action research and pragmatic approaches emphasize collaboration with stakeholders and iterative improvement.

Evaluating a methodology involves assessing coherence with research questions, transparency of procedures, feasibility, reliability, validity, and ethical considerations. Good methodological practice aims for clarity, rigor, and reproducibility, while openly acknowledging limitations. Overall, methodologies provide the structured reasoning and procedural blueprint that guide inquiry and practice across fields. Note on terminology: metodologies is a rarer variant; the standard spelling in most disciplines is methodologies.