Methodology
Methodologies are approaches to gathering knowledge.
Formal Definitions
- Definition #1 - Strategic approach to answer the research question and to gain knowledge. What is the research design? - Bergman, et al.
- Definition #2 - Answers the questions: How do we come to know what is real? How do we build knowledge? Varpio and MacLeod
- Definition #3 - Answers the question: What is the nature of the approach to research? - Bunniss and Kelly
- Definition #4 - A researcher’s methodological approach, underpinned by and reflecting specific ontological and epistemological assumptions, represents a choice of approach and research methods adopted in a given study. Methodology is concerned with the logic of scientific inquiry; in particular with investigating the potentialities and limitations of particular techniques or procedures. The term pertains to the science and study of methods and the assumptions about the ways in which knowledge is produced. - Grix
Join MedEdMentor to access all guides and resources.
Get free login linkReferences
- Bergman, E., Feijte, J. de, Frambach, J., Godefrooij, M., Slootweg, I., Stalmeijer, R., & Zwet, J. van der. (2012). A Guide to Research Paradigms Relevant to Medical Education. Academic Medicine.
- Varpio, L., & MacLeod, A. (2020). Philosophy of Science Series: Harnessing the Multidisciplinary Edge Effect by Exploring Paradigms, Ontologies, Epistemologies, Axiologies, and Methodologies. Academic Medicine, 95(5), 686–689. https://doi.org/10.1097/acm.0000000000003142.
- Bunniss, S., & Kelly, D. R. (2010). Research paradigms in medical education research. Medical Education, 44(4), 358–366. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2923.2009.03611.x.
- Grix, J. (2002). Introducing Students to the Generic Terminology of Social Research. Politics, 22(3), 175–186. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9256.00173