Research Methodology vs Methods

Methodologies are approaches to gathering data/information/knowledge

In general, we often think of quantitative vs. qualitative methodologies, with various specific approaches nested under these two major categories. Furthermore, different paradigms tend to highlight different methodologies.(1)

For example, positivism and post-positivism ("truth is objective") are more often associated with quantitative methodologies, while interpretivist traditions ("truth is subjective") are more often associated with qualitative methodologies.

These statements are not rules, but are helpful to understand how our paradigm, ontology, and epistemology will often lead us towards certain methodologies over others.(2)

Methods are the tools and plans for applying a specific methodology to your specific research question/project.

It’s as simple as that.

Take home points

Methodologies define approaches — Methodologies guide how we gather data and derive knowledge. These can be broadly categorized into quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Paradigm-methodology alignment — Different philosophical stances such as positivism, post-positivism, and interpretivism tend to align with specific methodologies.

Methods are practical applications — Methods are the specific tools and plans used to execute your chosen methodology in your research project.

References

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
Young, M., Varpio, L., Uijtdehaage, S., & Paradis, E. (2019). The Spectrum of Inductive and Deductive Research Approaches Using Quantitative and Qualitative Data. Academic Medicine, 95(7), 1122–1122. https://doi.org/10.1097/acm.0000000000003101