CENTRE FOR RESEARCH AND TRAINING COLLEGE (CRTC)
Samuel Kamanga. B, [Link]. Dip Law.
Contact details: +265 991 916 291
Email Address: sammykay339@[Link]
Lesson :2 Relationship between Methodology and Method
Methodology is the general research strategy that outlines the way in which a research project is
to be undertaken and, among other things, identifies the methods to be used in it. These methods,
described in the methodology, define the means or modes of data collection or, sometimes, how a
specific result is to be calculated. Methodology does not define specific methods, even though
much attention is given to the nature and kinds of processes to be followed in a particular
procedure or to attain an objective. Any description of a means of calculation of a specific result
is always a description of a method, and never a description of a methodology.
It is thus important to avoid using methodology as a synonym for method or body of methods.
Doing this shifts it away from its true epistemological meaning and reduces it to being the
procedure itself, the set of tools or the instruments that should have been its outcome. A
methodology is the design process for carrying out research or the development of a procedure
and is not in itself an instrument, or method, or procedure for doing things.
Methodology and method are not interchangeable but, in recent years, there has been a tendency
to use methodology as a "pretentious substitute for the word method". Using methodology as a
synonym for method or set of methods, leads to confusion and misinterpretation, and undermines
the proper analysis that should go into designing the research.
Type Methods Techniques
Library Research ● Analysis of historical records ● Content analysis, tape and film listening and
● Analysis of documents analysis
● Statistical compilations and manipulations,
reference and abstract guides,
Field Research ● Non participant direct ● Observational behaviour scales, use of score
observation cards, etc.
● Participant observation ● Interactional recording, possible use of tape
● Mass observation recorders, photo graphic technique
● Mail questionnaire ● Recording mass behaviour, interview using
● Opinionnaire independent in public places
● Focused interview ● Identification of social and economic
● Group interview background of respondents
● Telephone survey ● Use of altitude scale, projective techniques, use
of social metric scales
● Interviewer uses a detailed schedule with open
and closed questions
● Interviewer focuses attention upon a given
experience and its effects
● Small groups of respondents are interviewed
simultaneously
● Used as a survey technique for information and
for discerning opinion, may also be used as a
follow up questionnaire
Laboratory Small group study of random ● Use of audio visual recording device, use of
Research behaviour, play and role analysis observers etc.
From what has been stated above, we can say that methods are more general. It is the methods
that generate techniques. However, in practice, the two terms are taken as interchangeable and
when we talk of research methods we do, by implication, include research techniques within
their compass. Consequently, it is thus important to avoid using methodology as a synonym for
method or body of methods. Doing this shifts it away from its true epistemological meaning and
reduces it to being the procedure itself, the set of tools or the instruments that should have been
its outcome.