Understanding Methodology: Learn the Different Research Methods
If you have any task that you need to be accomplished, there are processes and methods to follow to achieve your goal. These processes and methods can be likened to “methodology” in academics. Generally, methodology means the set of principles, rules, or systems of methods used in a specific field. Methodology is a set of rules that are used in research, product development, and studies. Below, you will find different definitions of methodology as they apply to different areas.
Definition of Agile Methodology
This is common in the information technology world. Agile is a method in which developers find quick solutions to problems that arise during a project. Typically, the agile methodology involves developers meeting specially to discuss the project or product at hand so they can improve it. Some of the benefits of the agile methodology include transparency, better quality, quick delivery, and fixed costs.
Definition of Research Methodology
A research methodology is used to gather, identify, choose, and analyze data for a study. Almost every academic field uses research methodology, and it is divided into two – quantitative methods and qualitative methods. Quantitative methods include focus groups, interviews, observations, and case studies. On the other hand, Qualitative methods include surveys, experiments, and publications (like articles, journals, books, etc.).
With research methodology, the writer finds important sources for the research they are carrying out. Research methodology has also aided many of the new things that scientists and researchers have found based on what older researchers already found.
Definition of Waterfall Methodology
This methodology is popular in product management in development. The steps in this methodology are similar to that of the waterfall, which drops downward. There are seven phases in the waterfall model, which are guidelines, analyzing, designing, coding, testing, deployment, and maintenance.
When defining deadlines and goals, the waterfall model is the best methodology. It is also simple, understandable, and allows changes at the early stages. The only drawback is that testing is done towards the end and does not give room for client feedback until the project is near completion.
Definition of Scientific Methodology
This is the method used to discover new things in biology, chemistry, astronomy, and other scientific fields. It is the most effective method of creating a hypothesis and proving or disproving it. The steps involved in the scientific methodology include observation, hypothesis, prediction, testing, and proof.
Wrapping up
This article has shed light on what the definition of methodology is. We have also enumerated the different types of methodologies as they apply to different fields. For instance, someone into mathematical formulas is likely to deal with statistical methodology more often.
In some cases, people use mixed methodologies, where they combine more than one type of methodology into one to achieve a specific goal. Mixed methodologies can be used to write a research paper, thesis or dissertation. The bottom line with choosing any type of methodology is to understand its principles and how to use those principles to achieve the best results.