Social Research Glossary A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Home
Citation reference: Harvey, L., 2012-24, Social Research Glossary, Quality Research International, http://www.qualityresearchinternational.com/socialresearch/
This is a dynamic glossary and the author would welcome any e-mail suggestions for additions or amendments.
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Methodology
Methodology is the study of the generation and legitimation of knowledge.
Methodology in its broadest sense simply means the (scientific) study of method. However, this can be misleading if method is simply taken to include methodic procedures. Methodology is concerned with the following.
First, methodology involves the examination of methodic techniques.
Second, methodology involves an examination of the nature and structuring of theory.
Third, methodology involves an examination of the epistemological underpinnings of the knowledge productive processes.
Fourth, methodology involves an examination of the procedures for incorporating and legitimating new knowledge into science.
In effect methodology is the interface between method, theory, epistemology and sociology of knowledge.
Methodology - The procedures involved in the investigation of facts and concepts. Methodology is how observers go about their observations and explanations of social reality. The "norms" of scientific investigation. Methodology is not concerned with increasing the numbers of facts or accumulating data but is concerned with inquiry into the explication of the procedures by which observations are made, how concepts are utilized, and how and to what extent explanations are made from a particular stated point of view.
Methodological holism is a term used to refer to philosophies of the social sciences that attempt explanation or understanding by considering social structures or social wholes. The term is usually contrasted with methodological individualism.
Methodological individualism is a term used to refer to philosophies of the social sciences that attempt explanation or understanding by focusing on individual characteristics. The term is usually contrasted with methodological holism.
The dichotomy of methodological holism and methodological individualism grossly understates the complexity of social analysis.
See also
Researching the Real World Section 1.3
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