I often find these two words used in inappropriate situations. Both of these words come from English. Methodology and method, only slightly different it seems. When looking for the difference, it must be easy, because the words alone are different. But there are still many who confuse the two. In many research publications, academic blogs and article both terms are still often used interchangeably, which should not be the case.
So what exactly are the differences in methodology and research methods?
Have you ever read research books? For those who are doing their thesis or doing a thesis, it must be a daily meal. At the very least, you must have watched research books in a bookstore. Right?
What is Methodology?
Methodology is defined as “a set of systems or methods, principles and rules of regulating a given discipline." While the method means: “a procedure, technique, or way of doing something, especially in accordance with a definite plan."
So the methodology can contain methods, principles or rules. Methods are more about procedures or techniques for doing things. The methodology is broader in scope, while the method is more in the form of step by step to get things done.
A complete methodology will contain a set of methods that need to be used for various situations, or principles that must be used when a problem occurs or a set of rules that must be followed.
The Difference between Methodology and Methods
Many people equate the terms between methods and methodologies, even though they have different contexts between the two. If we just look at the terms differently, the methodology clearly consists of two words, method and logos, which means knowledge of methods. Unlike the method which consists of only one word, method, which means a method or way.
Methodology
The methodology comes from the Greek "method" and "logos". The word "metodos" consists of two syllables, "metha" meaning through or passing and "hodos" meaning road or way. Method means a path traveled to reach the goal. "Logos" means knowledge. Methodology is the sciences/ways used to obtain the truth using a search with certain procedures in finding the truth, but in reality, it depends.
From the reality that is being studied. Science consists of four principles, namely:
1. regularity (order)
2. causation (determinism)
3. simplicity (parsimony)
4. observable experience (empiricism)
With these principles, there are many ways to find the truth. Methodology is a procedure that determines what trace process will be used.
The understanding of the research methodology is a set of rules, activities, and procedures used by the perpetrators of a scientific discipline. Methodology is also a theoretical analysis of a method or method. Research is a systematic investigation to increase the amount of knowledge, is also a systematic and organized effort to investigate certain problems that require answers.
The nature of research can be understood by studying various aspects that encourage researchers to conduct research. Everyone has different motivations, some of which are influenced by their respective goals and professions. Motivation and research objectives, in general, are basically the same, namely that research is a reflection of human desires that are always trying to know something.
What is a Method?
Method (method), literally means a ‘way’. Besides the method comes from Greek word, metha, (through or through), and hodos (way or way), so the method can mean the way or the way that must be traversed to achieve certain goals. In general or broad methods or methods means the knowledge of the path taken to teach students so that learning and teaching goals can be achieved.
Prof. Dr. Winarno Surachmad (1961), said that teaching methods were ways of implementing students in schools. Pasaribu and Simanjuntak (1982), said that the method is a systematic way used to achieve goals. The method is a procedure or way taken to achieve certain goals. Then there is another term that is closely related to these two terms, namely technique, which is a specific way of solving certain problems found in carrying out procedures.
Regarding the differences between the two, Noeng Muhadjir said that the research methodology discusses the theoretical concepts of various methods, both their strengths and weaknesses in scientific studies, which then continued with the selection of the best method to use. While the research method is technically stated about the methods used in the research.
In addition, with a more concise editorial, we can define the methodology as knowledge of the methods used in research. While the method is a procedure or way taken to achieve certain goals. Then there is another term that is closely related to these two terms, namely technique, which is a specific way of solving certain problems found in carrying out procedures.
Summary
So, the methodology is more general. The methodology is a guidance system for solving problems, with specific components being forms, tasks, methods, techniques, and tools. Thus, the method is within the methodology, or in other words, the method is more technical in nature than the whole discussed in the methodology. In the context of research, the methods included are data mining techniques, data processing techniques, population determination and samples and the like.
A Detailed look at the Differences
On the cover of research books, we often see the words "Qualitative Research Methodology", "Quantitative Data Analysis Method", "Survey Method", "Quantitative Sampling Methodology", "Social Qualitative Method" and the like. Which of the titles of my book is the right one and which isn't right yet? Before answering the question, we continue the discussion first.
Coming to the difference between methodology and method. If we look at the term, it's definitely different. Even from that term can already be captured what the difference means. However, there are still many qualitative research book writers who still use the two words mixed or inappropriate. Knowing does not mean doing it right?
The methodology clearly consists of two words, method and logos, which means knowledge of methods. Unlike the method which consists of only one word, method, which means a method or way.
Methodology is defined as "a set of systems of methods, principles and rules of regulating a given discipline." While the method means: "a procedure, technique, or way of doing somethings, especially in accordance with a definite plan".
The methodology is more general. Methodology is a guidance system for solving problems, with specific components being forms, tasks, methods, techniques and tools. Thus, the method is within the methodology, or in other words, the method is more technical in nature than the whole discussed in the methodology. In the context of research, the methods included are data mining techniques, data processing techniques, population determination and samples and the like.
What the Literature tells us
1. Research Methods and Methods Approach.
While many people confuse understanding between research methods and research methodologies, they are still often found in one chapter of the results of a paper or research entitled research methodology, even though the contents are research methods. With this explanation, it can be distinguished whether the research method or research methodology will be written for each scientific work undertaken.
According to the understanding of the public or ordinary people, sometimes the term research methodology and research methodology are not significantly distinguished. The possibility of these terms being exchanged at will and their use is not at all noticed. At one time the term research methodology might be used, at another time the term research methodology might be used to explain the same purpose or condition.
In general, the notion of a research method (research method) is a particular method or method chosen specifically to solve a problem raised in a study. Actually there are many ways or methods used to conduct a study, but to meet the parsimony requirements (the most efficient way in a study) to overcome the constraints of the researcher, but still maintained the characteristics of research, namely the existence of scientific character, as well as the validity and reliability, then certain research methods must be selected and applied specifically. Ways or methods can explain how the research was carried out, how the data was obtained, with specific statistical methods what data were analyzed,
In various books about research found various definitions or limitations on the terms of the research method (research method) and research methodology (research methodology). To further enrich the repertoire of knowledge about definitions or limitations as well as similarities or differences in terms of research methods and research methodologies, several sources explain it as follows:
Research methods according to Subagyo (1997: 2) are "a way to get back the solution to all the problems raised. In the research, it is necessary to have several theories to help choose one method that is relevant to the problem posed, bearing in mind that not every problem studied is, of course, related to the ability of the researcher, cost and location. This consideration is absolutely necessary, and research cannot be completed with just any research method. "
Meanwhile, according to Sugiyono (1999: 1), Research Methods are "scientific ways to obtain data with specific goals and uses. The scientific way means that research activities are based on scientific characteristics, namely rational, empirical and systematic. Rational means that research is carried out in ways that make sense so that it is affordable by human reasoning. Empirical means that the ways that are done can be observed by the human senses so that others can observe and know the methods used (Compare: things that are done paranormal). Systematic means the process used in the study uses certain steps that are logic ".
2. Research Methodology and Methodology approach.
Understanding the research methodology according to Hidayat and Sedarmayanti (2002: 25) is a discussion of the theoretical concepts of various methods, advantages, and disadvantages, which in scientific work is followed by the selection of the methods used. Methodology is a "review of the steps in using a method".
While the understanding of research methods is to express technically the methods used in his research. Methodology is a scientific method that is systematic steps to gain knowledge, while a method is a procedure or way of knowing something with these systematic steps.
The systematic steps in question are:
Identify and formulate problems.
Arrange a framework for thinking.
Formulate a hypothesis.
Conduct a discussion.
Make conclusions and suggestions.
While the research methodology defined by Teguh (1999: 9) is "science or studies related to research, while research (research) shows the implementation of the research methodology. Lessons that discuss scientific methods for research are called Research Methodologies. Research is channeling human curiosity (curiosity) at the scientific level. "
Furthermore, the research methodology according to Hillway (1956: 5) is "a method of study by which, through the careful and exhaustive of all ascertainable evidence bearing upon a definable problem, we reach a solution to the problem".
Research Methodology is the science of methods, and when arranged into Research Methodology, the meaning is knowledge of methods that can be used in conducting research activities. Research Methodology can also be interpreted as a science to reveal and explain natural phenomena and social phenomena in human life, by using systematic, orderly, orderly work procedures and can be used scientifically.
Soehardjo's opinion (2003: 32) methodology is part of estimology (sub-field of etymology), referred to as the science of finding (the science to find out). While the method is a way to find or do.
Comments