methodology

noun

Etymology: From French méthodologie. By surface analysis, method + -ology.

1. The study of methods used in a field.

   “research methodology”

   “In doing so it will describe two metatheories of scientific thought regarding the nature of methodology and epistemology in social science.”

2. A collection of methods, practices, procedures and rules used by those who work in some field.

   “agile methodology”

   “For example, an agile methodology should promote the frequent delivery of working systems rather than a single big bang delivery.”

3. The implementation of such methods etc.