How to Teach Methodology

Methodology is the method or process we choose to use in order to accomplish a task or compose a theory. It may seem overly analytical, but methodology becomes increasingly more important when it refers to processes used to conduct an experiment or scientific study. Researchers don't want results to be skewed due to variations in the way a task was carried out. Teaching methodology helps students zero out the values of all aspects of the process to keep from affecting results.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pen
• Whiteboard or chalkboard

Instructions

How to Teach Methodology

1. Create a sample problem. Students will need an uncomplicated assignment in which to implement the process of using methodology for completion. An example of such an assignment is the administration of a vaccination shot or booster and the analysis of the relevant data on the effectiveness of the booster.

2. Students must first come up with the setup. In every experiment, the setup must be the same. For a project that doesn't have a setup, the first step is to analyze your starting point. A setup for students could be to select a group of fifth-graders to give the booster to. Students should decide what other specifications should be in place to create a precise setup for comparison to other experiments, or so that other researchers can recreate the experiment.

3. Define the process. During a study such as the booster assignment, there must be a specified way to go about the task. In other words, you can't just pick up a needle, stick it in a child's arm and move on. Students should outline the process with steps like:
   1. Check temperature and weight.
   2. Rub injection spot with alcohol.
   3. Use syringe to acquire substance.
   4. Write down substance identification number.
   5. Use a specific vein.
   6. Apply booster.
   7. Apply bandage.
   8. Hand child lollipop.

4. Ask students to discuss what problems within the data that variations of the process could cause. For example, not weighing the child could cause an inappropriate amount of the substance to be injected into a child. As a result, the results of the effectiveness of the booster on that child would be invalid.

5. Assign a methodology project for students. Ask students to come up with a methodology for accomplishing a simple task. A more advanced project may involve asking students to come up with a methodology for general problem solving or data analysis.

Tips & Warnings

• Students do not need to perform the task to be able to define methodology for performing the task.

• The simplest methodology may not always be the best choice.

References

• Tips On Methodology