Technique vs Method vs Methodology

Methodology, by definition, is a higher-order term than methods, concerning itself with the study of the principle method use. These principles can, of course, derive from a variety of sources--from theory, the aims of the discipline the social context, etc--and this gives rise to various interpretations of what methodology actuall

Jackson argued (Jackson, 2000) that it is particularaly insightful to link methodology closely to theory and to see different principles of method use as related to different theoretical positions. OR and systems thinking, where the term methodology is frequently used to describe an organized set of methods and techniques employed to intervene in and change real-world problem situations. Methodology can provide the bridge between theory and practice, ensuring that theory is turned into practical action and allowing reflection back on theory, stemming from the results of that action. Methods (including models, procedures and techniques) are then defined as tools used by methodologies for more limited purposes; for example, to capture the world views of different actors in a problem situation. They may, therefore, be detachable from a particular methodology and the theory that lies behind it. With that said, we can now review the contribution of PSMs in terms of this understanding of methodology and methods.

', which tend to be used interchangeably by Rosenhead and Mingers (Rosenhead, 2001; Rosenhead and Mingers, 2001a).