ABSTRACT
Methodology is one of those fine-sounding words that, many times, is used in such a way that it delivers less than it promises. Even the American Heritage Dictionary notes that, in recent years, the word methodology has become merely a pretentious synonym for method. Because one of our editors has pointed out that imprecise use of words often stems from fuzzy thinking about the subject they describe, it seems worthwhile to begin this chapter by defining our terms.
