Method VS. Methodology in Linguistic Research: A Conceptual Analysis

Abstract

The distinction between method and methodology remains a persistent source of conceptual ambiguity in linguistic research, often leading to inconsistencies in the design and interpretation of studies. This article offers a systematic conceptual analysis aimed at clarifying the relationship between these two fundamental notions. Drawing on contemporary linguistic theory and interdisciplinary methodological discourse, the paper argues that method should be understood as a set of procedural tools employed in data collection and analysis, whereas methodology represents a broader framework that encompasses theoretical assumptions, epistemological orientations, and the rationale behind the selection of specific methods. The study demonstrates that the conflation of these terms not only weakens the internal coherence of linguistic inquiry but also limits the interpretative depth of research findings. Particular attention is paid to the role of methodological paradigms in shaping research outcomes across different branches of linguistics, including structural, cognitive, and corpus-based approaches. The analysis highlights that methodological awareness is essential for ensuring scientific rigor, especially in the context of increasingly complex and data-driven linguistic studies. The paper concludes that a clear conceptual differentiation between method and methodology is a prerequisite for advancing both theoretical and applied linguistic research