A Scientific Approach to Methodology

Abstract

Scientific methodology is the buffer between the philosophical and the practical aspects of any form of investigation, and is often neglected, but yet forms the very essence of any scientific discipline. Despite the importance of the subject, most economists and operational researchers will have had, at the most, a fleeting brush with methodology, and would probably not have more than a passing interest in it. Yet, the importance of methodology must be emphasised, particularly because its importance is not always immediately or obviously apparent.