methodology
Academic term for the systematic study of methods used in a particular field. Often interchangeable with 方法論, but 方法学 may emphasize the discipline or field of study itself.
See also: 方法論
He is a specialist in research methodology.
In this class, we study the methodology of social sciences.
Compound of 方法 (method) + 学 (study, -ology). A straightforward modern academic coinage.