Which of the following statements about research methodology is true?

The statement that methodology refers to a prescribed system of data collection and analysis is considered correct because methodology encompasses the specific strategies, techniques, and procedures used to conduct research. It includes the overall framework that guides how research is planned and executed, detailing the methods for gathering data (such as surveys, experiments, or observational studies) and analytical techniques (like statistical analyses or thematic analysis) that will be applied to interpret the data. This focus on the systematic approach in methodology ensures that research findings can be understood and potentially evaluated or built upon in future studies.

In contrast, while beliefs about how knowledge is generated are relevant to the broader understanding of research, they fit more closely within the realm of epistemology rather than methodology itself. Distinguishing between these concepts helps clarify that methodology is more about the actual implementation of research practices.

Additionally, epistemology and methodology, while interconnected, do not describe the same processes. Epistemology focuses on the nature of knowledge, its foundations, and its limits, while methodology is about the means by which knowledge is acquired.

Lastly, the assertion that describing methodology prevents other researchers from replicating a given study is misleading. In fact, a well-articulated methodology enhances replicability. By clearly defining the methodology, researchers provide