Method vs. Procedure — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 12, 2023
A "Method" is a way of doing something, often prioritizing the approach, while a "Procedure" is a set routine or sequence of actions specifically designed to accomplish a task.
Difference Between Method and Procedure
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A "Method" often pertains to a particular kind of strategy or approach that is taken to achieve a certain goal. It focuses primarily on the manner in which something is done. Conversely, a "Procedure" typically refers to a series of steps or instructions meant to guide the user or operator through a specific task or process.
In scientific contexts, a "Method" refers to a systematic way that is used to investigate phenomena, acquire new knowledge, or correct and integrate previous knowledge. In contrast, a "Procedure" is a documented series of steps that are performed to accomplish a particular activity or task in experimental scenarios.
In programming languages, "Method" is commonly used to describe a function which is part of a class in Object-Oriented Programming. On the other hand, "Procedure" may refer to a subroutine or function in procedural programming, highlighting the distinction in contextual use of these terms in technological environments.
Teaching methodologies emphasize approaches or philosophies teachers apply to deliver education, which may be explorative, demonstrative, or collaborative. Educational "Procedures" might indicate the exact steps a teacher should take during specific learning activities, such as taking attendance or conducting experiments.
Comparison Chart
Focus
Approach or technique.
Set sequence of actions.
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Flexibility
Often allows for some flexibility.
Typically rigid and sequential.
Purpose
Prioritizes the manner or strategy of doing something.
Aims to give specific, followable instructions.
Application in Coding
Part of a class in OOP.
A subroutine or function in procedural programming.
Usage in Research
A means of conducting research.
A specific set of actions for an experiment.
Compare with Definitions
Method
A particular form of procedure for accomplishing something.
The professor taught us a new method for solving quadratic equations.
Procedure
A course of action intended to achieve a result.
The company developed a procedure to handle customer complaints more effectively.
Method
A mode of expressing ideas.
His method of communicating complex theories is exceptionally clear.
Procedure
A method or way of acting or conducting oneself.
The court requires a proper procedure for submitting legal documents.
Method
An organized and systematic way of teaching.
The Montessori method focuses on encouraging explorative and self-directed learning.
Procedure
A series of steps followed in a regular, definite order.
The procedure for evacuating the building was outlined clearly.
Method
A means or manner of procedure.
She employs a unique method in her artistry to create mesmerizing paintings.
Procedure
A fixed, step-by-step sequence of activities or course of action.
The experiment required a procedure that ensured safety and accuracy.
Method
A means or manner of procedure, especially a regular and systematic way of accomplishing something
A simple method for making a pie crust.
Mediation as a method of solving disputes. See Usage Note at methodology.
Procedure
A set of instructions for conducting a specific task or experiment.
The chemistry lab handed out a detailed procedure for the upcoming experiment.
Method
Orderly arrangement of parts or steps to accomplish an end
Random efforts that lack method.
Procedure
An established or official way of doing something
The police are now reviewing procedures
Parliamentary procedure
Method
The procedures and techniques characteristic of a particular discipline or field of knowledge
This field course gives an overview of archaeological method.
Procedure
A manner of proceeding; a way of performing or effecting something
Standard procedure.
Method
Method A technique of acting in which the actor recalls emotions and reactions from past experience and uses them in identifying with and individualizing the character being portrayed.
Procedure
A series of steps taken to accomplish an end
A medical procedure.
Evacuation procedures.
Method
A process by which a task is completed; a way of doing something (followed by the adposition of, to or for before the purpose of the process).
If one method doesn't work, you should ask a friend to help you.
Procedure
(Computers) A set of instructions that performs a specific task; a subroutine or function.
Method
A technique for acting based on the ideas articulated by Konstantin Stanislavski and focusing on authentically experiencing the inner life of the character being portrayed.
Procedure
A set of established forms or methods for conducting the affairs of an organized body such as a business, club, or government.
Method
(object-oriented) A subroutine or function belonging to a class or object.
Procedure
(Law) The set of rules under which litigation is conducted, especially in contrast to the set of substantive legal principles that determine the merits of legal controversies and disputes.
Method
(slang) Marijuana.
Procedure
A particular method for performing a task.
Method
(dated) An instruction book systematically arranged.
Procedure
A series of small tasks or steps taken to accomplish an end.
Method
Ellipsis of method air.
Procedure
(uncountable) The set of established forms or methods of an organized body for accomplishing a certain task or tasks.
Ensure that you follow procedure when accessing customers' personal information.
Method
(transitive) To apply a method to.
Procedure
The steps taken in an action or other legal proceeding.
Method
To apply particular treatment methods to (a mold).
The company employs extensive use of 3D modelling combined with solidification simulation to ensure that critical castings are properly methoded.
Procedure
(obsolete) That which results; issue; product.
Method
An orderly procedure or process; regular manner of doing anything; hence, manner; way; mode; as, a method of teaching languages; a method of improving the mind.
Procedure
(computing) A subroutine or function coded to perform a specific task, but does not return a value.
Method
Orderly arrangement, elucidation, development, or classification; clear and lucid exhibition; systematic arrangement peculiar to an individual.
Though this be madness, yet there's method in it.
All method is a rational progress, a progress toward an end.
Procedure
(medicine) A surgical operation.
Method
Classification; a mode or system of classifying natural objects according to certain common characteristics; as, the method of Theophrastus; the method of Ray; the Linnæan method.
Procedure
The act or manner of proceeding or moving forward; progress; process; operation; conduct.
Method
A technique used in acting in which the actor tries to identify with the individual personality of the specific character being portrayed, so as to provide a realistic rendering of the character's role. Also called the Method, method acting, the Stanislavsky Method or Stanislavsky System.
Procedure
A step taken; an act performed; a proceeding; the steps taken in an action or other legal proceeding.
Method
A way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)
Procedure
That which results; issue; product.
Method
A systematic or orderly procedure.
The method he used to organize the files was efficient and time-saving.
Procedure
A particular course of action intended to achieve a result;
The procedure of obtaining a driver's license
It was a process of trial and error
Procedure
A process or series of acts especially of a practical or mechanical nature involved in a particular form of work;
The operations in building a house
Certain machine tool operations
Procedure
A set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program
Procedure
A mode of conducting legal and parliamentary proceedings
Common Curiosities
Is method always related to the strategy of performing something?
Mostly, yes, method often pertains to the strategy or approach taken to accomplish something.
What is a primary distinction between a method and a procedure?
A method emphasizes the approach, while a procedure emphasizes a set sequence of actions.
Is a procedure usually flexible?
No, procedures are typically rigid and provide specific instructions to be followed.
How is method used in the context of programming?
In Object-Oriented Programming, a method is a function associated with a class.
Can the term method be used in a scientific context?
Yes, method refers to a way of conducting research or experiments in scientific contexts.
Can the term procedure be used in a medical context?
Yes, a procedure refers to a set of steps to be followed, often relating to surgical practices in medical contexts.
Is the flexibility of a method always advantageous?
Not always; in situations requiring precision and replicability, strict procedures might be preferable.
What does procedure prioritize in its execution?
Procedure prioritizes clear, step-by-step instructions to achieve a specific outcome.
How might a method be applied in arts?
A method in arts might describe a specific technique or style utilized to create artworks.
Can a method be standardized across a field or industry?
Yes, a method can be standardized and commonly accepted as a best practice in specific contexts.
Can a procedure be part of a method?
Yes, a method might include one or more procedures as part of its approach.
Is procedure always devoid of flexibility?
While procedures are often rigid, some may allow for slight variations in execution.
Can a method be used to describe a teaching approach?
Yes, methods can describe various teaching approaches or philosophies.
Is a procedure applicable in legal contexts?
Yes, a procedure in legal contexts might refer to a specific process or set of rules to follow.
Can a procedure be developed or altered based on practical experiences?
Yes, procedures can be developed or refined based on experiences, feedback, and outcomes.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
