Method vs. Procedure: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A method is an overarching approach or way of doing something, while a procedure is a set of specific steps or instructions to accomplish a task.
Key Differences
Methods are the underlying principles or theories that guide how something is to be done, emphasizing the "how" aspect in a broad sense. Procedures are detailed step-by-step instructions that must be followed to achieve a specific result, focusing on the "what" in sequence.
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Nov 08, 2023
A method is more about a general approach that can be applied in various situations or fields, such as the scientific method or a teaching method. A procedure, by contrast, is often documented and must be followed precisely, such as a safety procedure or a surgical procedure.
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Methods can be flexible and allow for some degree of personal interpretation or innovation. Procedures tend to be more rigid and are usually designed to ensure consistency and accuracy, especially in technical or regulated environments.
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Methods often describe a way of thinking or a philosophical approach to a problem, allowing for adaptability and creativity. Procedures are the practical steps derived from methods or standards, which need to be carried out without deviation for the desired outcome.
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While methods are foundational techniques that can be learned and applied creatively, procedures are practical applications that follow a method or standard to achieve a uniform result.
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Comparison Chart
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Method and Procedure Definitions
Method
An approach to achieving a task.
Her method for learning languages quickly is highly effective.
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Procedure
A medical operation.
She underwent a surgical procedure yesterday.
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Method
The technique or manner in which an activity is performed.
The artist's method for creating sculptures is quite unconventional.
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Procedure
A series of actions conducted in a certain order or manner.
The emergency procedure for evacuating the building is posted on the wall.
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Method
A systematic or established form of procedure for accomplishing something.
The scientific method requires careful observation and experimentation.
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Procedure
A set of fixed steps in a legal process.
The lawyer explained the court procedure to his client.
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Method
A particular form of reasoning or technique.
He has a unique method for solving complex mathematics problems.
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Procedure
An established or official way of doing something.
The procedure for processing travel reimbursements has been updated.
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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.
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Procedure
A manner of proceeding; a way of performing or effecting something
Standard procedure.
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Method
Orderly arrangement of parts or steps to accomplish an end
Random efforts that lack method.
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Procedure
A series of steps taken to accomplish an end
A medical procedure.
Evacuation procedures.
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Method
The procedures and techniques characteristic of a particular discipline or field of knowledge
This field course gives an overview of archaeological method.
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Procedure
(Computers) A set of instructions that performs a specific task; a subroutine or function.
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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.
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Procedure
A set of established forms or methods for conducting the affairs of an organized body such as a business, club, or government.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Method
(object-oriented) A subroutine or function belonging to a class or object.
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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.
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Procedure
(computing) A subroutine or function coded to perform a specific task, but does not return a value.
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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.
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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.
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Procedure
The act or manner of proceeding or moving forward; progress; process; operation; conduct.
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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.
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Procedure
A step taken; an act performed; a proceeding; the steps taken in an action or other legal proceeding.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Method
A way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)
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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
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Method
A way of doing something.
The professor's method of teaching involves a lot of interactive activities.
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Procedure
A series of steps taken to achieve a particular end.
Following the correct procedure will ensure the experiment's success.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is a method more flexible than a procedure?
Generally, yes, methods are more about the approach and can be adapted, whereas procedures are fixed sequences of actions.
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Nov 08, 2023
Do methods apply to general practices, while procedures apply to specific tasks?
Yes, that's a common distinction between the two terms.
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What is the definition of a method?
A method is a systematic way of doing something, often implying an orderly logical arrangement or an established technique.
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Can there be multiple methods to achieve the same goal?
Yes, there can be various methods for the same objective, allowing for creativity and adaptation.
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Can procedures vary once they are established?
Procedures are typically designed to be followed exactly, but they can be revised and updated as needed.
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What is the definition of a procedure?
A procedure is a series of actions conducted in a certain way to achieve a specific result, often documented and standardized.
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Can the terms method and procedure be used interchangeably?
Not always, as a method is more about the overall approach, while a procedure is about the exact steps to be followed.
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Nov 08, 2023
Do methods provide a rationale behind actions?
Yes, methods often include the reasoning or theory behind why things are done a certain way.
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Is a procedure always written down?
Often it is, especially in technical fields or where consistency is critical, but it can also be a known series of steps that are not necessarily documented.
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Are methods associated with the planning phase of a task?
Yes, methods often relate to the planning or conceptual phase, where approaches are considered.
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Are procedures more commonly found in manuals and formal documentation?
Yes, procedures are commonly documented in manuals, guidelines, or protocols.
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Are procedures associated with the execution phase of a task?
Yes, procedures are typically executed after planning and involve taking action.
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Are methods more aligned with strategic thinking?
Yes, methods are often related to strategic thinking and overall approach.
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Do procedures need to provide a rationale behind actions?
Not necessarily, as they are more focused on the 'what' and 'how' of the actions to be taken.
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Nov 08, 2023
Can a method exist without a procedure?
Yes, a method can exist as a concept or theory without specific procedures attached.
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Are procedures more aligned with operational activities?
Yes, procedures are typically related to the operational activities and practical steps of a process.
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Nov 08, 2023
Can a procedure exist without a method?
Practically, no, because a procedure is typically a manifestation of a method in a series of steps.
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Nov 08, 2023
Can changing a method affect procedures?
Yes, changing a method can lead to changes in procedures to better align with the new approach.
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How do methods and procedures relate to quality control?
Methods can influence the design of quality systems, while procedures are the steps followed to ensure quality output.
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Can changing a procedure affect the method?
It can, especially if the change in procedure reflects a change in the underlying approach or theory.
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Nov 08, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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