In science methods of research include: case studies, surveys, controlled experiments, and correlational studies, of these case studies are the least desirable in terms of evidence which may be able to rule out alternative hypotheses.

More general usages and meanings of ‘method’ are:

A manner or way or means of doing something, especially in a systematic mode; implying an orderly or logical arrangement (usually in steps); system of procedure – orderliness, system, plan:

•	orderly thought, action, or technique;
•	procedure for attaining an objective;
•	a special form of procedure adopted in any branch of mental activity, whether for exposition or for investigation;
•	a way of doing anything, especially according to a regular plan – orderliness and regularity in doing anything;
•	procedure in teaching, etc., considered as the object of a branch of study;
•	orderly arrangement of ideas and topics, sequence of thought or expression, or of a particular discourse, etc.;
•	a body of systematic techniques used by a particular intellectual discipline, especially the ‘scientific method’.

(see also: process, reasoning)