methodological flaw
/ˌmeθədəˈlɑːdʒɪkl flɔː/
Meaning
A methodological flaw is a specific weakness, error, or oversight in the design, data collection, or analysis of a scientific or academic study. If a study has a methodological flaw, its results and conclusions may be invalid or unreliable. This term is commonly used during peer reviews, academic critiques, and scientific debates.
Examples
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The reviewer pointed out a major methodological flaw in the way the survey was conducted.
The reviewer pointed out a major methodological flaw in the way the survey was conducted.
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Because of a serious methodological flaw, the researchers had to restart the entire study.
Because of a serious methodological flaw, the researchers had to restart the entire study.
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Critics dismissed the paper's conclusions, citing several methodological flaws.
Critics dismissed the paper's conclusions, citing several methodological flaws.
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Selecting a sample size that is too small is a common methodological flaw.
Selecting a sample size that is too small is a common methodological flaw.
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The team worked hard to ensure their experiment was free of any methodological flaw.
The team worked hard to ensure their experiment was free of any methodological flaw.
Common Mistakes
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✗ My essay has a methodological flaw because I made a typo on page three.
✓ My essay has a typographical error on page three.
A 'methodological flaw' refers to errors in research design, data gathering, or logic, not minor spelling or formatting mistakes.
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✗ The scientist had a methodological flaw.
✓ The scientist's paper contained a methodological flaw.
People do not have methodological flaws; only research designs, procedures, studies, or papers do.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Using biased questions in a survey is a fatal ___ that invalidates the results.
💡 An error in the research design or method.
Show answer
methodological flaw
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The peer reviewers identified a ___ in the control group selection.
💡 Two words, beginning with 'm' and 'f'.
Show answer
methodological flaw