This publication continues the "Thesaurus of Sociology" (Unity-Dana, 2009), dedicated to the conceptual apparatus of sociological science. The main methodological principles and methodological requirements for the preparation and implementation of empirical sociological research are presented. Particular attention is paid to the description, clarification and application of all procedures that make up the essence and process of this study. The experience of colleagues who offered their vision of this problem is summarized. It is recommended for the training course "Methodology and methods of sociological research" in accordance with the requirements of the state educational standard of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation. It will also be useful for sociologists-practitioners and everyone working in related social and humanitarian disciplines and applying sociological methods in their research work.