Geomorphology; Explanation of its Research and Studies Methods (Emphasis on Fluvial Geomorphology Studies)

Methodology is often defined as a normative or prescriptive process for doing research by the scientific community. Yet, if a methodology couldn’t relate to practical realities, it would be considered as a non-scientific and worthless subject. In this research, which is based on documentary and library sources, different takes of methodology in geomorphology and their relationship with techniques or research methods are discussed, surveyed, compared, criticized and analyzed. We also try to describe effective factors in a successful, suitable explanation. Research methods that are described in papers and viewpoints of geomorphologists and philosophers are also presented. Finally, these methods are categorized in a framework. Due to the fact that there exist many branches of research in geomorphology, we emphasize on fluvial geomorphology. Findings of the research shows that methods and viewpoints of geomorphology elites are predominant in this field. Moreover, diversity in the application of scientific logic, convolution of philosophical ideas, lack of attention to domain knowledge and methods oflogical thinking, and misunderstanding philosophical ideas are common among Iranian and foreign geomorphologists.