Anderson’s discussion in his first chapter, entitled “The Nature
of Educational Research,” expands this definition. He views educational
research as primarily problem solving as opposed to
testing of hypotheses. This research is based on “systematic and
objective observation, recording and analysis”; it seeks to find
“general principles and theories which can lead to the prediction
of behaviors and events in the future”; its goals are “understanding,
prediction and ultimately control”; controlled, accurate observation and recording information allow for prediction to be “accurately measured and assessed”; the researcher should be “unbiased” and strive for “objectivity” (p. 5). Furthermore,
“research is a scientific process which assumes that events in the world are lawful and orderly” and that the laws are “discoverable.” This lawfulness provides the meaning of determinism and the