According to Gary Anderson and Nancy Arsenault, there are ten characteristics of educational research (2002).
- Educational research attempts to solve a problem.
- Research involves gathering new data from primary of first-hand sources or using existing data for a new purpose.
- Research is based upon observable experience or empirical evidence.
- Research demands accurate observation and description.
- Research generally employs carefully designed procedures and rigorous analysis.
- Research emphasizes the development of generalizations, principles or theories that will help in understanding, prediction and/or control.
- Research requires expertise- familiarity with the field; competence in methodology; technical skill in collecting and analyzing data.
- Research attempts to find an objective, unbiased solution to the problem and takes great pains to validate the procedures employed.
- Research is a deliberate but unhurried activity which is directional but often refines the problem or questions as the research progresses.
- Research is carefully recorded and reported to other persons interested in the problem.