Summary

In this theoretical article we propose four rules of evidences that can contribute to increase the quality and validity of the knowledge needed from educational research;
Rule 1: Data can be identified, collected, and better understood if the research is based on a scientific delineation of the educational phenomenon being studied.
Rule 2: The validity and usefulness of data increases if the research focuses on establishing the facts of the educational phenomena being studied.
Rule 3: The validity of data is strengthened or devalued depending on how the data analysis and interpretation process is handled.
Rule 4: The scope and usefulness of data is increased or devalued by the style of scientific communication we use. Each rule of evidence is justified by an existing gap or critique of educational research. The rules of evidence that we present apply to quantitative, qualitative or mixed educational research.

Keywords: Educational research, rules for evidences, conceptual or theoretical frame of reference, validity of data, data analysis, evidence-based practice, scientific communication.