When examined across studies and fields, navigation research is fragmented and inconsistent. In this article, we argue that this is the result of navigation research having generally been conducted without guidance from an overarching theoretical framework. In order to illustrate our position, we have included results from a very simple investigation conducted under the auspices of the Model of Domain Learning (MDL). Though the focus of this article is not data driven, the results presented highlight how a theoretical framework like the MDL can help clarify questions, define variables, and ease interpretations of research on navigation. Future directions for research examining navigation are offered. (Contains 3 tables.)