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Developing a research agenda: contributing new knowledge via intent and focus

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Abstract

It is generally believed that new PhD graduates begin their first faculty positions having already outlined a research agenda that will guide their work during the next several years of their careers. Yet very little guidance is provided regarding how to accomplish this important task. In fact, little explanation is provided about what, exactly, a research agenda is. In this paper, we define a research agenda and discuss why it is important for scholars to establish one. We discuss how strong research questions provide the foundation for a strong research agenda and provide specific ideas for articulating one’s contributions to the field. We end with some primary considerations involved in accomplishing this important task, including suggestions for how to determine your specific focus, interest, community, and context.

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Correspondence to Peggy A. Ertmer.

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Ertmer, P.A., Glazewski, K.D. Developing a research agenda: contributing new knowledge via intent and focus. J Comput High Educ 26, 54–68 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12528-013-9076-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12528-013-9076-4

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