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Characterizing the research agenda setting of higher education researchers: an exploratory study
João M. Santos (Santos, J. M.); Hugo Horta (Horta, H.);
Título Evento
CHER 2017 Conference
Ano (publicação definitiva)
2017
Língua
Inglês
País
Finlândia
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(Última verificação: 2024-03-26 07:37)

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Abstract/Resumo
Purpose of this paper: Research agenda setting by individual researchers is a critical, but somewhat overlooked, dimension in the creation of academic produced knowledge. In this study, we aim to characterize the determinants affecting the choice of research agendas by higher education researchers. The exploratory analysis aims to identify groups of individuals based on the critical dimensions of the Multi-Dimensional Research Agendas Inventory developed by Horta and Santos (2016). Design/methodology/approach: The analysis uses Cluster Analysis as well as linear modelling to identify research agenda setting dimensions influencing higher education researchers and the most influential predictors for each of these dimensions. For this purpose, a sample was collected by means of an online survey throughout 2015, comprising 932 respondents. Findings: Two main dimensions define the choice for research agendas in higher education research: Convergence and Divergence. Convergents represent individuals whose agenda-setting leans towards conservative and stable endeavours, with a preference for specializing and taking roots in a single disciplinary field. Divergents refer to individuals driven towards discovery and with higher tolerance to risk. Cross-validation through means of sub-sampling confirms that these main groups are consistent for both early and late stage career researchers, and also for frequent and infrequent contributors to the field of Higher Education. Research limitations/implications (if applicable): The findings are limited to the field of Higher Education, and may warrant similarities to other social sciences disciplines or fields. However, replication of this study to other fields is needed as it should provide additional insights into the broader nature of research agendas. Additionally, bibliometric analysis is not covered in the present study as it would go beyond its scope. Social Implications (if applicable): Policymakers and university leadership should ensure that a balance is kept in the academic system between researchers leaning on each dimension. Excessive Convergence can lead to stagnation (see Rzhetsky et al., 2015) while excessive Divergence can lead to a propagation of spurious findings (see Pashler & Wagenmakers, 2012). What is original/value of paper: This paper is the first to provide evidence suggesting the existence of two dominating dimensions in research agenda setting in higher education research. As an exploratory study, it creates new venues of research and evaluation by understanding how each individual researchers decide on choosing research topics. This research complements the seminal research by Angela Brew and colleagues (Brew, 2016).
Agradecimentos/Acknowledgements
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