Developing a Research Agenda
Martin Fujiki, Professor of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences
First of all, let me say that I have no comer on the market for ideas as to how one should develop a research agenda. I do know what has worked for me, and I have listed some of these ideas below. However, as we meet to discuss these ideas I would welcome your thoughts and ideas as well.
THINK ABOUT BIG QUESTIONS: I would begin by looking for a topic that interests you and where you feel you can make a contribution. Try to formulate a large question, and then plan a series of smaller, well-organized questions that will ultimately lead you in the direction of answering the larger question.
STAY FOCUSED: As you pursue important questions, try to stay focused. Don't chase a topic here and then a topic there. Try to develop an expertise in an area and work within that area. If you plan to publish in top tier journals, you will find that your work will be reviewed by individuals who work extensively in the topic area in which you have written. These individuals will know the literature, and they will immediately recognize how your work fits into that literature. If your expertise is shallow, they will know that as well. If your expertise is solid, they will offer helpful insights and suggestions.
One area where it can be a challenge to stay focused is in directing student research. Students often approach us with ideas that have caught their interest. These ideas, while of merit, may be far afield from our own expertise. Although there are exceptions, I believe that it is a mistake to "chase" these interests. Students should be guided by the research interests and expertise of the faculty. Ultimately, students are better served if they can be directed by someone with a deep expertise in an area. This is much more likely to result in a solid piece of work that demonstrates the care and depth of knowledge needed to produce a publishable product.
In focusing, it will be necessary to make choices. What is most important? As in our personal lives, it is not possible to do everything. We need to decide what is most important and concentrate on those aspects of our work. If you have several potential projects, which one will help you answer the bigger question? Which one will further your overall research agenda?
BALANCE QUALITY AND QUANTITY: Try to strike a balance between quality and quantity. We all know individuals who fall to either side of this balance. Some individuals will send out anything, regardless of quality. Others will not send out anything because it is not ready. Clearly, sloppy work can damage an academic reputation. However, not sending anything out is problematic as well. It may be difficult to determine when a manuscript is ready for submission. I have found that colleagues can be very helpful with this.
LEARN FROM OTHERS: I would listen carefully to the input of colleagues and reviewers. None of us enjoys criticism. Further, all of us know that sending out our work for peer review can be a painful process. To thrive under the peer review process, you need to learn to recognize that receiving a negative review (or a plethora of negative reviews) does not mean that you are a worthless human being. (It only feels that way momentarily.) It is possible to learn a great deal from others. All of us have had reviewers who are spiteful, opinionated, or just plain wrong. Still, in my own experience, I have found that almost all of the time, reviewers provide invaluable feedback.
CONSIDER WORKING ON A RESEARCH TEAM: I have found that I do my best work as part of a research team. I enjoy batting ideas back and forth with a colleague. My long-time research associate and I constantly question each other's work and refine each other's ideas. Hopefully it will be possible to develop a relationship with colleagues in which it is possible to speak frankly.
Working as a member of a research team can be especially beneficial for new faculty. You can receive support, survival tips, and ideas from other team members. You can learn quickly about the research and publication process.
I hope that these ideas will provide a starting point for our discussion. I look forward to meeting with all of you.
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