We hope to have shown in this paper
that hearing all of what students are saying
requires careful effort. We are not
automatically conscious of everything a
student says; the “filter” of our own research
interests blocks some student
statements. Such a filter is not inappropriate
for researchers; specialization is
usually necessary for detailed analysis.
However, to the extent that our research
agendas are unexamined, they may control
our attention inappropriately. Conscious
consideration of possible research
agendas widens the range of opportunity
for productive research.