[1] Hanauer’s research agenda is typified by the combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as arts-based approaches, and scientific measurement of concepts traditionally considered abstract, such as voice in written text,[2] project ownership [3] and poeticity.
He argues that the scientific disciplines have historically tended to rely on a narrow range of externally derived assessment tools, such as multiple choice tests.
Hanauer has published several studies demonstrating evidence of a positive correlation between enhanced student learning outcomes and the development of a sense of project ownership in science classrooms.
[5] Hanauer has also coordinated a research initiative aimed at enhancing science faculty knowledge of assessment that was funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
[6] He has also published a linguistic landscape study of how language is publicly displayed in laboratory contexts to express personal and professional identities, scientific ability, and community membership.