how write research objectives

Unicaf Scholarships offer students the opportunity to further their education with affordable, high-quality degrees

• Global Network
• Recognition, Accreditation and Memberships

Study through Unicaf with one of its partner universities

• University Partners
• Programme Finder
• Professional Courses
• Graduation Ceremonies
• Online Experience
• On-campus Teaching
• Student Testimonials
• Global Organisation
• Our Faculty
• Programme Advising
• News & Events
• Unicaf in 5 Minutes
• The Unicaf Mobile App
• Virtual Learning Environment
• Online Learning

Amazing Opportunity to earn a Scholarship

• Apply For A Unicaf Scholarship
• Scholarship
• Unicaf Referral Programme
• Corporate Scholarship Scheme

Research with us

• Research Agenda
• Research Centres Unicaf Research and Innovation Centre in Zambia Research Centre in Malawi
• Doctoral Research Groups
• Research Newsletter
• Unicaf Online Journal
• Conferences Unicaf University Graduate Conference (UGraC) Unicaf Master’s Conference (UMC) Unicaf University National Symposium on Dementia in Zambia
• Thesis Publications
• Publications Faculty Students/Alumni
• Scholarships
• Research Centres
• Unicaf Research and Innovation Centre in Zambia
• Research Centre in Malawi
• Conferences
• Unicaf University Graduate Conference (UGraC)
• Unicaf Master’s Conference (UMC)
• Unicaf University National Symposium on Dementia in Zambia
• Publications
• Students/Alumni
• Français ( French )

How can we help?

How to write a winning research proposal: a step-by-step guide.

• Amazing Opportunity to earn a Scholarship. Apply Now!
• Complete the following required fields to apply for a Unicaf scholarship for the programme of your choice.
• First Name *
• Last Name *
• Email Address *
• How can we get in touch?
• Fill out your contact details and one of our student advisors will get in touch with you soon.
• Country of Residence * Country of Residence* Ascension Island Andorra United Arab Emirates Afghanistan Antigua and Barbuda Anguilla Albania Armenia Netherlands Antilles Angola Antarctica Argentina American Samoa Austria Australia Aruba Ãland Islands Azerbaijan Bosnia and Herzegovina Barbados Bangladesh Belgium Burkina Faso Bulgaria Bahrain Burundi Benin Saint Barthélemy Bermuda Brunei Darussalam Bolivia Bonaire Brazil Bahamas Bhutan Bouvet Island Botswana Belarus Belize Canada Cocos (Keeling) Islands Congo, The Democratic Republic of The Central African Republic Congo Switzerland Cote D'ivoire Cook Islands Chile Cameroon China Colombia Costa Rica Cuba Cape Verde Curacao Christmas Island Cyprus Czech Republic Germany Diego Garcia Djibouti Denmark Dominica Dominican Republic Algeria Ceuta and Melilla Ecuador Estonia Egypt Western Sahara Eritrea Spain Ethiopia Finland Fiji Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Micronesia, Federated States of Faroe Islands France Gabon United Kingdom Grenada Georgia French Guiana Guernsey Ghana Gibraltar Greenland Gambia Guinea Guadeloupe Equatorial Guinea Greece South Georgia and The South Sandwich Islands Guatemala Guam Guinea-Bissau Guyana Hong Kong Heard Island and Mcdonald Islands Honduras Croatia Haiti Hungary Canary Islands Indonesia Ireland Israel Isle of Man India British Indian Ocean Territory Iraq Iran, Islamic Republic of Iceland Italy Jersey Jamaica Jordan Japan Kenya Kyrgyzstan Cambodia Kiribati Comoros Saint Kitts and Nevis Korea, Democratic People's Republic South Korea Kuwait Cayman Islands Kazakhstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Lebanon Saint Lucia Liechtenstein Sri Lanka Liberia Lesotho Lithuania Luxembourg Latvia Libya Morocco Monaco Moldova, Republic of Montenegro Saint Martin Madagascar Marshall Islands Republic of North Macedonia Mali Myanmar (Burma) Mongolia Macau Northern Mariana Islands Martinique Mauritania Montserrat Malta Mauritius Maldives Malawi Mexico Malaysia Mozambique Namibia New Caledonia Niger Norfolk Island Nigeria Nicaragua Netherlands Norway Nepal Nauru Niue New Zealand Oman Panama Peru French Polynesia Papua New Guinea Philippines Pakistan Poland St. Pierre and Miquelon Pitcairn Island Puerto Rico Palestinian Territory, Occupied Portugal Palau Paraguay Qatar Reunion Island Romania Serbia Russian Federation Rwanda Saudi Arabia Solomon Islands Seychelles Sudan Sweden Singapore Saint Helena Slovenia Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands Slovak Republic Sierra Leone San Marino Senegal Somalia Suriname South Sudan Sao Tome and Principe El Salvador Sint Maarten Syrian Arab Republic The Kingdom of Eswatini Tristan da Cunha Turks and Caicos Islands Chad French Southern Territories Togo Thailand Tajikistan Tokelau Timor-Leste Turkmenistan Tunisia Tonga Turkey Trinidad and Tobago Tuvalu Taiwan Tanzania Ukraine Uganda US Minor Outlying Islands United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Holy See (City Vatican State) Saint Vincent and The Grenadines Venezuela Virgin Islands (British) Virgin Islands (USA) Vietnam Vanuatu Wallis and Futuna Samoa Kosovo Yemen Mayotte South Africa Zambia Zimbabwe
• Phone Number *
• What is your programme of choice?
• Select the programme you would like to receive more information about, and provide us with your current education level.
• Choose your Programme * Choose your Programme* MBA LLM MSc Big Data Technologies MSc Business Psychology MSc Computer Science MSc Construction Engineering Management MSc Data Science MSc Information Security and Digital Forensics MSc in International Business Management MSc International Relations MSc in Oil and Gas with Energy Management MA in Criminology and Social Policy MA in Education MA in Human Resource Management MA in International Relations MA in Leadership in Education MA in Mass Communications MA in Nursing Master of Business Administration Master of Laws MSc in Civil Engineering MSc in Computing and Information Systems MSc in Digital Marketing MSc in International Public Health MSc in International Transport, Trade and Logistics MSc in Project Management MSc in Psychology Postgraduate Certificate in Education (International) Master of Business Administration MSc Public Health LLB (Hons) Law BA (Hons) Business Management BSc (Hons) Computing BSc (Hons) International Nursing [Progression Route] Master of Business Administration (MBA) - General Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Finance Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Health Management Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Management Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Management Information Systems Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Marketing Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Oil, Gas and Energy Management Master of Arts (MA) in Education Master of Public Administration (MPA) Master of Science (MSc) in Organisational Psychology Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Doctor of Education (EdD) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Accounting and Finance Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Information Technology Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Marketing Management Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business Administration Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Economics and Business Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Hospitality Management Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Primary Education Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Primary Education (Upgrading) Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Accounting Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computer Science Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Finance Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Supply Chain Management and Logistics Master of Business Administration Master of Business Administration - Finance Master of Business Administration - Health Management Master of Business Administration – Human Resource Management Master of Business Administration - Management Master of Business Administration - Management Information Systems Master of Business Administration - Marketing Master of Business Administration - Oil, Gas and Energy Management Master of Business Administration - Project Management Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Management Master of Arts in English Language and Literature Master of Laws (LLM) Master of Public Administration Master of Science in Computer Science Master of Science in Healthcare Management - ZM Master of Science in Managerial Psychology Master of Science in Sustainable Development Master of Science in Web Design and Development Master of Education Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) Doctorate of Education (EdD) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – Business- ZM Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Education Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Law and Politics Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Public Health Bachelor in Hospitality Management Bachelor in Marketing Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature Bachelor of Business Administration - ZM Bachelor of Education in Pre-Primary Education Bachelor of Education in Primary Education Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance - ACCA
• Current Level of Education * Current Level of Education* GCE 'A levels' or High School Diploma BTEC HND Foundation degree Bachelor degree Postgraduate certificate Postgraduate diploma Master‘s degree Doctoral Degree Other
• Consent * I agree to the Terms and Conditions , the Privacy Policy , the Cookie Policy and the Recording Policy (Agreement to the terms is required to submit form) *

When learning how to write a research proposal, it is important to start with a detailed plan that outlines the objectives, methodology, and significance of a research project. A research proposal is a crucial document for securing funding, gaining approval from academic committees, or outlining a structured plan for personal research endeavours. Crafting a compelling research proposal requires a clear understanding of the subject matter, a well-defined research question, and a meticulous approach to planning and presenting your research. This article will explore how to write a winning research proposal and how to navigate the challenges associated with it.

Understanding the Components of a Research Proposal

A well-structured research proposal typically includes several key components. Each section serves a specific purpose and contributes to the overall coherence and persuasiveness of the proposal.

The title of your research proposal should be concise, descriptive, and indicative of the main research question or hypothesis. A well-crafted title captures the essence of the study and draws the reader’s attention.

2. Abstract

The abstract is a brief summary of the research proposal, usually no more than 250 words. It should provide an overview of the research problem, objectives, methodology, and potential implications. The abstract should be clear and succinct, giving readers a quick understanding of what the proposal entails.

3. Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for your research by providing background information on the topic, outlining the research problem, and stating the research objectives. This section should:

• Introduce the topic: Provide context and explain why the topic is important.
• State the research problem: Clearly define the issue or gap in knowledge that your research aims to address.
• Outline the research objectives: Specify the aims of your research and the questions you intend to answer.

4. Literature Review

The literature review demonstrates your understanding of the existing research on your topic. This section should:

• Summarise relevant studies: Discuss key findings from previous research that relate to your topic.
• Identify gaps: Highlight areas where further research is needed.
• Justify your research: Explain how your study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge.

5. Research Methodology

The methodology section outlines the research design and the methods you will use to collect and analyse data. This section should include:

• Research design: Describe whether your study is qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods.
• Data collection methods: Detail how you will gather data (e.g., surveys, interviews, experiments).
• Data analysis methods: Explain how you will analyse the data (e.g., statistical analysis, thematic analysis).
• Ethical considerations: Address any ethical issues related to your research and how you will handle them.

6. Research Plan and Timeline

Provide a detailed plan of the research activities and a timeline for completing each phase of the project. This section should demonstrate that your research is feasible within the given timeframe.

7. Budget (if applicable)

If you are seeking funding, include a budget that outlines the estimated costs of your research. Be specific about how funds will be allocated (e.g., equipment, travel, participant incentives).

8. Expected Outcomes and Impact

Discuss the potential outcomes of your research and its significance. Explain how your findings could contribute to the field, inform policy, or have practical applications.

9. References

List all the sources you cited in your proposal. Use a consistent and appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).

Tips for Writing a Strong Research Proposal

Be clear and concise.

Use clear and straightforward language. Avoid jargon and complex sentences that might confuse readers. Aim for clarity and precision in explaining your research.

Stay Focused

Ensure that your proposal remains focused on the research question and objectives. Avoid including irrelevant information that does not contribute to the understanding of your proposed study.

Demonstrate Feasibility

Provide a realistic assessment of what can be achieved within the given timeframe and resources. Be honest about the scope of your research and any potential limitations.

Edit and Proofread

Your proposal must be clear, concise, and logically organised, following all rules of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and referencing. Adhere to the specific format and style required by your funding source or institution. Proofread your proposal multiple times, ideally with the help of a colleague or mentor, to identify and correct any mistakes or inconsistencies. Enhance the proposal’s structure, flow, and language to improve its overall quality. Ensure your proposal is compelling, engaging, and professionally presented.

Writing a research proposal is a critical step in the research process. It requires careful planning, a thorough understanding of the topic, and a clear presentation of your research plan. By following the structure outlined in this guide and paying attention to detail, you can craft a compelling research proposal that effectively communicates your ideas and secures the necessary support for your research.

At Unicaf , we offer comprehensive courses and resources to help you develop your research skills and succeed in your academic and professional endeavours. Explore our programmes today and take the next step in your research journey.

Learn by Subject

Learn how you can earn a scholarship., earn an internationally recognised degree from the comfort of your home., continue learning.

Elevate Your Career with a Master of Education from Unicaf University Zambia

30 Aug 2024 By Andrew Evgeniou

The Impact of Light Pollution on Wildlife and Human Health

Advances in Brain-Computer Interface Technology: Unlocking the Potential of the Human Mind

Privacy Overview

We Trust in Human Precision

20,000+ Professional Language Experts Ready to Help. Expertise in a variety of Niches.

API Solutions

• API Pricing
• Cost estimate
• Customer loyalty program
• Educational Discount
• Non-Profit Discount
• Green Initiative Discount1

Value-Driven Pricing

Unmatched expertise at affordable rates tailored for your needs. Our services empower you to boost your productivity.

• Special Discounts
• Enterprise transcription solutions
• Enterprise translation solutions
• Transcription/Caption API
• AI Transcription Proofreading API

Trusted by Global Leaders

GoTranscript is the chosen service for top media organizations, universities, and Fortune 50 companies.

GoTranscript

One of the Largest Online Transcription and Translation Agencies in the World. Founded in 2005.

Speaker 1: In this video, we're going to explain exactly how to write up the results chapter for a quantitative study, whether that's a dissertation, thesis, or any other kind of academic research project. We'll walk you through the process step by step so that you can craft your results section with confidence. So, grab a cup of coffee, grab a cup of tea, whatever works for you, and let's jump into it. Hey, welcome to Grad Coach TV, where we demystify and simplify the oftentimes intimidating world of academic research. My name's Emma, and today we're going to explore the results chapter, which is also sometimes called the findings chapter in a dissertation or thesis. If you're new here, be sure to hit that subscribe button for more videos covering all things research related. Also, if you're looking for hands-on help with your research, check out our one-on-one coaching services, where we help you craft your research project step by step. It's basically like having a friendly professor in your pocket whenever you need it. If that sounds interesting to you, you can learn more and book a free consultation at www.gradcoach.com. All right, with that out of the way, let's get into it. Before we get into the nuts and bolts of how to write up the results chapter, it's useful to take a step back and ask the question, what exactly is a results chapter, and what purpose does it serve? If you understand both the what and the why, you'll have a much clearer direction in terms of the how. So, what's the results chapter all about then? Well, as the name suggests, the results chapter showcases the results of your quantitative analysis. In other words, it presents all the statistical data you've generated in a systematic and intuitive fashion. The results chapter is one of the most important chapters of your dissertation because it shows the reader what you found in terms of the quantitative data you've collected and analyzed. It presents the data using a clear text-based narrative, which is supported by tables, graphs, and charts. In addition to presenting these findings, it also highlights any potential issues you've come across, such as statistical outliers or unusual findings. But how's that different from the discussion chapter, you ask? Well, in the results chapter, you only present your statistical findings. Contrasted to this, in the discussion chapter, you interpret your findings and link them to prior research, in other words, your literature review, as well as your research objectives and research questions. Therefore, the key difference is that in the results chapter, you present and describe the data, while in the discussion chapter, you interpret the data and explain what it means in terms of the bigger picture. Let's take a look at an example. In your results chapter, you may have a plot that shows how respondents to a survey responded to a survey, the number of respondents per category, for instance. You may also state whether this supports one of your hypotheses by using a p-value from a statistical test. In other words, you're just presenting the facts and figures. Contrasted to this, in the discussion chapter, you will say why these statistical findings are relevant to your research question and how they compare with the existing literature. In other words, in the discussion chapter, you'll interpret your findings in relation to your research objectives. Long story short, the results chapter's job is purely to present and describe the data. So keep this in mind and make sure that you don't present anything other than the hard facts and figures. This is not the place for subjective interpretation. Now, a quick caveat. It's worth mentioning that some universities prefer you to combine the results and discussion chapters. Even so, it's still a good idea to separate the results and discussion elements within the chapter, as this ensures your findings are both described and interpreted in a consistent fashion. Typically, though, the results and discussion chapters are split up in quantitative studies. If you're unsure, chat with your research supervisor to find out what their preference is. All right, now that we've got that out of the way, we can look at how to write up the results chapter. Let's do it. There are multiple steps involved in writing up the results chapter for a quantitative study. The exact number of steps will vary from project to project and will depend on the nature of the research aims, objectives, and research questions. For example, some studies will make use of both descriptive and inferential statistics, while others will only use the former. So, in this video, we'll outline a generic process and structure that you can follow, but keep in mind that you may need to trim it down based on your specific research objectives. The first step in crafting your results chapter is to revisit your research objectives and questions. These will be, or at least should be, the driving force behind both your results and discussion chapters. During your statistical analysis, you will have generated a mountain of data, so you need to use your research objectives and questions to sift through this data and decide what's relevant. Therefore, the first step is for you to review your research objectives and research questions very closely and then ask yourself which statistical analyses and tests would specifically help you address these. For each research objective and research question, list the specific piece or pieces of analysis that address it. Keep this list handy as you'll revisit it multiple times as you craft your results chapter. At this stage, it's also useful to think about the key points that you want to raise in your discussion chapter and note these down. Every point you raise in your discussion chapter will need to be backed up in the results chapter, so you need to make sure that you lay a firm foundation there. So, jot down the main points you want to make in your discussion chapter and then list the specific piece of analysis that addresses each point. Having considered both of these areas, you should now have a short list of potential analyses and data points that you know need to be included in your results chapter in some shape or form. Next, you should draw up a rough outline of how you plan to structure your chapter. This doesn't need to be highly detailed, but you need to think about how you'll order the various analyses in your chapter so that there's a smooth logical flow. We'll discuss the standard structure of a quantitative results chapter in more detail shortly, but it's worth mentioning now that it's essential to draw up a rough outline before you start writing or you'll end up with a wishy-washy mess of information. This advice applies to any chapter, by the way. As with all chapters in your dissertation or thesis, you need to start your quantitative results chapter by providing a brief overview of what you'll do in the chapter and why. For example, you'd explain that you will start by presenting the sample demographic data to understand the composition and representativeness of the sample before moving on to X to understand Y and Z. This introduction section shouldn't be lengthy. A paragraph or two is more than enough. The aim is simply to give the reader a heads up about what you'll cover, not to provide a summary of the findings. Also, it's a good idea to weave the research questions into this section so that there's a golden thread that runs through your document. The first set of data that you'll typically present in your results chapter is an overview of the sample demographics. In other words, you'll give the reader an overview regarding the demographics of your survey respondents. For example, what age groups exist and how are they distributed? How is gender distributed? How is ethnicity distributed? What areas do the participants live in? Why is this important, you ask? Well, the purpose of this section is to assess how representative the sample is of the broader population. This is important for the sake of generalizability of the results. If your sample is not representative of the population, you won't be able to generalize your findings. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it's a limitation you'll need to acknowledge. Of course, to make this representativeness assessment, you'll need to already have an understanding of the demographics of the actual population you're interested in. So, make sure that you design your survey to capture the correct demographic information that you will compare your sample to. But, what if I'm not interested in generalizability, you say? Well, even if you don't intend to extrapolate your findings to the broader population, understanding your sample will allow you to interpret your findings appropriately, considering who responded. In other words, the demographic data will help you contextualize your findings accurately. For example, if 80% of your sample was aged over 65, this may be a noteworthy contextual factor to consider when interpreting the data. Similarly, if a large portion of your sample was skewed towards one gender, this would be an important contextual factor to note. Long story short, regardless of your intention to produce generalizable results, it's essential to understand and clearly communicate the demographic data of your sample. So, be sure to put in the time and effort in this section so that you can contextualize your findings accurately. Before you undertake your core statistical analysis, you need to do some checks to ensure that your data are suitable for the analysis methods and techniques you plan to use. If you try to analyze data that doesn't meet the assumptions of a specific statistical method or technique, your results will be largely meaningless. Therefore, you need to do some checks on your data before you jump into the actual analysis. Most commonly, there are two areas you need to pay attention to. The first thing you need to check is the reliability of your composite measures. When you have multiple scale-based measures that combine to capture one construct, this is called a composite measure. For example, you may have four Likert scales that all aim to measure the same thing, but are phrased in different ways. In other words, within a survey, these four scales should all receive similar ratings, assuming they are indeed measuring the same thing. This is called internal consistency. Unfortunately, internal consistency is not guaranteed, especially if you developed the scales yourself. So, you need to assess the reliability of each composite measure using a test. Cronbach's alpha is a common test used to assess internal consistency. In other words, to show that the items you're combining are more or less saying the same thing. A high alpha score means that your composite measure is internally consistent. A low alpha score means you may need to scrap one or more of the individual measures. There are tests other than Cronbach's alpha that can be used, and there's some hot debate about which one is the best, but we won't get into that here. The key takeaway is that you need to undertake some sort of testing to assess internal consistency, and you need to present those test results in this section of your chapter. Once you're comfortable that your composite measures are internally consistent, the next thing you need to look at is the shape of the data for each of your variables. What do you mean the shape of the data? Well, for each variable, you need to assess whether the data are symmetrical. In other words, normally distributed in a nice bell curve or not. This is important as it will directly impact what type of analysis methods and techniques you can use. For many common inferential tests, such as t-test and ANOVAs, we'll discuss these a bit later, don't stress, your data needs to be normally distributed. In other words, symmetrical. If it's not, you'll need to adjust your strategy and use alternative statistical tests. To assess the shape of the data, you'll usually assess a variety of fairly basic descriptive statistics, such as the mean, median, and skewness, which is exactly what we'll look at next. Now that you've laid the foundation by examining the representativeness of your sample, the reliability of your composite measures, and the shape of your data, you can get started with the actual statistical analysis. Finally. The first step is to present the descriptive statistics for your variables. As I mentioned, the descriptive statistics will help you assess the shape of your data. As I mentioned, the descriptive statistics will help you assess the shape of your data. But depending on the nature of your research, the descriptive statistics could also play an important role in directly addressing your research objectives and research questions. So, what are descriptive statistics? When we talk about descriptives, this usually includes basic statistics, such as the mean. This is simply the mathematical average of a range of numbers. The median. This is the midpoint in a range of numbers when the numbers are arranged in order. Standard deviation. This metric indicates how dispersed a range of numbers is. In other words, how close all the numbers are to the mean, the average. Skewness. This indicates how symmetrical a range of numbers is. In other words, do they tend to cluster into a smooth bell curve shape in the middle of the graph? Or do they lean to the left or the right? And lastly, kurtosis. This metric indicates whether the data are heavily or lightly tailed relative to the normal distribution. In other words, how peaked or flat the distribution is. If these statistics sound like gibberish to you, be sure to check out our video covering the basics of quantitative data analysis. I'll include the link below. When you're presenting your descriptive stats, using a large table to present all the stats for multiple variables can be a very effective way to present your data economically. This saves you a lot of space and makes it easier to compare and contrast the statistics for each variable. You can also use color coding to help make the data more easily digestible. For categorical data, for example, data that shows the percentage of people who chose or fit into each category, you can either just plain describe the percentages or numbers of people who responded to something, or you could use graphs and charts such as bar graphs and pie charts to present your data. There's no one size fits all approach here. In some cases, it will make more sense to just present the numbers in a table or a paragraph. For example, if there are only two categories. While in other cases, graphs and charts will be useful. For example, if there are multiple categories. A pro tip, when using charts and graphs, make sure that you label them simply and clearly so that your reader can easily understand them. There is nothing more frustrating than a graph that's missing axis labels. Keep in mind that although you'll be presenting tables, charts and graphs, your text content needs to present a clear narrative that can stand on its own. In other words, don't rely purely on your figures and tables to convey your point. Highlight the crucial trends and values in the body of the text. Figures and tables should complement your writing, not carry it. All right, so that covers the basics of descriptive statistics. Depending on your research aims, objectives and research questions, you may end your analysis here. However, if your study also requires inferential statistics, then it's time to get started on those. All right, on to inferentials. Unlike descriptive statistics where the focus is purely on the sample, inferential statistics are used to make predictions about the population. So this part of the results chapter is where things can get really interesting. Inferential methods, broadly speaking, can be broken up into two groups. First up, there are those analyses that compare measurements between groups, such as t-tests, which measure differences between two groups, and ANOVAs, which measure differences between multiple groups. For example, you could use ANOVA to assess the difference in average weight loss between three groups that adopted three different diets. The second type of inferential methods are those that assess relationships between variables, such as correlation analysis and regression analysis. For example, you could use correlation analysis to assess the relationship between the number of hours studied and test marks earned within a sample of students. Within each of these inferentials, some tests can be used for normally distributed data, in other words, symmetrical data. And some tests are designed specifically for use on non-normally distributed data. So it's important to make sure that you use the right analysis tool for your data shape. Remember, you would have assessed data shape in your descriptive statistics section, so make sure that you align your inferential approach with those findings. There are a seemingly endless number of analysis methods and tests that you can use to crunch your data, so it's easy to run down a rabbit hole and end up with piles of test data. Therefore, you need to be selective about which methods you use. Ultimately, the most important thing is to make sure that you adopt the analysis methods that allow you to achieve your research objectives and answer your research questions. So let those two factors guide you. As with the descriptive statistics, in this section of your results chapter, you should try to make use of figures and tables as effectively as possible. For example, if you present a correlation table, use color coding to highlight the significance of the correlation values, or present a scatter plot to visually demonstrate what the trend is. The easier you make it for your reader to digest your findings, the more effectively you'll be able to make your arguments in the next chapter. Right. With both your descriptive and inferential statistics presented, you should have now laid the foundation for your discussion chapter. So at this stage, it's a good idea to quickly revisit that list that you drew up in step one and make sure you've covered all the necessary data to support your research objectives and research questions. If you have, you're ready to take the next step. If your study requires it, the next component of your results chapter will be hypothesis testing. Not every study will need hypotheses, so don't feel like you need to shoehorn these in if you haven't got any. As with so many things in your dissertation, the need for hypotheses depends on your research aims, objectives, and questions. So what exactly is a hypothesis? Generally speaking, a hypothesis is a statement that expresses an expected difference between groups or a relationship between variables. Importantly, it's a statement that can be supported or rejected by a statistical test. In other words, it needs to be very specific and measurable and cannot leave any room for interpretation or subjectivity. For example, a statement like, there is a relationship between study hours and test marks scored could be supported or rejected by a statistical test. For example, correlation analysis. Contrasted to this, a statement like, ice cream is the meaning of life, couldn't be supported by a statistical test, as much as I wish it could be. So if your dissertation or thesis included the development of hypotheses in the literature review chapter, this section is where you'd present them once again and test them using your statistical data. If you want to learn more about hypotheses, check out our detailed post over on the Grad Coach blog. I'll include a link below this video. One last thing. If your research involved developing a theoretical framework, you can, at this stage, present that framework once again, this time populating it with the hypothesis testing data. For example, if you were developing a theoretical model of the antecedents of trust and your hypotheses related to the antecedent variables, you could present the model again, this time incorporating the test results for each variable. Right, with your quantitative analyses presented, it's time to wrap up your results chapter and transition to the discussion chapter. To conclude your results chapter, the final step is to provide a brief summary of the key findings. Brief is the key word here. Much like the chapter introduction, this shouldn't be lengthy, a paragraph or two maximum. In this section, you only need to highlight the findings most relevant to your research objectives and research questions so that you lay the foundation for the next chapter. Don't provide a lengthy recap of each and every section of results. Just remind the reader of the key takeaways and wrap it up. If you work through your results chapter step-by-step as we've discussed in this video, you should land up with a comprehensive presentation of your key data. Keep in mind that what we've discussed here is a generic structure. There's no one-size-fits-all. The exact structure and contents of your results chapter will be influenced by your specific research objectives and research questions. As I mentioned in step one, start by crafting a list that covers your research objectives and questions and mapping that to the various statistical analyses and tests you've undertaken. Revisit that list as you work through each section of your results chapter and you can rest assured that you'll be headed in a good direction. All right, so that wraps it up for today. If you enjoyed the video, hit the like button and please leave a comment if you have any questions. Also, be sure to subscribe for more research-related content. Remember, if you need a helping hand with your research, be sure to check out our private coaching service where we work with you on a one-on-one basis, chapter-by-chapter, to help you craft a winning dissertation, thesis, or research project. If that sounds interesting to you, book a free consultation with a friendly coach at www.gradcoach.com. As always, I'll include a link below. That's all for this episode of Grad Coach TV. Until next time, good luck. Grad Coach

How to Write a Case Study in 5 Steps: A Guide

What is a case study and how do you write one? We explain everything there is to know about case studies and provide you with a checklist that will make you succeed on your first try.

First things first:

• A case study examines organizations, people, places or events in order to gain (new) insights into familiar problems or to identify new problems.
• There are four types of case studies: Case-Study-Method, Case-Problem-Method, Case-Incident-Method, and Stated-Problem-Method
• There are five steps in conducting a case study: a research objective, a case, suitable literature, a precise description of your case and a link between your case and existing theories.

What is a case study?

A case study is a research method that is typically used in qualitative research and is often applied in academic papers such as bachelor’s or master’s theses. Having originated from the social sciences , the case study is now used in many other fields such as economics, political science and media studies.

The case study examines a specific example of an event or phenomenon in the real world. All relevant details of the case are thoroughly analyzed, always taking into account the surrounding context and existing theoretical frameworks. If several cases are compared with each other, this is referred to as a comparative case study or a multiple case study .

Objectives and methods of case studies

The main objective of a case study is to gain comprehensive insights into a specific phenomenon and to develop new solutions or perspectives. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are useful for collecting and analyzing relevant data for the case study. Organizations, people, places or events that offer important insights are examined.

Case studies allow you to analyze complex problems in detail , making them an indispensable tool in scientific research.

Case studies: different types and approaches

Depending on your research question, there are different types of case studies you can consider. Each type of case study has its own special features, and the transitions are sometimes fluid. The following paragraphs introduce four common types of case studies to give you an idea of the different approaches:

• Case Study Method : This classic type of case study is often used when you are familiar with a specific case but have not yet identified the hidden problems within it. During your investigation, you will recognize both the challenges and possible solutions. This method helps you to dive deep into the details of the case and gain unexpected insights.
• Case-Problem Method : This type of case study focuses on evaluating different approaches to a solution. You analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each method, evaluate its effectiveness and look for alternatives if necessary. This approach is ideal for case studies that aim to optimize processes or improve strategies.
• Case-Incident Method : This form of case study is often the most challenging as it works with incomplete or missing data. Your task is to create a sound case study despite these limitations. This requires creative methods of data collection and analysis to get a clear picture of the situation.
• Stated-Problem Method : This is the exact opposite of the first methos. You start with a known problem and look for the causes and possible solutions through your case study. This method is particularly useful if you want to explore the deeper roots of a problem.

By choosing the right type of case study, you can ensure that your research is both thorough and focused. Each of these approaches offers different perspectives and methods to arrive at valuable insights that can be explored in detail in the case studies.

How is a case study conducted?

Companies are often looking for a case study that offers a solution to a complex problem. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. You should simply collect and structure all the relevant information for your case study. At GRIN, you will find numerous case studies that give you a good insight into the structure of this type of text. These practical examples, which are often based on data from real companies, will help you understand how to successfully complete a case study.

The 5 steps of conducting a case study

Define your research objective

Start your case study by first defining a clear research objective and formulating a precise research question. Decide whether your aim is exploratory (discovering), descriptive (describing) or explanatory (explaining/justifying), or a combination of these , to determine your research direction. Since case studies are qualitative research, how or why questions are particularly suitable.

Choose your case

For your case study, you should of course choose an example that is relevant to your research objective . If you are writing about a specific company, you already have the case automatically, but events, people, places or phenomena are also suitable. To choose a suitable example, you can use the following criteria as a guide:

• Take an unusual or atypical example that firstly makes you curious yourself and secondly provides new insights into a known problem.
• The example should critically question existing assumptions or theories.
• Ideally, your case should open up new approaches for future research.

Link your case study to existing theories and literature

Once you have defined your research objective and case for your case study, the next step is to link it to existing literature and the current state of research . Conduct a comprehensive literature review to compare your findings with relevant thematic texts.

To create a solid theoretical framework, draw on an appropriate theory that allows you to understand and explain the case in depth. When analyzing your results, you can then discuss how they behave in the context of this theory and what they say about the topic.

Describe your case study

Once you have finished researching existing theories and literature, start describing your case in detail. If it is an event, a timeline can be helpful, showing all the important events along with their causes and effects. The aim is to clearly differentiate your case study from other studies and research questions.

An important part of the case study is the description of the initial situation , the framework conditions and the problems to be solved . It is essential that your (possibly fictitious) customer recognizes themselves in the description. Be authentic and use the technical vocabulary of the respective industry . This increases the relevance of your case study.

Analyze the case

The final step in your case study is to comprehensively analyze the collected data. Evaluating and explaining this information will allow you to answer your research question . You can embed your findings in a broader theoretical context by drawing connections to existing literature and theories that you identified during your literature review.

In this section of your case study, you also explain how you analyzed the situation, what kind of strategy you developed and how you implemented it operationally. It is also important to mention any problems and obstacles you encountered.

Analysis tools for solving a case study

When working on business case studies in particular, there are a number of models, so-called frameworks , that can be of great help. Which framework is suitable for which problem depends on the type of case study. These can basically be divided into three categories:

External problem

This example focuses on external factors: e.g. the market environment of the company under investigation. The five forces model and the PESTEL analysis are suitable for identifying and analyzing such research areas.

Internal problem definition

Internal company issues are considered here, e.g. low employee satisfaction. The value chain analysis or the BCG matrix are suitable for such internal analyses.

Internal and external problems

Most case studies examine external and internal problems in equal measure, as mixed cases are often considered, e.g. a decline in a company’s sales. These cases can be analyzed using the profit equation , the four-C concept , the SWOT analysis , or the Ansoff matrix.

Checklist: Case study for companies

Case studies for companies always follow the same structure. You can therefore use this checklist as a guide:

• Title of the case study: What is it about in a nutshell?
• Introduction of the company: Who is the case study aimed at?
• Problem/research question: What is it about (specifically), what are the current challenges and what should be changed?
• Facts : What does the company offer? What is the market and market environment like? Which target group should be addressed?
• Results: What follows from the facts analyzed?
• Graphics: Graphical representations are always good for case studies. Present the facts in table form, create diagrams and add them to your continuous text. This will enhance your study.
• Solution: What specific recommendations for action do you give to the company you have analyzed?

Key Takeaways

A case study is a research method that allows you to analyze specific cases such as organizations, people, or events from different perspectives and relate them to existing theories. This method is particularly valuable for bachelor’s and master’s theses, as it provides in-depth insights into the research topic.

The goal of a case study is to understand and explain a specific case by analyzing it in detail and linking it to existing theories identified during the literature review. This method helps to answer open questions and develop solutions to existing problems.

You will conduct a case study in five steps: you define your research goal, select a case, find suitable literature and theory, describe the case, and analyze it by examining it comprehensively and linking it to existing theories.

Choosing a case study has a few advantages: You can investigate a real case that interests you, which makes your study more relevant. Case studies also require less organizational effort than interviews or surveys, and can uncover previously unknown problems or questions that are of interest for further research. And another advantage: Case studies are used in many companies in the application process to test applicants. If you have already gained experience with it during your studies, this can be an advantage for you later on.

A good case study must definitely be relevant to your study. In addition, it should provide new insights into a known problem, critically question existing assumptions and open up new approaches for future research.

Examples for case studies in the GRIN shop:

Corporate Social Responsibility and its Impact on Consumer Buying Behaviour. A Case Study on H&M

Supply Chain Management. Case Study on Amazon

A Microsoft Case Study. Managing a Culturally Diverse Workforce

The Facebook acquisition of Instagram. A Case Study

Do you like our magazine? Then sign up for our GRIN newsletter now!

Swisscom Digital Lab: the source of AI innovation

In the Digital Lab, Swisscom conducts research into artificial intelligence solutions that will help improve its own processes while also benefiting customers. In the first part of this interview, Directors Daniel Dobos and Dominik Temerowski talk about the role of AI for Swisscom and the collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL).

It’s a bit of a walk from the EPFL metro station in Lausanne across the expansive campus to the Innovation Park. One of the modern buildings there is home to the Swisscom Digital Lab, which has been working with the university since 2016 to research innovations in the field of data and artificial intelligence.

The Lab itself has also come a long way, from projects with traditional machine learning to today’s research on generative AI’s large language models (LLMs). The lab is led by Daniel Dobos and Dominik Temerowski. The former manages the actual research, while the latter is responsible for economic implementation – both within Swisscom and for the benefit of customers.

In the first part of the interview, they provide information about their activities, Swisscom’s role in AI research and their collaboration with EPFL.

The interlocutors

Dr Daniel Dobos is Research Director at Swisscom. He is responsible for relations with universities, universities of applied sciences and other research institutions. Together with employees from all Swisscom business areas, he and his team develop solutions that use the latest research and technology developments for the benefit of Swisscom customers. Previously, he led research and AI data analysis projects at the CERN research centre and at the United Nations.

Dominik Temerowski is Director of AI & Innovation at Swisscom. Together with Swisscom’s business units, he develops AI-based innovations with a team of data scientists and machine learning engineers that create measurable added value for the company. Previously, he was responsible for partner management in the business customer division at Swisscom and previously at Deutsche Telekom, both of which focused on the digital transformation of B2B customers.

For most people, artificial intelligence is synonymous with generative AI. What impact are the boom and hype surrounding ChatGPT and other media having on the Digital Lab and Swisscom?

Daniel Dobos says: At Swisscom, we have been working in the field of artificial intelligence for a long time. At the IDIAP research centre in Martigny, we have been conducting AI projects for more than 30 years, and at EPFL we have been using machine learning for almost a decade. Transformer is the name of the architecture behind generative AI that drove the whole thing forward. The hype has led to a lot of confusion between the terms.

Become a digital leader

Developing sustainable business models with the help of AI? Or digitalise internal processes with low-code platforms? Discover other areas where you can drive your transformation and become a digital leader.

It is a continuous development. But the speed has increased dramatically, especially since 2022. In the meantime, even the researchers working in this field say that it is almost a full-time job to follow and classify this development. This is only possible in a strong team. Thanks to collaboration with world-leading researchers from ETHZ, EPFL, Stanford University and our outpost in Silicon Valley, we are able to keep abreast of current developments. This means we can be right at the front of the pack.

Temerowski: Artificial intelligence is a cross-sectional technology – just like bicycles, electricity and the internet. Each of these three cross-cutting technologies has revolutionised the economy and enabled innovation, and its benefits are not limited to individual sectors. Companies that relied early on on the innovative possibilities of the Internet quickly gained cost and revenue advantages. The same applies to AI today: At Swisscom, we see a future in which AI will be as ubiquitous as connectivity and support numerous services and products. In addition, AI will bring us significant benefits in terms of quality, efficiency and innovation in our operating model and at the platform level. 

What role does artificial intelligence play for Swisscom, both for its own operations and for customers?

Daniel Dobos says: We are also looking for partnerships in the area of artificial intelligence, for example with Nvidia for the Swiss AI Platform . We don’t just focus on our own AI products. Instead, we evaluate all options that are of interest to the Swiss economy so that we understand the strengths and weaknesses of each individual solution. This allows us to advise customers impartially on the best solution for a particular problem. Sometimes it may well be from a hyperscaler. And in other cases, it can be something highly specialised, where data security or data storage in Switzerland is relevant and we build a tailor-made solution together with the customer.

‘What many people don’t realise is that Switzerland has been at the forefront of research in artificial intelligence for years.’ Daniel Dobos

This is no different in the AI environment than in other business areas. I think of it as a retail store. A specialist store offers chocolate from many different brands as well as a private label and advises customers which chocolate they like best. I believe that is also the role that we can play in the field of artificial intelligence, because there is simply no one solution that works for everyone. Even large suppliers do not have the right solution for every problem faced by a Swiss company.

Temerowski: Today, AI equates to competitiveness . Swisscom is generally strengthening its AI transformation with the help of talent development and the recruitment of AI specialists. At the Digital Lab, we contribute to this through research, innovation and targeted talent acquisition.  

Every year in our lab alone, ten to 20 Master’s students at EPFL begin their Master’s thesis with a specific practical orientation. Every student works on the solution to the challenges of our departments. After graduation, we actively recruit from the cohort for one-year internships. The aim is for us to attract the best people to Swisscom at the end of this internship year – through follow-on positions in the lab or in the business areas for which they have already developed solutions.

Skilled workers are one of the most important resources for Switzerland as a business location. And especially in the age of AI, the need for AI experts is growing rapidly. In the Digital Lab, EPFL students take the step from theory to practice at a very early stage. In doing so, we are shaping the future for Swisscom and Switzerland.

Switzerland is strengthened by a strong domestic industry. In Swisscom, Switzerland has an independent provider of telecommunications and IT. This sovereignty will become even more important in the age of AI: From the network to AI applications and the underlying infrastructure. With the research collaborations in the Digital Lab, we are helping to ensure that Swisscom remains at the forefront of trust, quality and innovation in the next step.

How does the collaboration between the Digital Lab and EPFL work, and what are the benefits?

Daniel Dobos says: We’re a kind of bridge-builder. On the one hand, we take business needs that we have internally at Swisscom or learn from our customers. And on the other hand, we collect ideas. For example, when researchers come to us with an idea of how to use artificial intelligence to make networks more efficient or how to improve the user experience for our customers. Then we’ll look together at how we can incorporate this state-of-the-art research into the products we have at Swisscom.

‘Today, AI equates to competitiveness.’ Dominik Temerowski

Dominik and I often say we’re like two sides of the same coin: Innovation and research. Dominik will be responsible for developing highly structured AI solutions for Swisscom that contribute to quality, efficiency and innovation. For me in the research area, it’s more the opportunistic-creative part, where we also develop crazy ideas, so-called moonshots: What would it mean, for example, if we were to set up the first mobile cell on Mars? Would such innovations and projects also help us in our day-to-day business?

What many people don’t realise is that Switzerland has been at the forefront of research in artificial intelligence for years. With ETH Zurich and EPFL in particular, we are at the forefront of this. We have great potential here, which we can use for our people and for our economy.

But when it comes to the economic implementation of research, we are not yet really at the forefront. If you look at where AI start-ups are created, they are usually still in Silicon Valley and increasingly also in Asia, Singapore, China and Japan. In collaboration with UBS and many other partners, Deep Tech Nation Switzerland is trying to muster the necessary financial strength in venture capital so that Switzerland does not gradually fall behind in international competition.

What are the activities and objectives of the Digital Lab?

Daniel Dobos says: We recently worked with a student to fine-tune the first Llama 3 models on an ethical training dataset a few days after their release. We have defined and significantly improved the answers of Llama 3 to ethical questions. This makes us one of the top 10 to 15 research institutions and companies in the world to achieve this. This was only possible in collaboration with EPFL and because we are well advanced in research.

We need to use and test new developments to understand them. In this way, we get to a level as quickly as possible that we can trust the systems and integrate them together with customers in day-to-day use.

But what scares me a bit is the unpredictability of the results. The large language models are a black box. At the moment, a lot of development work is being done around the world to understand how such models make decisions. Here, we work with various companies and universities to be at the forefront. Explainable AI and reasoning are keywords, and being able to demonstrate in a human-comprehensible way why a model decides one way or another.

Traceability is certainly an important factor in using generative AI for business decisions. Only then can you understand why you now receive either recommendation A or recommendation B.

MSM Research: artificial intelligence

Artifical intelligence on the way to becoming a game changer: Find out in the latest study by MSM Research how Swiss companies use AI and what you should consider when using it.

Header image: The core team of the Digital Lab with Daniel Dobos (front; second from left) and Dominik Temerowski (front; third from left).

Share article

• X (Twitter)

Write a comment Cancel reply

Send me an email notification if an author has replied to my comment.

Artificial intelligence in companies: ‘Business stakeholders can no longer avoid it’

Artificial intelligence offers companies great potential to increase their efficiency, develop more innovative products and make better strategic decisions – and thus gain a competitive…

Generative AI in business: use cases and best practices

Generative AI is a rapidly emerging technology that companies can leverage to increase their efficiency and develop new applications. But how can organisations make good…

‘Well-thought-out AI governance enables companies to better position themselves’

Artificial intelligence brings great opportunities – and risks – for organisations. Anne-Sophie Morand, lawyer and Data Governance Counsel at Swisscom, explains in the interview how…

Educational resources and simple solutions for your research journey

What Are Research Objectives and How to Write Them (with Examples)

Table of Contents

Introduction

Research is at the center of everything researchers do, and setting clear, well-defined research objectives plays a pivotal role in guiding scholars toward their desired outcomes. Research papers are essential instruments for researchers to effectively communicate their work. Among the many sections that constitute a research paper, the introduction plays a key role in providing a background and setting the context. 1 Research objectives, which define the aims of the study, are usually stated in the introduction. Every study has a research question that the authors are trying to answer, and the objective is an active statement about how the study will answer this research question. These objectives help guide the development and design of the study and steer the research in the appropriate direction; if this is not clearly defined, a project can fail!

Research studies have a research question, research hypothesis, and one or more research objectives. A research question is what a study aims to answer, and a research hypothesis is a predictive statement about the relationship between two or more variables, which the study sets out to prove or disprove. Objectives are specific, measurable goals that the study aims to achieve. The difference between these three is illustrated by the following example:

• Research question : How does low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) compare with a placebo device in managing the symptoms of skeletally mature patients with patellar tendinopathy?
• Research hypothesis : Pain levels are reduced in patients who receive daily active-LIPUS (treatment) for 12 weeks compared with individuals who receive inactive-LIPUS (placebo).
• Research objective : To investigate the clinical efficacy of LIPUS in the management of patellar tendinopathy symptoms.

This article discusses the importance of clear, well-thought out objectives and suggests methods to write them clearly.

What is the introduction in research papers?

Research objectives are usually included in the introduction section. This section is the first that the readers will read so it is essential that it conveys the subject matter appropriately and is well written to create a good first impression. A good introduction sets the tone of the paper and clearly outlines the contents so that the readers get a quick snapshot of what to expect.

A good introduction should aim to: 2,3

• Indicate the main subject area, its importance, and cite previous literature on the subject
• Define the gap(s) in existing research, ask a research question, and state the objectives
• Announce the present research and outline its novelty and significance
• Avoid repeating the Abstract, providing unnecessary information, and claiming novelty without accurate supporting information.

Why are research objectives important?

Objectives can help you stay focused and steer your research in the required direction. They help define and limit the scope of your research, which is important to efficiently manage your resources and time. The objectives help to create and maintain the overall structure, and specify two main things—the variables and the methods of quantifying the variables.

A good research objective:

• defines the scope of the study
• gives direction to the research
• helps maintain focus and avoid diversions from the topic
• minimizes wastage of resources like time, money, and energy

Types of research objectives

Research objectives can be broadly classified into general and specific objectives . 4 General objectives state what the research expects to achieve overall while specific objectives break this down into smaller, logically connected parts, each of which addresses various parts of the research problem. General objectives are the main goals of the study and are usually fewer in number while specific objectives are more in number because they address several aspects of the research problem.

Example (general objective): To investigate the factors influencing the financial performance of firms listed in the New York Stock Exchange market.

Example (specific objective): To assess the influence of firm size on the financial performance of firms listed in the New York Stock Exchange market.

In addition to this broad classification, research objectives can be grouped into several categories depending on the research problem, as given in Table 1.

Table 1: Types of research objectives

Characteristics of research objectives

Research objectives must start with the word “To” because this helps readers identify the objective in the absence of headings and appropriate sectioning in research papers. 5,6

• A good objective is SMART (mostly applicable to specific objectives):
• Specific—clear about the what, why, when, and how
• Measurable—identifies the main variables of the study and quantifies the targets
• Achievable—attainable using the available time and resources
• Realistic—accurately addresses the scope of the problem
• Time-bound—identifies the time in which each step will be completed
• Research objectives clarify the purpose of research.
• They help understand the relationship and dissimilarities between variables.
• They provide a direction that helps the research to reach a definite conclusion.

How to write research objectives?

Research objectives can be written using the following steps: 7

• State your main research question clearly and concisely.
• Describe the ultimate goal of your study, which is similar to the research question but states the intended outcomes more definitively.
• Divide this main goal into subcategories to develop your objectives.
• Limit the number of objectives (1-2 general; 3-4 specific)
• Assess each objective using the SMART
• Start each objective with an action verb like assess, compare, determine, evaluate, etc., which makes the research appear more actionable.
• Use specific language without making the sentence data heavy.
• The most common section to add the objectives is the introduction and after the problem statement.
• Add the objectives to the abstract (if there is one).
• State the general objective first, followed by the specific objectives.

Formulating research objectives

Formulating research objectives has the following five steps, which could help researchers develop a clear objective: 8

• Identify the research problem.
• Review past studies on subjects similar to your problem statement, that is, studies that use similar methods, variables, etc.
• Identify the research gaps the current study should cover based on your literature review. These gaps could be theoretical, methodological, or conceptual.
• Define the research question(s) based on the gaps identified.
• Revise/relate the research problem based on the defined research question and the gaps identified. This is to confirm that there is an actual need for a study on the subject based on the gaps in literature.
• Identify and write the general and specific objectives.
• Incorporate the objectives into the study.

Advantages of research objectives

Adding clear research objectives has the following advantages: 4,8

• Maintains the focus and direction of the research
• Optimizes allocation of resources with minimal wastage
• Acts as a foundation for defining appropriate research questions and hypotheses
• Provides measurable outcomes that can help evaluate the success of the research
• Determines the feasibility of the research by helping to assess the availability of required resources
• Ensures relevance of the study to the subject and its contribution to existing literature

Disadvantages of research objectives

Research objectives also have few disadvantages, as listed below: 8

• Absence of clearly defined objectives can lead to ambiguity in the research process
• Unintentional bias could affect the validity and accuracy of the research findings

Key takeaways

• Research objectives are concise statements that describe what the research is aiming to achieve.
• They define the scope and direction of the research and maintain focus.
• The objectives should be SMART—specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound.
• Clear research objectives help avoid collection of data or resources not required for the study.
• Well-formulated specific objectives help develop the overall research methodology, including data collection, analysis, interpretation, and utilization.
• Research objectives should cover all aspects of the problem statement in a coherent way.
• They should be clearly stated using action verbs.

Frequently asked questions on research objectives

Q: what’s the difference between research objectives and aims 9.

A: Research aims are statements that reflect the broad goal(s) of the study and outline the general direction of the research. They are not specific but clearly define the focus of the study.

Example: This research aims to explore employee experiences of digital transformation in retail HR.

Research objectives focus on the action to be taken to achieve the aims. They make the aims more practical and should be specific and actionable.

Example: To observe the retail HR employees throughout the digital transformation.

Q: What are the examples of research objectives, both general and specific?

A: Here are a few examples of research objectives:

• To identify the antiviral chemical constituents in Mumbukura gitoniensis (general)
• To carry out solvent extraction of dried flowers of Mumbukura gitoniensis and isolate the constituents. (specific)
• To determine the antiviral activity of each of the isolated compounds. (specific)
• To examine the extent, range, and method of coral reef rehabilitation projects in five shallow reef areas adjacent to popular tourist destinations in the Philippines.
• To investigate species richness of mammal communities in five protected areas over the past 20 years.
• To evaluate the potential application of AI techniques for estimating best-corrected visual acuity from fundus photographs with and without ancillary information.
• To investigate whether sport influences psychological parameters in the personality of asthmatic children.

Q: How do I develop research objectives?

A: Developing research objectives begins with defining the problem statement clearly, as illustrated by Figure 1. Objectives specify how the research question will be answered and they determine what is to be measured to test the hypothesis.

Q: Are research objectives measurable?

A: The word “measurable” implies that something is quantifiable. In terms of research objectives, this means that the source and method of collecting data are identified and that all these aspects are feasible for the research. Some metrics can be created to measure your progress toward achieving your objectives.

Q: Can research objectives change during the study?

A: Revising research objectives during the study is acceptable in situations when the selected methodology is not progressing toward achieving the objective, or if there are challenges pertaining to resources, etc. One thing to keep in mind is the time and resources you would have to complete your research after revising the objectives. Thus, as long as your problem statement and hypotheses are unchanged, minor revisions to the research objectives are acceptable.

Q: What is the difference between research questions and research objectives? 10

Q: Are research objectives the same as hypotheses?

A: No, hypotheses are predictive theories that are expressed in general terms. Research objectives, which are more specific, are developed from hypotheses and aim to test them. A hypothesis can be tested using several methods and each method will have different objectives because the methodology to be used could be different. A hypothesis is developed based on observation and reasoning; it is a calculated prediction about why a particular phenomenon is occurring. To test this prediction, different research objectives are formulated. Here’s a simple example of both a research hypothesis and research objective.

Research hypothesis : Employees who arrive at work earlier are more productive.

Research objective : To assess whether employees who arrive at work earlier are more productive.

To summarize, research objectives are an important part of research studies and should be written clearly to effectively communicate your research. We hope this article has given you a brief insight into the importance of using clearly defined research objectives and how to formulate them.

• Farrugia P, Petrisor BA, Farrokhyar F, Bhandari M. Practical tips for surgical research: Research questions, hypotheses and objectives. Can J Surg. 2010 Aug;53(4):278-81.
• Abbadia J. How to write an introduction for a research paper. Mind the Graph website. Accessed June 14, 2023. https://mindthegraph.com/blog/how-to-write-an-introduction-for-a-research-paper/
• Writing a scientific paper: Introduction. UCI libraries website. Accessed June 15, 2023. https://guides.lib.uci.edu/c.php?g=334338&p=2249903
• Research objectives—Types, examples and writing guide. Researchmethod.net website. Accessed June 17, 2023. https://researchmethod.net/research-objectives/#:~:text=They%20provide%20a%20clear%20direction,track%20and%20achieve%20their%20goals .
• Bartle P. SMART Characteristics of good objectives. Community empowerment collective website. Accessed June 16, 2023. https://cec.vcn.bc.ca/cmp/modules/pd-smar.htm
• Research objectives. Studyprobe website. Accessed June 18, 2023. https://www.studyprobe.in/2022/08/research-objectives.html
• Corredor F. How to write objectives in a research paper. wikiHow website. Accessed June 18, 2023. https://www.wikihow.com/Write-Objectives-in-a-Research-Proposal
• Research objectives: Definition, types, characteristics, advantages. AccountingNest website. Accessed June 15, 2023. https://www.accountingnest.com/articles/research/research-objectives
• Phair D., Shaeffer A. Research aims, objectives & questions. GradCoach website. Accessed June 20, 2023. https://gradcoach.com/research-aims-objectives-questions/
• Understanding the difference between research questions and objectives. Accessed June 21, 2023. https://board.researchersjob.com/blog/research-questions-and-objectives

R Discovery is a literature search and research reading platform that accelerates your research discovery journey by keeping you updated on the latest, most relevant scholarly content. With 250M+ research articles sourced from trusted aggregators like CrossRef, Unpaywall, PubMed, PubMed Central, Open Alex and top publishing houses like Springer Nature, JAMA, IOP, Taylor & Francis, NEJM, BMJ, Karger, SAGE, Emerald Publishing and more, R Discovery puts a world of research at your fingertips.  

Try R Discovery Prime FREE for 1 week or upgrade at just US$72 a year to access premium features that let you listen to research on the go, read in your language, collaborate with peers, auto sync with reference managers, and much more. Choose a simpler, smarter way to find and read research – Download the app and start your free 7-day trial today !  

Related Posts

Research in Shorts: R Discovery’s New Feature Helps Academics Assess Relevant Papers in 2mins 

How Does R Discovery’s Interplatform Capability Enhance Research Accessibility 

• Privacy Policy

Home » Research Objectives – Types, Examples and Writing Guide

Research Objectives – Types, Examples and Writing Guide

Table of Contents

Research Objectives

Research objectives refer to the specific goals or aims of a research study. They provide a clear and concise description of what the researcher hopes to achieve by conducting the research . The objectives are typically based on the research questions and hypotheses formulated at the beginning of the study and are used to guide the research process.

Types of Research Objectives

Here are the different types of research objectives in research:

• Exploratory Objectives: These objectives are used to explore a topic, issue, or phenomenon that has not been studied in-depth before. The aim of exploratory research is to gain a better understanding of the subject matter and generate new ideas and hypotheses .
• Descriptive Objectives: These objectives aim to describe the characteristics, features, or attributes of a particular population, group, or phenomenon. Descriptive research answers the “what” questions and provides a snapshot of the subject matter.
• Explanatory Objectives : These objectives aim to explain the relationships between variables or factors. Explanatory research seeks to identify the cause-and-effect relationships between different phenomena.
• Predictive Objectives: These objectives aim to predict future events or outcomes based on existing data or trends. Predictive research uses statistical models to forecast future trends or outcomes.
• Evaluative Objectives : These objectives aim to evaluate the effectiveness or impact of a program, intervention, or policy. Evaluative research seeks to assess the outcomes or results of a particular intervention or program.
• Prescriptive Objectives: These objectives aim to provide recommendations or solutions to a particular problem or issue. Prescriptive research identifies the best course of action based on the results of the study.
• Diagnostic Objectives : These objectives aim to identify the causes or factors contributing to a particular problem or issue. Diagnostic research seeks to uncover the underlying reasons for a particular phenomenon.
• Comparative Objectives: These objectives aim to compare two or more groups, populations, or phenomena to identify similarities and differences. Comparative research is used to determine which group or approach is more effective or has better outcomes.
• Historical Objectives: These objectives aim to examine past events, trends, or phenomena to gain a better understanding of their significance and impact. Historical research uses archival data, documents, and records to study past events.
• Ethnographic Objectives : These objectives aim to understand the culture, beliefs, and practices of a particular group or community. Ethnographic research involves immersive fieldwork and observation to gain an insider’s perspective of the group being studied.
• Action-oriented Objectives: These objectives aim to bring about social or organizational change. Action-oriented research seeks to identify practical solutions to social problems and to promote positive change in society.
• Conceptual Objectives: These objectives aim to develop new theories, models, or frameworks to explain a particular phenomenon or set of phenomena. Conceptual research seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the subject matter by developing new theoretical perspectives.
• Methodological Objectives: These objectives aim to develop and improve research methods and techniques. Methodological research seeks to advance the field of research by improving the validity, reliability, and accuracy of research methods and tools.
• Theoretical Objectives : These objectives aim to test and refine existing theories or to develop new theoretical perspectives. Theoretical research seeks to advance the field of knowledge by testing and refining existing theories or by developing new theoretical frameworks.
• Measurement Objectives : These objectives aim to develop and validate measurement instruments, such as surveys, questionnaires, and tests. Measurement research seeks to improve the quality and reliability of data collection and analysis by developing and testing new measurement tools.
• Design Objectives : These objectives aim to develop and refine research designs, such as experimental, quasi-experimental, and observational designs. Design research seeks to improve the quality and validity of research by developing and testing new research designs.
• Sampling Objectives: These objectives aim to develop and refine sampling techniques, such as probability and non-probability sampling methods. Sampling research seeks to improve the representativeness and generalizability of research findings by developing and testing new sampling techniques.

How to Write Research Objectives

Writing clear and concise research objectives is an important part of any research project, as it helps to guide the study and ensure that it is focused and relevant. Here are some steps to follow when writing research objectives:

• Identify the research problem : Before you can write research objectives, you need to identify the research problem you are trying to address. This should be a clear and specific problem that can be addressed through research.
• Define the research questions : Based on the research problem, define the research questions you want to answer. These questions should be specific and should guide the research process.
• Identify the variables : Identify the key variables that you will be studying in your research. These are the factors that you will be measuring, manipulating, or analyzing to answer your research questions.
• Write specific objectives: Write specific, measurable objectives that will help you answer your research questions. These objectives should be clear and concise and should indicate what you hope to achieve through your research.
• Use the SMART criteria: To ensure that your research objectives are well-defined and achievable, use the SMART criteria. This means that your objectives should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
• Revise and refine: Once you have written your research objectives, revise and refine them to ensure that they are clear, concise, and achievable. Make sure that they align with your research questions and variables, and that they will help you answer your research problem.

Example of Research Objectives

Examples of research objectives Could be:

Research Objectives for the topic of “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Employment”:

• To investigate the effects of the adoption of AI on employment trends across various industries and occupations.
• To explore the potential for AI to create new job opportunities and transform existing roles in the workforce.
• To examine the social and economic implications of the widespread use of AI for employment, including issues such as income inequality and access to education and training.
• To identify the skills and competencies that will be required for individuals to thrive in an AI-driven workplace, and to explore the role of education and training in developing these skills.
• To evaluate the ethical and legal considerations surrounding the use of AI for employment, including issues such as bias, privacy, and the responsibility of employers and policymakers to protect workers’ rights.

When to Write Research Objectives

• At the beginning of a research project : Research objectives should be identified and written down before starting a research project. This helps to ensure that the project is focused and that data collection and analysis efforts are aligned with the intended purpose of the research.
• When refining research questions: Writing research objectives can help to clarify and refine research questions. Objectives provide a more concrete and specific framework for addressing research questions, which can improve the overall quality and direction of a research project.
• After conducting a literature review : Conducting a literature review can help to identify gaps in knowledge and areas that require further research. Writing research objectives can help to define and focus the research effort in these areas.
• When developing a research proposal: Research objectives are an important component of a research proposal. They help to articulate the purpose and scope of the research, and provide a clear and concise summary of the expected outcomes and contributions of the research.
• When seeking funding for research: Funding agencies often require a detailed description of research objectives as part of a funding proposal. Writing clear and specific research objectives can help to demonstrate the significance and potential impact of a research project, and increase the chances of securing funding.
• When designing a research study : Research objectives guide the design and implementation of a research study. They help to identify the appropriate research methods, sampling strategies, data collection and analysis techniques, and other relevant aspects of the study design.
• When communicating research findings: Research objectives provide a clear and concise summary of the main research questions and outcomes. They are often included in research reports and publications, and can help to ensure that the research findings are communicated effectively and accurately to a wide range of audiences.
• When evaluating research outcomes : Research objectives provide a basis for evaluating the success of a research project. They help to measure the degree to which research questions have been answered and the extent to which research outcomes have been achieved.
• When conducting research in a team : Writing research objectives can facilitate communication and collaboration within a research team. Objectives provide a shared understanding of the research purpose and goals, and can help to ensure that team members are working towards a common objective.

Purpose of Research Objectives

Some of the main purposes of research objectives include:

• To clarify the research question or problem : Research objectives help to define the specific aspects of the research question or problem that the study aims to address. This makes it easier to design a study that is focused and relevant.
• To guide the research design: Research objectives help to determine the research design, including the research methods, data collection techniques, and sampling strategy. This ensures that the study is structured and efficient.
• To measure progress : Research objectives provide a way to measure progress throughout the research process. They help the researcher to evaluate whether they are on track and meeting their goals.
• To communicate the research goals : Research objectives provide a clear and concise description of the research goals. This helps to communicate the purpose of the study to other researchers, stakeholders, and the general public.

Advantages of Research Objectives

Here are some advantages of having well-defined research objectives:

• Focus : Research objectives help to focus the research effort on specific areas of inquiry. By identifying clear research questions, the researcher can narrow down the scope of the study and avoid getting sidetracked by irrelevant information.
• Clarity : Clearly stated research objectives provide a roadmap for the research study. They provide a clear direction for the research, making it easier for the researcher to stay on track and achieve their goals.
• Measurability : Well-defined research objectives provide measurable outcomes that can be used to evaluate the success of the research project. This helps to ensure that the research is effective and that the research goals are achieved.
• Feasibility : Research objectives help to ensure that the research project is feasible. By clearly defining the research goals, the researcher can identify the resources required to achieve those goals and determine whether those resources are available.
• Relevance : Research objectives help to ensure that the research study is relevant and meaningful. By identifying specific research questions, the researcher can ensure that the study addresses important issues and contributes to the existing body of knowledge.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

You may also like

Appendix in Research Paper – Examples and...

Research Paper Title Page – Example and Making...

Figures in Research Paper – Examples and Guide

What is a Hypothesis – Types, Examples and...

Research Questions – Types, Examples and Writing...

Survey Instruments – List and Their Uses

Frequently asked questions

How do i write a research objective.

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

Frequently asked questions: Writing a research paper

A research project is an academic, scientific, or professional undertaking to answer a research question . Research projects can take many forms, such as qualitative or quantitative , descriptive , longitudinal , experimental , or correlational . What kind of research approach you choose will depend on your topic.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

Formulating a main research question can be a difficult task. Overall, your question should contribute to solving the problem that you have defined in your problem statement .

However, it should also fulfill criteria in three main areas:

• Researchability
• Feasibility and specificity
• Relevance and originality

Research questions anchor your whole project, so it’s important to spend some time refining them.

In general, they should be:

• Focused and researchable
• Answerable using credible sources
• Complex and arguable
• Feasible and specific
• Relevant and original

All research questions should be:

• Focused on a single problem or issue
• Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
• Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
• Specific enough to answer thoroughly
• Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
• Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

Your research objectives indicate how you’ll try to address your research problem and should be specific:

Research objectives describe what you intend your research project to accomplish.

They summarize the approach and purpose of the project and help to focus your research.

Your objectives should appear in the introduction of your research paper , at the end of your problem statement .

The main guidelines for formatting a paper in Chicago style are to:

• Use a standard font like 12 pt Times New Roman
• Use 1 inch margins or larger
• Apply double line spacing
• Indent every new paragraph ½ inch
• Include a title page
• Place page numbers in the top right or bottom center
• Cite your sources with author-date citations or Chicago footnotes
• Include a bibliography or reference list

To automatically generate accurate Chicago references, you can use Scribbr’s free Chicago reference generator .

The main guidelines for formatting a paper in MLA style are as follows:

• Use an easily readable font like 12 pt Times New Roman
• Set 1 inch page margins
• Include a four-line MLA heading on the first page
• Center the paper’s title
• Use title case capitalization for headings
• Cite your sources with MLA in-text citations
• List all sources cited on a Works Cited page at the end

To format a paper in APA Style , follow these guidelines:

• Use a standard font like 12 pt Times New Roman or 11 pt Arial
• If submitting for publication, insert a running head on every page
• Apply APA heading styles
• Cite your sources with APA in-text citations
• List all sources cited on a reference page at the end

No, it’s not appropriate to present new arguments or evidence in the conclusion . While you might be tempted to save a striking argument for last, research papers follow a more formal structure than this.

All your findings and arguments should be presented in the body of the text (more specifically in the results and discussion sections if you are following a scientific structure). The conclusion is meant to summarize and reflect on the evidence and arguments you have already presented, not introduce new ones.

The conclusion of a research paper has several key elements you should make sure to include:

• A restatement of the research problem
• A summary of your key arguments and/or findings
• A short discussion of the implications of your research

Don’t feel that you have to write the introduction first. The introduction is often one of the last parts of the research paper you’ll write, along with the conclusion.

This is because it can be easier to introduce your paper once you’ve already written the body ; you may not have the clearest idea of your arguments until you’ve written them, and things can change during the writing process .

The way you present your research problem in your introduction varies depending on the nature of your research paper . A research paper that presents a sustained argument will usually encapsulate this argument in a thesis statement .

A research paper designed to present the results of empirical research tends to present a research question that it seeks to answer. It may also include a hypothesis —a prediction that will be confirmed or disproved by your research.

The introduction of a research paper includes several key elements:

• A hook to catch the reader’s interest
• Relevant background on the topic
• Details of your research problem

and your problem statement

• A thesis statement or research question
• Sometimes an overview of the paper

Ask our team

Want to contact us directly? No problem.  We  are always here for you.

• Email [email protected]
• Start live chat
• Call +1 (510) 822-8066
• WhatsApp +31 20 261 6040

Our team helps students graduate by offering:

• A world-class citation generator
• Plagiarism Checker software powered by Turnitin
• Innovative Citation Checker software
• Professional proofreading services
• Over 300 helpful articles about academic writing, citing sources, plagiarism, and more

Scribbr specializes in editing study-related documents . We proofread:

• PhD dissertations
• Research proposals
• Personal statements
• Admission essays
• Motivation letters
• Reflection papers
• Journal articles
• Capstone projects

Scribbr’s Plagiarism Checker is powered by elements of Turnitin’s Similarity Checker , namely the plagiarism detection software and the Internet Archive and Premium Scholarly Publications content databases .

The add-on AI detector is powered by Scribbr’s proprietary software.

The Scribbr Citation Generator is developed using the open-source Citation Style Language (CSL) project and Frank Bennett’s citeproc-js . It’s the same technology used by dozens of other popular citation tools, including Mendeley and Zotero.

You can find all the citation styles and locales used in the Scribbr Citation Generator in our publicly accessible repository on Github .

Research Aims, Objectives & Questions

The “Golden Thread” Explained Simply (+ Examples)

By: David Phair (PhD) and Alexandra Shaeffer (PhD) | June 2022

The research aims , objectives and research questions (collectively called the “golden thread”) are arguably the most important thing you need to get right when you’re crafting a research proposal , dissertation or thesis . We receive questions almost every day about this “holy trinity” of research and there’s certainly a lot of confusion out there, so we’ve crafted this post to help you navigate your way through the fog.

Overview: The Golden Thread

• What is the golden thread
• What are research aims ( examples )
• What are research objectives ( examples )
• What are research questions ( examples )
• The importance of alignment in the golden thread

What is the “golden thread”?  

The golden thread simply refers to the collective research aims , research objectives , and research questions for any given project (i.e., a dissertation, thesis, or research paper ). These three elements are bundled together because it’s extremely important that they align with each other, and that the entire research project aligns with them.

Importantly, the golden thread needs to weave its way through the entirety of any research project , from start to end. In other words, it needs to be very clearly defined right at the beginning of the project (the topic ideation and proposal stage) and it needs to inform almost every decision throughout the rest of the project. For example, your research design and methodology will be heavily influenced by the golden thread (we’ll explain this in more detail later), as well as your literature review.

The research aims, objectives and research questions (the golden thread) define the focus and scope ( the delimitations ) of your research project. In other words, they help ringfence your dissertation or thesis to a relatively narrow domain, so that you can “go deep” and really dig into a specific problem or opportunity. They also help keep you on track , as they act as a litmus test for relevance. In other words, if you’re ever unsure whether to include something in your document, simply ask yourself the question, “does this contribute toward my research aims, objectives or questions?”. If it doesn’t, chances are you can drop it.

Alright, enough of the fluffy, conceptual stuff. Let’s get down to business and look at what exactly the research aims, objectives and questions are and outline a few examples to bring these concepts to life.

Research Aims: What are they?

Simply put, the research aim(s) is a statement that reflects the broad overarching goal (s) of the research project. Research aims are fairly high-level (low resolution) as they outline the general direction of the research and what it’s trying to achieve .

Research Aims: Examples  

True to the name, research aims usually start with the wording “this research aims to…”, “this research seeks to…”, and so on. For example:

“This research aims to explore employee experiences of digital transformation in retail HR.”   “This study sets out to assess the interaction between student support and self-care on well-being in engineering graduate students”  

As you can see, these research aims provide a high-level description of what the study is about and what it seeks to achieve. They’re not hyper-specific or action-oriented, but they’re clear about what the study’s focus is and what is being investigated.

Need a helping hand?

Research Objectives: What are they?

The research objectives take the research aims and make them more practical and actionable . In other words, the research objectives showcase the steps that the researcher will take to achieve the research aims.

The research objectives need to be far more specific (higher resolution) and actionable than the research aims. In fact, it’s always a good idea to craft your research objectives using the “SMART” criteria. In other words, they should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound”.

Research Objectives: Examples  

Let’s look at two examples of research objectives. We’ll stick with the topic and research aims we mentioned previously.  

For the digital transformation topic:

To observe the retail HR employees throughout the digital transformation. To assess employee perceptions of digital transformation in retail HR. To identify the barriers and facilitators of digital transformation in retail HR.

And for the student wellness topic:

To determine whether student self-care predicts the well-being score of engineering graduate students. To determine whether student support predicts the well-being score of engineering students. To assess the interaction between student self-care and student support when predicting well-being in engineering graduate students.

  As you can see, these research objectives clearly align with the previously mentioned research aims and effectively translate the low-resolution aims into (comparatively) higher-resolution objectives and action points . They give the research project a clear focus and present something that resembles a research-based “to-do” list.

Research Questions: What are they?

Finally, we arrive at the all-important research questions. The research questions are, as the name suggests, the key questions that your study will seek to answer . Simply put, they are the core purpose of your dissertation, thesis, or research project. You’ll present them at the beginning of your document (either in the introduction chapter or literature review chapter) and you’ll answer them at the end of your document (typically in the discussion and conclusion chapters).  

The research questions will be the driving force throughout the research process. For example, in the literature review chapter, you’ll assess the relevance of any given resource based on whether it helps you move towards answering your research questions. Similarly, your methodology and research design will be heavily influenced by the nature of your research questions. For instance, research questions that are exploratory in nature will usually make use of a qualitative approach, whereas questions that relate to measurement or relationship testing will make use of a quantitative approach.  

Let’s look at some examples of research questions to make this more tangible.

Research Questions: Examples  

Again, we’ll stick with the research aims and research objectives we mentioned previously.  

For the digital transformation topic (which would be qualitative in nature):

How do employees perceive digital transformation in retail HR? What are the barriers and facilitators of digital transformation in retail HR?  

And for the student wellness topic (which would be quantitative in nature):

Does student self-care predict the well-being scores of engineering graduate students? Does student support predict the well-being scores of engineering students? Do student self-care and student support interact when predicting well-being in engineering graduate students?  

You’ll probably notice that there’s quite a formulaic approach to this. In other words, the research questions are basically the research objectives “converted” into question format. While that is true most of the time, it’s not always the case. For example, the first research objective for the digital transformation topic was more or less a step on the path toward the other objectives, and as such, it didn’t warrant its own research question.  

So, don’t rush your research questions and sloppily reword your objectives as questions. Carefully think about what exactly you’re trying to achieve (i.e. your research aim) and the objectives you’ve set out, then craft a set of well-aligned research questions . Also, keep in mind that this can be a somewhat iterative process , where you go back and tweak research objectives and aims to ensure tight alignment throughout the golden thread.

The importance of strong alignment 

Alignment is the keyword here and we have to stress its importance . Simply put, you need to make sure that there is a very tight alignment between all three pieces of the golden thread. If your research aims and research questions don’t align, for example, your project will be pulling in different directions and will lack focus . This is a common problem students face and can cause many headaches (and tears), so be warned.

Take the time to carefully craft your research aims, objectives and research questions before you run off down the research path. Ideally, get your research supervisor/advisor to review and comment on your golden thread before you invest significant time into your project, and certainly before you start collecting data .  

Recap: The golden thread

In this post, we unpacked the golden thread of research, consisting of the research aims , research objectives and research questions . You can jump back to any section using the links below.

As always, feel free to leave a comment below – we always love to hear from you. Also, if you’re interested in 1-on-1 support, take a look at our private coaching service here.

Psst... there’s more!

This post was based on one of our popular Research Bootcamps . If you're working on a research project, you'll definitely want to check this out ...

41 Comments

Thank you very much for your great effort put. As an Undergraduate taking Demographic Research & Methodology, I’ve been trying so hard to understand clearly what is a Research Question, Research Aim and the Objectives in a research and the relationship between them etc. But as for now I’m thankful that you’ve solved my problem.

Well appreciated. This has helped me greatly in doing my dissertation.

An so delighted with this wonderful information thank you a lot.

so impressive i have benefited a lot looking forward to learn more on research.

I am very happy to have carefully gone through this well researched article.

Infact,I used to be phobia about anything research, because of my poor understanding of the concepts.

Now,I get to know that my research question is the same as my research objective(s) rephrased in question format.

I please I would need a follow up on the subject,as I intends to join the team of researchers. Thanks once again.

Thanks so much. This was really helpful.

I know you pepole have tried to break things into more understandable and easy format. And God bless you. Keep it up

i found this document so useful towards my study in research methods. thanks so much.

This is my 2nd read topic in your course and I should commend the simplified explanations of each part. I’m beginning to understand and absorb the use of each part of a dissertation/thesis. I’ll keep on reading your free course and might be able to avail the training course! Kudos!

Thank you! Better put that my lecture and helped to easily understand the basics which I feel often get brushed over when beginning dissertation work.

This is quite helpful. I like how the Golden thread has been explained and the needed alignment.

This is quite helpful. I really appreciate!

The article made it simple for researcher students to differentiate between three concepts.

Very innovative and educational in approach to conducting research.

I am very impressed with all these terminology, as I am a fresh student for post graduate, I am highly guided and I promised to continue making consultation when the need arise. Thanks a lot.

A very helpful piece. thanks, I really appreciate it .

Very well explained, and it might be helpful to many people like me.

Wish i had found this (and other) resource(s) at the beginning of my PhD journey… not in my writing up year… 😩 Anyways… just a quick question as i’m having some issues ordering my “golden thread”…. does it matter in what order you mention them? i.e., is it always first aims, then objectives, and finally the questions? or can you first mention the research questions and then the aims and objectives?

Thank you for a very simple explanation that builds upon the concepts in a very logical manner. Just prior to this, I read the research hypothesis article, which was equally very good. This met my primary objective.

My secondary objective was to understand the difference between research questions and research hypothesis, and in which context to use which one. However, I am still not clear on this. Can you kindly please guide?

In research, a research question is a clear and specific inquiry that the researcher wants to answer, while a research hypothesis is a tentative statement or prediction about the relationship between variables or the expected outcome of the study. Research questions are broader and guide the overall study, while hypotheses are specific and testable statements used in quantitative research. Research questions identify the problem, while hypotheses provide a focus for testing in the study.

Exactly what I need in this research journey, I look forward to more of your coaching videos.

This helped a lot. Thanks so much for the effort put into explaining it.

What data source in writing dissertation/Thesis requires?

What is data source covers when writing dessertation/thesis

This is quite useful thanks

I’m excited and thankful. I got so much value which will help me progress in my thesis.

where are the locations of the reserch statement, research objective and research question in a reserach paper? Can you write an ouline that defines their places in the researh paper?

Very helpful and important tips on Aims, Objectives and Questions.

Thank you so much for making research aim, research objectives and research question so clear. This will be helpful to me as i continue with my thesis.

Thanks much for this content. I learned a lot. And I am inspired to learn more. I am still struggling with my preparation for dissertation outline/proposal. But I consistently follow contents and tutorials and the new FB of GRAD Coach. Hope to really become confident in writing my dissertation and successfully defend it.

As a researcher and lecturer, I find splitting research goals into research aims, objectives, and questions is unnecessarily bureaucratic and confusing for students. For most biomedical research projects, including ‘real research’, 1-3 research questions will suffice (numbers may differ by discipline).

Awesome! Very important resources and presented in an informative way to easily understand the golden thread. Indeed, thank you so much.

Well explained

The blog article on research aims, objectives, and questions by Grad Coach is a clear and insightful guide that aligns with my experiences in academic research. The article effectively breaks down the often complex concepts of research aims and objectives, providing a straightforward and accessible explanation. Drawing from my own research endeavors, I appreciate the practical tips offered, such as the need for specificity and clarity when formulating research questions. The article serves as a valuable resource for students and researchers, offering a concise roadmap for crafting well-defined research goals and objectives. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced researcher, this article provides practical insights that contribute to the foundational aspects of a successful research endeavor.

A great thanks for you. it is really amazing explanation. I grasp a lot and one step up to research knowledge.

I really found these tips helpful. Thank you very much Grad Coach.

I found this article helpful. Thanks for sharing this.

thank you so much, the explanation and examples are really helpful

This is a well researched and superbly written article for learners of research methods at all levels in the research topic from conceptualization to research findings and conclusions. I highly recommend this material to university graduate students. As an instructor of advanced research methods for PhD students, I have confirmed that I was giving the right guidelines for the degree they are undertaking.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Print Friendly

• Link to facebook
• Link to linkedin
• Link to twitter
• Link to youtube
• Writing Tips

How to Write Research Objectives

• 3-minute read
• 22nd November 2021

Writing a research paper, thesis, or dissertation ? If so, you’ll want to state your research objectives in the introduction of your paper to make it clear to your readers what you’re trying to accomplish. But how do you write effective research objectives? In this post, we’ll look at two key topics to help you do this:

• How to use your research aims as a basis for developing objectives.
• How to use SMART criteria to refine your research objectives.

For more advice on how to write strong research objectives, see below.

Research Aims and Objectives

There is an important difference between research aims and research objectives:

• A research aim defines the main purpose of your research. As such, you can think of your research aim as answering the question “What are you doing?”
• Research objectives (as most studies will have more than one) are the steps you will take to fulfil your aims. As such, your objectives should answer the question “How are you conducting your research?”

For instance, an example research aim could be:

This study will investigate the link between dehydration and the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in intensive care patients in Australia.

To develop a set of research objectives, you would then break down the various steps involved in meeting said aim. For example:

This study will investigate the link between dehydration and the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in intensive care patients in Australia. To achieve this, the study objectives w ill include:

• Replicat ing a small Singaporean study into the role of dehydration in UTIs in hospital patients (Sepe, 2018) in a larger Australian cohort.
• Trialing the use of intravenous fluids for intensive care patients to prevent dehydration.
• Assessing the relationship between the age of patients and quantities of intravenous fluids needed to counter dehydration.

Find this useful?

Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.

Note that the objectives don’t go into any great detail here. The key is to briefly summarize each component of your study. You can save details for how you will conduct the research for the methodology section of your paper.

Make Your Research Objectives SMART

A great way to refine your research objectives is to use SMART criteria . Borrowed from the world of project management, there are many versions of this system. However, we’re going to focus on developing specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timebound objectives.

In other words, a good research objective should be all of the following:

• S pecific – Is the objective clear and well-defined?
• M easurable – How will you know when the objective has been achieved? Is there a way to measure the thing you’re seeking to do?
• A chievable – Do you have the support and resources necessary to undertake this action? Are you being overly ambitious with this objective?
• R elevant – Is this objective vital for fulfilling your research aim?
• T imebound – Can this action be realistically undertaken in the time you have?

If you follow this system, your research objectives will be much stronger.

Expert Research Proofreading

Whatever your research aims and objectives, make sure to have your academic writing proofread by the experts!

Our academic editors can help you with research papers and proposals , as well as any other scholarly document you need checking. And this will help to ensure that your academic writing is always clear, concise, and precise.

Submit a free sample document today to trial our services and find out more.

Share this article:

Post A New Comment

Got content that needs a quick turnaround? Let us polish your work. Explore our editorial business services.

5-minute read

Free Email Newsletter Template (2024)

Promoting a brand means sharing valuable insights to connect more deeply with your audience, and...

6-minute read

How to Write a Nonprofit Grant Proposal

If you’re seeking funding to support your charitable endeavors as a nonprofit organization, you’ll need...

9-minute read

How to Use Infographics to Boost Your Presentation

Is your content getting noticed? Capturing and maintaining an audience’s attention is a challenge when...

8-minute read

Why Interactive PDFs Are Better for Engagement

Are you looking to enhance engagement and captivate your audience through your professional documents? Interactive...

7-minute read

Seven Key Strategies for Voice Search Optimization

Voice search optimization is rapidly shaping the digital landscape, requiring content professionals to adapt their...

4-minute read

Five Creative Ways to Showcase Your Digital Portfolio

Are you a creative freelancer looking to make a lasting impression on potential clients or...

Make sure your writing is the best it can be with our expert English proofreading and editing.

Handy Tips To Write A Clear Research Objectives With Examples

Introduction.

Research objectives play a crucial role in any research study. They provide a clear direction and purpose for the research, guiding the researcher in their investigation. Understanding research objectives is essential for conducting a successful study and achieving meaningful results.

In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the definition of research objectives, exploring their characteristics, types, and examples. We will also discuss the relationship between research objectives and research questions, as well as provide insights into how to write effective research objectives. Additionally, we will examine the role of research objectives in research methodology and highlight the importance of them in a study. By the end of this review, you will have a comprehensive understanding of research objectives and their significance in the research process.

Definition of Research Objectives: What Are They?

A research objective is defined as a clear and concise statement that outlines the specific goals and aims of a research study. These objectives are designed to be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), ensuring they provide a structured pathway to accomplishing the intended outcomes of the project. Each objective serves as a foundational element that summarizes the purpose of your study, guiding the research activities and helping to measure progress toward the study’s goals. Additionally, research objectives are integral components of the research framework , establishing a clear direction that aligns with the overall research questions and hypotheses. This alignment helps to ensure that the study remains focused and relevant, facilitating the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data.

Characteristics of Effective Research Objectives

Characteristics of research objectives include:

• Specific: Research objectives should be clear about the what, why, when, and how of the study.
• Measurable: Research objectives should identify the main variables of the study that can be measured or observed.
• Relevant: Research objectives should be relevant to the research topic and contribute to the overall understanding of the subject.
• Feasible: Research objectives should be achievable within the constraints of time, resources, and expertise available.
• Logical: Research objectives should follow a logical sequence and build upon each other to achieve the overall research goal.
• Observable: Research objectives should be observable or measurable in order to assess the progress and success of the research project.
• Unambiguous: Research objectives should be clear and unambiguous, leaving no room for interpretation or confusion.
• Measurable: Research objectives should be measurable, allowing for the collection of data and analysis of results.

By incorporating these characteristics into research objectives, researchers can ensure that their study is focused, achievable, and contributes to the body of knowledge in their field.

Types of Research Objectives

Research objective can be broadly classified into general and specific objectives. General objectives are broad statements that define the overall purpose of the research. They provide a broad direction for the study and help in setting the context. Specific objectives, on the other hand, are detailed objectives that describe what will be researched during the study. They are more focused and provide specific outcomes that the researcher aims to achieve. Specific objectives are derived from the general objectives and help in breaking down the research into smaller, manageable parts. The specific objectives should be clear, measurable, and achievable. They should be designed in a way that allows the researcher to answer the research questions and address the research problem.

In addition to general and specific objectives, research objective can also be categorized as descriptive or analytical objectives. Descriptive objectives focus on describing the characteristics or phenomena of a particular subject or population. They involve surveys, observations, and data collection to provide a detailed understanding of the subject. Analytical objectives, on the other hand, aim to analyze the relationships between variables or factors. They involve data analysis and interpretation to gain insights and draw conclusions.

Both descriptive and analytical objectives are important in research as they serve different purposes and contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the research topic.

Examples of Research Objectives

Here are some examples of research objectives in different fields:

1. Objective: To identify key characteristics and styles of Renaissance art.

This objective focuses on exploring the characteristics and styles of art during the Renaissance period. The research may involve analyzing various artworks, studying historical documents, and interviewing experts in the field.

2. Objective: To analyze modern art trends and their impact on society.

This objective aims to examine the current trends in modern art and understand how they influence society. The research may involve analyzing artworks, conducting surveys or interviews with artists and art enthusiasts, and studying the social and cultural implications of modern art.

3. Objective: To investigate the effects of exercise on mental health.

This objective focuses on studying the relationship between exercise and mental health. The research may involve conducting experiments or surveys to assess the impact of exercise on factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression.

4. Objective: To explore the factors influencing consumer purchasing decisions in the fashion industry.

This objective aims to understand the various factors that influence consumers’ purchasing decisions in the fashion industry. The research may involve conducting surveys, analyzing consumer behavior data, and studying the impact of marketing strategies on consumer choices.

5. Objective: To examine the effectiveness of a new drug in treating a specific medical condition.

This objective focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of a newly developed drug in treating a particular medical condition. The research may involve conducting clinical trials, analyzing patient data, and comparing the outcomes of the new drug with existing treatment options.

These examples demonstrate the diversity of research objectives across different disciplines. Each objective is specific, measurable, and achievable, providing a clear direction for the research study.

Aligning Research Objectives with Research Questions

Research objectives and research questions are essential components of a research project. Research objective describe what you intend your research project to accomplish. They summarize the approach and purpose of the project and provide a clear direction for the research. Research questions, on the other hand, are the starting point of any good research. They guide the overall direction of the research and help identify and focus on the research gaps .

The main difference between research questions and objectives is their form. Research questions are stated in a question form, while objectives are specific, measurable, and achievable goals that you aim to accomplish within a specified timeframe. Research questions are broad statements that provide a roadmap for the research, while objectives break down the research aim into smaller, actionable steps.

Research objectives and research questions work together to form the ‘golden thread’ of a research project. The research aim specifies what the study will answer, while the objectives and questions specify how the study will answer it. They provide a clear focus and scope for the research project, helping researchers stay on track and ensure that their study is meaningful and relevant.

When writing research objectives and questions, it is important to be clear, concise, and specific. Each objective or question should address a specific aspect of the research and contribute to the overall goal of the study. They should also be measurable, meaning that their achievement can be assessed and evaluated. Additionally, research objectives and questions should be achievable within the given timeframe and resources of the research project. By clearly defining the objectives and questions, researchers can effectively plan and execute their research, leading to valuable insights and contributions to the field.

Guidelines for Writing Clear Research Objectives

Writing research objective is a crucial step in any research project. The objectives provide a clear direction and purpose for the study, guiding the researcher in their data collection and analysis. Here are some tips on how to write effective research objective:

1. Be clear and specific

Research objective should be written in a clear and specific manner. Avoid vague or ambiguous language that can lead to confusion. Clearly state what you intend to achieve through your research.

2. Use action verbs

Start your research objective with action verbs that describe the desired outcome. Action verbs such as ‘investigate’, ‘analyze’, ‘compare’, ‘evaluate’, or ‘identify’ help to convey the purpose of the study.

3. Align with research questions or hypotheses

Ensure that your research objectives are aligned with your research questions or hypotheses. The objectives should address the main goals of your study and provide a framework for answering your research questions or testing your hypotheses.

4. Be realistic and achievable

Set research objectives that are realistic and achievable within the scope of your study. Consider the available resources, time constraints, and feasibility of your objectives. Unrealistic objectives can lead to frustration and hinder the progress of your research.

5. Consider the significance and relevance

Reflect on the significance and relevance of your research objectives. How will achieving these objectives contribute to the existing knowledge or address a gap in the literature? Ensure that your objectives have a clear purpose and value.

6. Seek feedback

It is beneficial to seek feedback on your research objectives from colleagues, mentors, or experts in your field. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improving the clarity and effectiveness of your objectives.

7. Revise and refine

Research objectives are not set in stone. As you progress in your research, you may need to revise and refine your objectives to align with new findings or changes in the research context. Regularly review and update your objectives to ensure they remain relevant and focused.

By following these tips, you can write research objectives that are clear, focused, and aligned with your research goals. Well-defined objectives will guide your research process and help you achieve meaningful outcomes.

The Role of Research Objectives in Research Methodology

Research objectives play a crucial role in the research methodology . In research methodology, research objectives are formulated based on the research questions or problem statement. These objectives help in defining the scope and focus of the study, ensuring that the research is conducted in a systematic and organized manner.

The research objectives in research methodology act as a roadmap for the research project. They help in identifying the key variables to be studied, determining the research design and methodology, and selecting the appropriate data collection methods .

Furthermore, research objectives in research methodology assist in evaluating the success of the study. By setting clear objectives, researchers can assess whether the desired outcomes have been achieved and determine the effectiveness of the research methods employed. It is important to note that research objectives in research methodology should be aligned with the overall research aim. They should address the specific aspects or components of the research aim and provide a framework for achieving the desired outcomes.

Understanding The Dynamic of Research Objectives in Your Study

The research objectives of a study play a crucial role in guiding the research process, ensuring that the study is focused, purposeful, and contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field. It is important to note that the research objectives may evolve or change as the study progresses. As new information is gathered and analyzed, the researcher may need to revise the objectives to ensure that they remain relevant and achievable.

In summary, research objectives are essential components in writing an effective research paper . They provide a roadmap for the research process, guiding the researcher in their investigation and helping to ensure that the study is purposeful and meaningful. By understanding and effectively utilizing research objectives, researchers can enhance the quality and impact of their research endeavors.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Related articles

7 Easy Step-By-Step Guide of Using ChatGPT: The Best Literature Review Generator for Time-Saving Academic Research

Writing Engaging Introduction in Research Papers : Tips and Tricks!

Understanding Comparative Frameworks: Their Importance, Components, Examples and 8 Best Practices

Revolutionizing Effective Thesis Writing for PhD Students Using Artificial Intelligence!

3 Types of Interviews in Qualitative Research: An Essential Research Instrument and Handy Tips to Conduct Them

Highlight Abstracts: An Ultimate Guide For Researchers!

Crafting Critical Abstracts: 11 Expert Strategies for Summarizing Research

Crafting the Perfect Informative Abstract: Definition, Importance and 8 Expert Writing Tips

• Aims and Objectives – A Guide for Academic Writing
• Doing a PhD

One of the most important aspects of a thesis, dissertation or research paper is the correct formulation of the aims and objectives. This is because your aims and objectives will establish the scope, depth and direction that your research will ultimately take. An effective set of aims and objectives will give your research focus and your reader clarity, with your aims indicating what is to be achieved, and your objectives indicating how it will be achieved.

Introduction

There is no getting away from the importance of the aims and objectives in determining the success of your research project. Unfortunately, however, it is an aspect that many students struggle with, and ultimately end up doing poorly. Given their importance, if you suspect that there is even the smallest possibility that you belong to this group of students, we strongly recommend you read this page in full.

This page describes what research aims and objectives are, how they differ from each other, how to write them correctly, and the common mistakes students make and how to avoid them. An example of a good aim and objectives from a past thesis has also been deconstructed to help your understanding.

What Are Aims and Objectives?

Research aims.

A research aim describes the main goal or the overarching purpose of your research project.

In doing so, it acts as a focal point for your research and provides your readers with clarity as to what your study is all about. Because of this, research aims are almost always located within its own subsection under the introduction section of a research document, regardless of whether it’s a thesis , a dissertation, or a research paper .

A research aim is usually formulated as a broad statement of the main goal of the research and can range in length from a single sentence to a short paragraph. Although the exact format may vary according to preference, they should all describe why your research is needed (i.e. the context), what it sets out to accomplish (the actual aim) and, briefly, how it intends to accomplish it (overview of your objectives).

To give an example, we have extracted the following research aim from a real PhD thesis:

Example of a Research Aim

The role of diametrical cup deformation as a factor to unsatisfactory implant performance has not been widely reported. The aim of this thesis was to gain an understanding of the diametrical deformation behaviour of acetabular cups and shells following impaction into the reamed acetabulum. The influence of a range of factors on deformation was investigated to ascertain if cup and shell deformation may be high enough to potentially contribute to early failure and high wear rates in metal-on-metal implants.

Note: Extracted with permission from thesis titled “T he Impact And Deformation Of Press-Fit Metal Acetabular Components ” produced by Dr H Hothi of previously Queen Mary University of London.

Research Objectives

Where a research aim specifies what your study will answer, research objectives specify how your study will answer it.

They divide your research aim into several smaller parts, each of which represents a key section of your research project. As a result, almost all research objectives take the form of a numbered list, with each item usually receiving its own chapter in a dissertation or thesis.

Following the example of the research aim shared above, here are it’s real research objectives as an example:

Example of a Research Objective

• Develop finite element models using explicit dynamics to mimic mallet blows during cup/shell insertion, initially using simplified experimentally validated foam models to represent the acetabulum.
• Investigate the number, velocity and position of impacts needed to insert a cup.
• Determine the relationship between the size of interference between the cup and cavity and deformation for different cup types.
• Investigate the influence of non-uniform cup support and varying the orientation of the component in the cavity on deformation.
• Examine the influence of errors during reaming of the acetabulum which introduce ovality to the cavity.
• Determine the relationship between changes in the geometry of the component and deformation for different cup designs.
• Develop three dimensional pelvis models with non-uniform bone material properties from a range of patients with varying bone quality.
• Use the key parameters that influence deformation, as identified in the foam models to determine the range of deformations that may occur clinically using the anatomic models and if these deformations are clinically significant.

It’s worth noting that researchers sometimes use research questions instead of research objectives, or in other cases both. From a high-level perspective, research questions and research objectives make the same statements, but just in different formats.

Taking the first three research objectives as an example, they can be restructured into research questions as follows:

Restructuring Research Objectives as Research Questions

• Can finite element models using simplified experimentally validated foam models to represent the acetabulum together with explicit dynamics be used to mimic mallet blows during cup/shell insertion?
• What is the number, velocity and position of impacts needed to insert a cup?
• What is the relationship between the size of interference between the cup and cavity and deformation for different cup types?

Difference Between Aims and Objectives

Hopefully the above explanations make clear the differences between aims and objectives, but to clarify:

• The research aim focus on what the research project is intended to achieve; research objectives focus on how the aim will be achieved.
• Research aims are relatively broad; research objectives are specific.
• Research aims focus on a project’s long-term outcomes; research objectives focus on its immediate, short-term outcomes.
• A research aim can be written in a single sentence or short paragraph; research objectives should be written as a numbered list.

How to Write Aims and Objectives

Before we discuss how to write a clear set of research aims and objectives, we should make it clear that there is no single way they must be written. Each researcher will approach their aims and objectives slightly differently, and often your supervisor will influence the formulation of yours on the basis of their own preferences.

Regardless, there are some basic principles that you should observe for good practice; these principles are described below.

Your aim should be made up of three parts that answer the below questions:

• Why is this research required?
• What is this research about?
• How are you going to do it?

The easiest way to achieve this would be to address each question in its own sentence, although it does not matter whether you combine them or write multiple sentences for each, the key is to address each one.

The first question, why , provides context to your research project, the second question, what , describes the aim of your research, and the last question, how , acts as an introduction to your objectives which will immediately follow.

Scroll through the image set below to see the ‘why, what and how’ associated with our research aim example.

Note: Your research aims need not be limited to one. Some individuals per to define one broad ‘overarching aim’ of a project and then adopt two or three specific research aims for their thesis or dissertation. Remember, however, that in order for your assessors to consider your research project complete, you will need to prove you have fulfilled all of the aims you set out to achieve. Therefore, while having more than one research aim is not necessarily disadvantageous, consider whether a single overarching one will do.

Research Objectives

Each of your research objectives should be SMART :

• Specific – is there any ambiguity in the action you are going to undertake, or is it focused and well-defined?
• Measurable – how will you measure progress and determine when you have achieved the action?
• Achievable – do you have the support, resources and facilities required to carry out the action?
• Relevant – is the action essential to the achievement of your research aim?
• Timebound – can you realistically complete the action in the available time alongside your other research tasks?

In addition to being SMART, your research objectives should start with a verb that helps communicate your intent. Common research verbs include:

Table of Research Verbs to Use in Aims and Objectives

Last, format your objectives into a numbered list. This is because when you write your thesis or dissertation, you will at times need to make reference to a specific research objective; structuring your research objectives in a numbered list will provide a clear way of doing this.

To bring all this together, let’s compare the first research objective in the previous example with the above guidance:

Checking Research Objective Example Against Recommended Approach

Research Objective:

1. Develop finite element models using explicit dynamics to mimic mallet blows during cup/shell insertion, initially using simplified experimentally validated foam models to represent the acetabulum.

Checking Against Recommended Approach:

Q: Is it specific? A: Yes, it is clear what the student intends to do (produce a finite element model), why they intend to do it (mimic cup/shell blows) and their parameters have been well-defined ( using simplified experimentally validated foam models to represent the acetabulum ).

Q: Is it measurable? A: Yes, it is clear that the research objective will be achieved once the finite element model is complete.

Q: Is it achievable? A: Yes, provided the student has access to a computer lab, modelling software and laboratory data.

Q: Is it relevant? A: Yes, mimicking impacts to a cup/shell is fundamental to the overall aim of understanding how they deform when impacted upon.

Q: Is it timebound? A: Yes, it is possible to create a limited-scope finite element model in a relatively short time, especially if you already have experience in modelling.

Q: Does it start with a verb? A: Yes, it starts with ‘develop’, which makes the intent of the objective immediately clear.

Q: Is it a numbered list? A: Yes, it is the first research objective in a list of eight.

Mistakes in Writing Research Aims and Objectives

1. making your research aim too broad.

Having a research aim too broad becomes very difficult to achieve. Normally, this occurs when a student develops their research aim before they have a good understanding of what they want to research. Remember that at the end of your project and during your viva defence , you will have to prove that you have achieved your research aims; if they are too broad, this will be an almost impossible task. In the early stages of your research project, your priority should be to narrow your study to a specific area. A good way to do this is to take the time to study existing literature, question their current approaches, findings and limitations, and consider whether there are any recurring gaps that could be investigated .

Note: Achieving a set of aims does not necessarily mean proving or disproving a theory or hypothesis, even if your research aim was to, but having done enough work to provide a useful and original insight into the principles that underlie your research aim.

2. Making Your Research Objectives Too Ambitious

Be realistic about what you can achieve in the time you have available. It is natural to want to set ambitious research objectives that require sophisticated data collection and analysis, but only completing this with six months before the end of your PhD registration period is not a worthwhile trade-off.

3. Formulating Repetitive Research Objectives

Each research objective should have its own purpose and distinct measurable outcome. To this effect, a common mistake is to form research objectives which have large amounts of overlap. This makes it difficult to determine when an objective is truly complete, and also presents challenges in estimating the duration of objectives when creating your project timeline. It also makes it difficult to structure your thesis into unique chapters, making it more challenging for you to write and for your audience to read.

Fortunately, this oversight can be easily avoided by using SMART objectives.

Hopefully, you now have a good idea of how to create an effective set of aims and objectives for your research project, whether it be a thesis, dissertation or research paper. While it may be tempting to dive directly into your research, spending time on getting your aims and objectives right will give your research clear direction. This won’t only reduce the likelihood of problems arising later down the line, but will also lead to a more thorough and coherent research project.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

Browse PhDs Now

Join thousands of students.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

21 Research Objectives Examples (Copy and Paste)

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Learn about our Editorial Process

Research objectives refer to the definitive statements made by researchers at the beginning of a research project detailing exactly what a research project aims to achieve.

These objectives are explicit goals clearly and concisely projected by the researcher to present a clear intention or course of action for his or her qualitative or quantitative study. 

Research objectives are typically nested under one overarching research aim. The objectives are the steps you’ll need to take in order to achieve the aim (see the examples below, for example, which demonstrate an aim followed by 3 objectives, which is what I recommend to my research students).

Research Objectives vs Research Aims

Research aim and research objectives are fundamental constituents of any study, fitting together like two pieces of the same puzzle.

The ‘research aim’ describes the overarching goal or purpose of the study (Kumar, 2019). This is usually a broad, high-level purpose statement, summing up the central question that the research intends to answer.

Example of an Overarching Research Aim:

“The aim of this study is to explore the impact of climate change on crop productivity.” 

Comparatively, ‘research objectives’ are concrete goals that underpin the research aim, providing stepwise actions to achieve the aim.

Objectives break the primary aim into manageable, focused pieces, and are usually characterized as being more specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

Examples of Specific Research Objectives:

1. “To examine the effects of rising temperatures on the yield of rice crops during the upcoming growth season.” 2. “To assess changes in rainfall patterns in major agricultural regions over the first decade of the twenty-first century (2000-2010).” 3. “To analyze the impact of changing weather patterns on crop diseases within the same timeframe.”

The distinction between these two terms, though subtle, is significant for successfully conducting a study. The research aim provides the study with direction, while the research objectives set the path to achieving this aim, thereby ensuring the study’s efficiency and effectiveness.

How to Write Research Objectives

I usually recommend to my students that they use the SMART framework to create their research objectives.

SMART is an acronym standing for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It provides a clear method of defining solid research objectives and helps students know where to start in writing their objectives (Locke & Latham, 2013).

Each element of this acronym adds a distinct dimension to the framework, aiding in the creation of comprehensive, well-delineated objectives.

Here is each step:

• Specific : We need to avoid ambiguity in our objectives. They need to be clear and precise (Doran, 1981). For instance, rather than stating the objective as “to study the effects of social media,” a more focused detail would be “to examine the effects of social media use (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) on the academic performance of college students.”
• Measurable: The measurable attribute provides a clear criterion to determine if the objective has been met (Locke & Latham, 2013). A quantifiable element, such as a percentage or a number, adds a measurable quality. For example, “to increase response rate to the annual customer survey by 10%,” makes it easier to ascertain achievement.
• Achievable: The achievable aspect encourages researchers to craft realistic objectives, resembling a self-check mechanism to ensure the objectives align with the scope and resources at disposal (Doran, 1981). For example, “to interview 25 participants selected randomly from a population of 100” is an attainable objective as long as the researcher has access to these participants.
• Relevance : Relevance, the fourth element, compels the researcher to tailor the objectives in alignment with overarching goals of the study (Locke & Latham, 2013). This is extremely important – each objective must help you meet your overall one-sentence ‘aim’ in your study.
• Time-Bound: Lastly, the time-bound element fosters a sense of urgency and prioritization, preventing procrastination and enhancing productivity (Doran, 1981). “To analyze the effect of laptop use in lectures on student engagement over the course of two semesters this year” expresses a clear deadline, thus serving as a motivator for timely completion.

You’re not expected to fit every single element of the SMART framework in one objective, but across your objectives, try to touch on each of the five components.

Research Objectives Examples

1. Field: Psychology

Aim: To explore the impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance in college students.

• Objective 1: To compare cognitive test scores of students with less than six hours of sleep and those with 8 or more hours of sleep.
• Objective 2: To investigate the relationship between class grades and reported sleep duration.
• Objective 3: To survey student perceptions and experiences on how sleep deprivation affects their cognitive capabilities.

2. Field: Environmental Science

Aim: To understand the effects of urban green spaces on human well-being in a metropolitan city.

• Objective 1: To assess the physical and mental health benefits of regular exposure to urban green spaces.
• Objective 2: To evaluate the social impacts of urban green spaces on community interactions.
• Objective 3: To examine patterns of use for different types of urban green spaces. 

3. Field: Technology

Aim: To investigate the influence of using social media on productivity in the workplace.

• Objective 1: To measure the amount of time spent on social media during work hours.
• Objective 2: To evaluate the perceived impact of social media use on task completion and work efficiency.
• Objective 3: To explore whether company policies on social media usage correlate with different patterns of productivity.

4. Field: Education

Aim: To examine the effectiveness of online vs traditional face-to-face learning on student engagement and achievement.

• Objective 1: To compare student grades between the groups exposed to online and traditional face-to-face learning.
• Objective 2: To assess student engagement levels in both learning environments.
• Objective 3: To collate student perceptions and preferences regarding both learning methods.

5. Field: Health

Aim: To determine the impact of a Mediterranean diet on cardiac health among adults over 50.

• Objective 1: To assess changes in cardiovascular health metrics after following a Mediterranean diet for six months.
• Objective 2: To compare these health metrics with a similar group who follow their regular diet.
• Objective 3: To document participants’ experiences and adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

6. Field: Environmental Science

Aim: To analyze the impact of urban farming on community sustainability.

• Objective 1: To document the types and quantity of food produced through urban farming initiatives.
• Objective 2: To assess the effect of urban farming on local communities’ access to fresh produce.
• Objective 3: To examine the social dynamics and cooperative relationships in the creating and maintaining of urban farms.

7. Field: Sociology

Aim: To investigate the influence of home offices on work-life balance during remote work.

• Objective 1: To survey remote workers on their perceptions of work-life balance since setting up home offices.
• Objective 2: To conduct an observational study of daily work routines and family interactions in a home office setting.
• Objective 3: To assess the correlation, if any, between physical boundaries of workspaces and mental boundaries for work in the home setting.

8. Field: Economics

Aim: To evaluate the effects of minimum wage increases on small businesses.

• Objective 1: To analyze cost structures, pricing changes, and profitability of small businesses before and after minimum wage increases.
• Objective 2: To survey small business owners on the strategies they employ to navigate minimum wage increases.
• Objective 3: To examine employment trends in small businesses in response to wage increase legislation.

9. Field: Education

Aim: To explore the role of extracurricular activities in promoting soft skills among high school students.

• Objective 1: To assess the variety of soft skills developed through different types of extracurricular activities.
• Objective 2: To compare self-reported soft skills between students who participate in extracurricular activities and those who do not.
• Objective 3: To investigate the teachers’ perspectives on the contribution of extracurricular activities to students’ skill development.

10. Field: Technology

Aim: To assess the impact of virtual reality (VR) technology on the tourism industry.

• Objective 1: To document the types and popularity of VR experiences available in the tourism market.
• Objective 2: To survey tourists on their interest levels and satisfaction rates with VR tourism experiences.
• Objective 3: To determine whether VR tourism experiences correlate with increased interest in real-life travel to the simulated destinations.

11. Field: Biochemistry

Aim: To examine the role of antioxidants in preventing cellular damage.

• Objective 1: To identify the types and quantities of antioxidants in common fruits and vegetables.
• Objective 2: To determine the effects of various antioxidants on free radical neutralization in controlled lab tests.
• Objective 3: To investigate potential beneficial impacts of antioxidant-rich diets on long-term cellular health.

12. Field: Linguistics

Aim: To determine the influence of early exposure to multiple languages on cognitive development in children.

• Objective 1: To assess cognitive development milestones in monolingual and multilingual children.
• Objective 2: To document the number and intensity of language exposures for each group in the study.
• Objective 3: To investigate the specific cognitive advantages, if any, enjoyed by multilingual children.

13. Field: Art History

Aim: To explore the impact of the Renaissance period on modern-day art trends.

• Objective 1: To identify key characteristics and styles of Renaissance art.
• Objective 2: To analyze modern art pieces for the influence of the Renaissance style.
• Objective 3: To survey modern-day artists for their inspirations and the influence of historical art movements on their work.

14. Field: Cybersecurity

Aim: To assess the effectiveness of two-factor authentication (2FA) in preventing unauthorized system access.

• Objective 1: To measure the frequency of unauthorized access attempts before and after the introduction of 2FA.
• Objective 2: To survey users about their experiences and challenges with 2FA implementation.
• Objective 3: To evaluate the efficacy of different types of 2FA (SMS-based, authenticator apps, biometrics, etc.).

15. Field: Cultural Studies

Aim: To analyze the role of music in cultural identity formation among ethnic minorities.

• Objective 1: To document the types and frequency of traditional music practices within selected ethnic minority communities.
• Objective 2: To survey community members on the role of music in their personal and communal identity.
• Objective 3: To explore the resilience and transmission of traditional music practices in contemporary society.

16. Field: Astronomy

Aim: To explore the impact of solar activity on satellite communication.

• Objective 1: To categorize different types of solar activities and their frequencies of occurrence.
• Objective 2: To ascertain how variations in solar activity may influence satellite communication.
• Objective 3: To investigate preventative and damage-control measures currently in place during periods of high solar activity.

17. Field: Literature

Aim: To examine narrative techniques in contemporary graphic novels.

• Objective 1: To identify a range of narrative techniques employed in this genre.
• Objective 2: To analyze the ways in which these narrative techniques engage readers and affect story interpretation.
• Objective 3: To compare narrative techniques in graphic novels to those found in traditional printed novels.

18. Field: Renewable Energy

Aim: To investigate the feasibility of solar energy as a primary renewable resource within urban areas.

• Objective 1: To quantify the average sunlight hours across urban areas in different climatic zones. 
• Objective 2: To calculate the potential solar energy that could be harnessed within these areas.
• Objective 3: To identify barriers or challenges to widespread solar energy implementation in urban settings and potential solutions.

19. Field: Sports Science

Aim: To evaluate the role of pre-game rituals in athlete performance.

• Objective 1: To identify the variety and frequency of pre-game rituals among professional athletes in several sports.
• Objective 2: To measure the impact of pre-game rituals on individual athletes’ performance metrics.
• Objective 3: To examine the psychological mechanisms that might explain the effects (if any) of pre-game ritual on performance.

20. Field: Ecology

Aim: To investigate the effects of urban noise pollution on bird populations.

• Objective 1: To record and quantify urban noise levels in various bird habitats.
• Objective 2: To measure bird population densities in relation to noise levels.
• Objective 3: To determine any changes in bird behavior or vocalization linked to noise levels.

21. Field: Food Science

Aim: To examine the influence of cooking methods on the nutritional value of vegetables.

• Objective 1: To identify the nutrient content of various vegetables both raw and after different cooking processes.
• Objective 2: To compare the effect of various cooking methods on the nutrient retention of these vegetables.
• Objective 3: To propose cooking strategies that optimize nutrient retention.

The Importance of Research Objectives

The importance of research objectives cannot be overstated. In essence, these guideposts articulate what the researcher aims to discover, understand, or examine (Kothari, 2014).

When drafting research objectives, it’s essential to make them simple and comprehensible, specific to the point of being quantifiable where possible, achievable in a practical sense, relevant to the chosen research question, and time-constrained to ensure efficient progress (Kumar, 2019). 

Remember that a good research objective is integral to the success of your project, offering a clear path forward for setting out a research design , and serving as the bedrock of your study plan. Each objective must distinctly address a different dimension of your research question or problem (Kothari, 2014). Always bear in mind that the ultimate purpose of your research objectives is to succinctly encapsulate your aims in the clearest way possible, facilitating a coherent, comprehensive and rational approach to your planned study, and furnishing a scientific roadmap for your journey into the depths of knowledge and research (Kumar, 2019). 

Kothari, C.R (2014). Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques . New Delhi: New Age International.

Kumar, R. (2019). Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners .New York: SAGE Publications.

Doran, G. T. (1981). There’s a S.M.A.R.T. way to write management’s goals and objectives. Management review, 70 (11), 35-36.

Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2013). New Developments in Goal Setting and Task Performance . New York: Routledge.

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 20 Montessori Toddler Bedrooms (Design Inspiration)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 21 Montessori Homeschool Setups
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 101 Hidden Talents Examples

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Writing the Research Objectives: 5 Straightforward Examples

The research objective of a research proposal or scientific article defines the direction or content of a research investigation. Without the research objectives, the proposal or research paper is in disarray. It is like a fisherman riding on a boat without any purpose and with no destination in sight. Therefore, at the beginning of any research venture, the researcher must be clear about what he or she intends to do or achieve in conducting a study.

How do you define the objectives of a study? What are the uses of the research objective? How would a researcher write this essential part of the research? This article aims to provide answers to these questions.

Table of Contents

Definition of a research objective.

A research objective describes, in a few words, the result of the research project after its implementation. It answers the question,

The research objective provides direction to the performance of the study.

What are the Uses of the Research Objective?

The uses of the research objective are enumerated below:

The research design serves as the “blueprint” for the research investigation. The University of Southern California describes the different types of research design extensively. It details the data to be gathered, data collection procedure, data measurement, and statistical tests to use in the analysis.

The variables of the study include those factors that the researcher wants to evaluate in the study. These variables narrow down the research to several manageable components to see differences or correlations between them.

Specifying the data collection procedure ensures data accuracy and integrity . Thus, the probability of error is minimized. Generalizations or conclusions based on valid arguments founded on reliable data strengthens research findings on particular issues and problems.

In data mining activities where large data sets are involved, the research objective plays a crucial role. Without a clear objective to guide the machine learning process, the desired outcomes will not be met.

How is the Research Objective Written?

A research objective must be achievable, i.e., it must be framed keeping in mind the available time, infrastructure required for research, and other resources.

Before forming a research objective, you should read about all the developments in your area of research and find gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed. Readings will help you come up with suitable objectives for your research project.

5 Examples of Research Objectives

The following examples of research objectives based on several published studies on various topics demonstrate how the research objectives are written:

Finally, writing the research objectives requires constant practice, experience, and knowledge about the topic investigated. Clearly written objectives save time, money, and effort.

Evans, K. L., Rodrigues, A. S., Chown, S. L., & Gaston, K. J. (2006). Protected areas and regional avian species richness in South Africa.  Biology letters ,  2 (2), 184-188.

Yeemin, T., Sutthacheep, M., & Pettongma, R. (2006). Coral reef restoration projects in Thailand.  Ocean & Coastal Management ,  49 (9-10), 562-575.

© 2020 March 23 P. A. Regoniel Updated 17 November 2020 | Updated 18 January 2024

Related Posts

How to write a thesis statement, mango pulp weevil: a pest control problem in palawan island, how to conduct a focus group discussion, about the author, patrick regoniel.

Dr. Regoniel, a hobbyist writer, served as consultant to various environmental research and development projects covering issues and concerns on climate change, coral reef resources and management, economic valuation of environmental and natural resources, mining, and waste management and pollution. He has extensive experience on applied statistics, systems modelling and analysis, an avid practitioner of LaTeX, and a multidisciplinary web developer. He leverages pioneering AI-powered content creation tools to produce unique and comprehensive articles in this website.

SimplyEducate.Me Privacy Policy

Research Objectives: The Compass of Your Study

Table of contents

• 1 Definition and Purpose of Setting Clear Research Objectives
• 2 How Research Objectives Fit into the Overall Research Framework
• 3 Types of Research Objectives
• 4 Aligning Objectives with Research Questions and Hypotheses
• 5 Role of Research Objectives in Various Research Phases
• 6.1 Key characteristics of well-defined research objectives
• 6.2 Step-by-Step Guide on How to Formulate Both General and Specific Research Objectives
• 6.3 How to Know When Your Objectives Need Refinement
• 7 Research Objectives Examples in Different Fields
• 8 Conclusion

Embarking on a research journey without clear objectives is like navigating the sea without a compass. This article delves into the essence of establishing precise research objectives, serving as the guiding star for your scholarly exploration.

We will unfold the layers of how the objective of study not only defines the scope of your research but also directs every phase of the research process, from formulating research questions to interpreting research findings. By bridging theory with practical examples, we aim to illuminate the path to crafting effective research objectives that are both ambitious and attainable. Let’s chart the course to a successful research voyage, exploring the significance, types, and formulation of research paper objectives.

Definition and Purpose of Setting Clear Research Objectives

Defining the research objectives includes which two tasks? Research objectives are clear and concise statements that outline what you aim to achieve through your study. They are the foundation for determining your research scope, guiding your data collection methods, and shaping your analysis. The purpose of research proposal and setting clear objectives in it is to ensure that your research efforts are focused and efficient, and to provide a roadmap that keeps your study aligned with its intended outcomes.

To define the research objective at the outset, researchers can avoid the pitfalls of scope creep, where the study’s focus gradually broadens beyond its initial boundaries, leading to wasted resources and time. Clear objectives facilitate communication with stakeholders, such as funding bodies, academic supervisors, and the broader academic community, by succinctly conveying the study’s goals and significance. Furthermore, they help in the formulation of precise research questions and hypotheses, making the research process more systematic and organized. Yet, it is not always easy. For this reason, PapersOwl is always ready to help. Lastly, clear research objectives enable the researcher to critically assess the study’s progress and outcomes against predefined benchmarks, ensuring the research stays on track and delivers meaningful results.

How Research Objectives Fit into the Overall Research Framework

Research objectives are integral to the research framework as the nexus between the research problem, questions, and hypotheses. They translate the broad goals of your study into actionable steps, ensuring every aspect of your research is purposefully aligned towards addressing the research problem. This alignment helps in structuring the research design and methodology, ensuring that each component of the study is geared towards answering the core questions derived from the objectives. Creating such a difficult piece may take a lot of time. If you need it to be accurate yet fast delivered, consider getting professional research paper writing help whenever the time comes. It also aids in the identification and justification of the research methods and tools used for data collection and analysis, aligning them with the objectives to enhance the validity and reliability of the findings.

Furthermore, by setting clear objectives, researchers can more effectively evaluate the impact and significance of their work in contributing to existing knowledge. Additionally, research objectives guide literature review, enabling researchers to focus their examination on relevant studies and theoretical frameworks that directly inform their research goals.

Types of Research Objectives

In the landscape of research, setting objectives is akin to laying down the tracks for a train’s journey, guiding it towards its destination. Constructing these tracks involves defining two main types of objectives: general and specific. Each serves a unique purpose in guiding the research towards its ultimate goals, with general objectives providing the broad vision and specific objectives outlining the concrete steps needed to fulfill that vision. Together, they form a cohesive blueprint that directs the focus of the study, ensuring that every effort contributes meaningfully to the overarching research aims.

• General objectives articulate the overarching goals of your study. They are broad, setting the direction for your research without delving into specifics. These objectives capture what you wish to explore or contribute to existing knowledge.
• Specific objectives break down the general objectives into measurable outcomes. They are precise, detailing the steps needed to achieve the broader goals of your study. They often correspond to different aspects of your research question , ensuring a comprehensive approach to your study.

To illustrate, consider a research project on the impact of digital marketing on consumer behavior. A general objective might be “to explore the influence of digital marketing on consumer purchasing decisions.” Specific objectives could include “to assess the effectiveness of social media advertising in enhancing brand awareness” and “to evaluate the impact of email marketing on customer loyalty.”

Aligning Objectives with Research Questions and Hypotheses

The harmony between what research objectives should be, questions, and hypotheses is critical. Objectives define what you aim to achieve; research questions specify what you seek to understand, and hypotheses predict the expected outcomes.

This alignment ensures a coherent and focused research endeavor. Achieving it necessitates a thoughtful consideration of how each component interrelates, ensuring that the objectives are not only ambitious but also directly answerable through the research questions and testable via the hypotheses. This interconnectedness facilitates a streamlined approach to the research process, enabling researchers to systematically address each aspect of their study in a logical sequence. Moreover, it enhances the clarity and precision of the research, making it easier for peers and stakeholders to grasp the study’s direction and potential contributions.

Role of Research Objectives in Various Research Phases

Throughout the research process, objectives guide your choices and strategies – from selecting the appropriate research design and methods to analyzing data and interpreting results. They are the criteria against which you measure the success of your study. In the initial stages, research objectives inform the selection of a topic, helping to narrow down a broad area of interest into a focused question that can be explored in depth. During the methodology phase, they dictate the type of data needed and the best methods for obtaining that data, ensuring that every step taken is purposeful and aligned with the study’s goals. As the research progresses, objectives provide a framework for analyzing the collected data, guiding the researcher in identifying patterns, drawing conclusions, and making informed decisions.

Crafting Effective Research Objectives

The effective objective of research is pivotal in laying the groundwork for a successful investigation. These objectives clarify the focus of your study and determine its direction and scope. Ensuring that your objectives are well-defined and aligned with the SMART criteria is crucial for setting a strong foundation for your research.

Key characteristics of well-defined research objectives

Well-defined research objectives are characterized by the SMART criteria – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Specific objectives clearly define what you plan to achieve, eliminating any ambiguity. Measurable objectives allow you to track progress and assess the outcome. Achievable objectives are realistic, considering the research sources and time available. Relevant objectives align with the broader goals of your field or research question. Finally, Time-bound objectives have a clear timeline for completion, adding urgency and a schedule to your work.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Formulate Both General and Specific Research Objectives

So lets get to the part, how to write research objectives properly?

• Understand the issue or gap in existing knowledge your study aims to address.
• Gain insights into how similar challenges have been approached to refine your objectives.
• Articulate the broad goal of research based on your understanding of the problem.
• Detail the specific aspects of your research, ensuring they are actionable and measurable.

How to Know When Your Objectives Need Refinement

Your objectives of research may require refinement if they lack clarity, feasibility, or alignment with the research problem. If you find yourself struggling to design experiments or methods that directly address your objectives, or if the objectives seem too broad or not directly related to your research question, it’s likely time for refinement. Additionally, objectives in research proposal that do not facilitate a clear measurement of success indicate a need for a more precise definition. Refinement involves ensuring that each objective is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, enhancing your research’s overall focus and impact.

Research Objectives Examples in Different Fields

The application of research objectives spans various academic disciplines, each with its unique focus and methodologies. To illustrate how the objectives of the study guide a research paper across different fields, here are some research objective examples:

• In Health Sciences , a research aim may be to “determine the efficacy of a new vaccine in reducing the incidence of a specific disease among a target population within one year.” This objective is specific (efficacy of a new vaccine), measurable (reduction in disease incidence), achievable (with the right study design and sample size), relevant (to public health), and time-bound (within one year).
• In Environmental Studies , the study objectives could be “to assess the impact of air pollution on urban biodiversity over a decade.” This reflects a commitment to understanding the long-term effects of human activities on urban ecosystems, emphasizing the need for sustainable urban planning.
• In Economics , an example objective of a study might be “to analyze the relationship between fiscal policies and unemployment rates in developing countries over the past twenty years.” This seeks to explore macroeconomic trends and inform policymaking, highlighting the role of economic research study in societal development.

These examples of research objectives describe the versatility and significance of research objectives in guiding scholarly inquiry across different domains. By setting clear, well-defined objectives, researchers can ensure their studies are focused and impactful and contribute valuable knowledge to their respective fields.

Defining research studies objectives and problem statement is not just a preliminary step, but a continuous guiding force throughout the research journey. These goals of research illuminate the path forward and ensure that every stride taken is meaningful and aligned with the ultimate goals of the inquiry. Whether through the meticulous application of the SMART criteria or the strategic alignment with research questions and hypotheses, the rigor in crafting and refining these objectives underscores the integrity and relevance of the research. As scholars venture into the vast terrains of knowledge, the clarity, and precision of their objectives serve as beacons of light, steering their explorations toward discoveries that advance academic discourse and resonate with the broader societal needs.

Readers also enjoyed

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

Just fill out the form, press the button, and have no worries!

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy.

Research Objectives | Examples & How To Write Them

Introduction

Why are research objectives important, characteristics of research objectives, what is an example of a research objective, types of research objectives, formulating research objectives.

Research objectives are clear, concise statements that outline what a research project aims to achieve. They guide the direction of the study, ensuring that researchers stay focused and organized. Properly formulated objectives help in identifying the scope of the research and the methods to be used. This article will cover the importance of research objectives, their characteristics, examples, types, and how to write them. By understanding these elements, researchers can develop effective research aims that enhance the clarity and purpose of their studies. This straightforward approach will provide practical guidance for both novice and experienced researchers in crafting clear research objectives.

Research objectives are crucial because they provide a clear focus and direction for a study. A well-defined research aim can help researchers stay on track by outlining specific goals that need to be achieved. This clarity ensures that all aspects of the research are aligned with the intended outcomes.

Having well-defined objectives also facilitates effective planning and execution. Researchers can allocate resources more efficiently, select appropriate methodologies , and set realistic timelines. Moreover, clear objectives help in the assessment and evaluation of the research process and its outcomes, making it easier to determine whether the study has been successful.

Research objectives also enhance communication. They allow researchers to clearly convey the purpose and scope of their study to stakeholders, including funding bodies, academic peers, and participants. This transparency builds credibility and trust, which are essential for the integrity of the research process.

Research objectives possess several key characteristics that make them effective and useful for guiding a study. These characteristics ensure that the objectives are clear, achievable, and relevant to the research problem . Here are the essential characteristics to keep in mind when you develop research objectives for a successful research project.

• Specific : Research objectives focus on what the researcher intends to accomplish in a precise and unambiguous manner. Specific objectives break a research study into discrete and manageable tasks.
• Measurable : Objectives should include criteria for measuring progress and success. This characteristic allows researchers to track their progress and determine whether the objectives have been achieved.
• Achievable : Objectives need to be realistic and attainable within the constraints of the research project, including time, resources, and expertise. Setting achievable goals prevents frustration and ensures steady progress.
• Relevant : Objectives must be aligned with the research problem and the overall purpose of the study. They should contribute directly to addressing the study's research question or research hypothesis.
• Time-bound : Objectives should have a clear timeline for completion. This characteristic helps in planning and managing the research process, ensuring that objectives are met within a specified period.
• Clear and concise : Objectives should be articulated in a straightforward manner, avoiding complex language and jargon. Clarity helps in communicating the objectives to others involved in the research process.
• Focused : Each objective should target a specific aspect of the research problem. Having focused objectives prevents the study from becoming too broad and unmanageable.
• Logical : Objectives should follow a logical sequence that reflects the research process. This characteristic ensures that the objectives build on one another and collectively contribute to the overall research aim.
• Feasible : Consider the availability of resources, including data, equipment, and personnel, when formulating objectives. Feasibility ensures that the objectives can be realistically achieved with the available resources.
• Ethical : Objectives should respect ethical standards and guidelines . They should consider the well-being of participants, confidentiality , and integrity of the research process.

By adhering to these characteristics, researchers can develop objectives that are effective in guiding their study. Clear and well-defined objectives not only enhance the research process but also improve the quality and credibility of the research outcomes.

Scientific knowledge is easy to generate with ATLAS.ti

From collecting data to generating insights, do it all with ATLAS.ti. Get started with a free trial.

To illustrate what a well-defined research objective might look like, consider a study focused on improving reading comprehension among elementary school students. The research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a new instructional strategy designed to enhance students' reading skills. Here is an example of a research objective for this study:

"To assess the impact of the interactive reading program on the reading comprehension scores of third-grade students over a six-month period."

This objective is effective because it meets several key criteria:

• Specific : The objective clearly states what will be assessed (the impact of the interactive reading program) and the target group (third-grade students).
• Measurable : The impact will be measured by changes in reading comprehension scores, providing a clear metric for evaluation.
• Achievable : The objective is realistic and attainable within a six-month period, assuming the necessary resources and support are available.
• Relevant : The objective is directly related to the study's research questions , which is to improve reading comprehension among elementary school students.
• Time-bound : The objective specifies a six-month period for the assessment, ensuring that the study is conducted within a defined timeframe.

By formulating objectives in this manner, researchers can create a clear roadmap for their study from research design to research paper . This example demonstrates how to incorporate the essential characteristics of research objectives into a practical and actionable statement.

Well-defined objectives help in planning the study, selecting an appropriate research methodology , and evaluating the outcomes. They also facilitate effective communication among members of the research team and with stakeholders, ensuring that everyone involved understands the purpose and scope of the research.

Research objectives can be categorized into different types based on their purpose and focus. Understanding these types helps researchers design studies that effectively address their research questions . Here are three common types of research objectives:

Descriptive objectives

Descriptive objectives aim to describe the characteristics or functions of a particular phenomenon or group. These objectives are often used in exploratory studies to gather information and provide a detailed picture of the subject being investigated. For example, a descriptive objective might be, "To describe the dietary habits of teenagers in urban areas." This type of objective helps in understanding the current state or conditions of the research subject.

Exploratory objectives

Exploratory objectives seek to explore new areas of knowledge or investigate relationships between variables. These objectives are often used in the initial stages of research to identify patterns, generate propositions, or uncover insights that can lead to further studies. An example of an exploratory objective is, "To investigate the relationship between social media usage and academic performance among college students." This type of objective is useful for studies that aim to look into new or under-researched areas.

Explanatory objectives

Explanatory objectives aim to explain the causes or reasons behind a particular phenomenon. These objectives often involve verifying a theory or determining relationships among variables. For instance, an explanatory objective could be, "To determine the impact of a structured exercise program on the mental health of elderly individuals." This type of objective is essential for studies that seek to understand the underlying mechanisms or effects of specific interventions or conditions.

Writing research aims is a critical step in the research process . Well-defined objectives provide a roadmap for the study and help ensure that the research stays focused and relevant. Here are some steps to guide the formulation of research objectives:

• Identify the research problem : Start by clearly defining the research problem or question you aim to address. Understanding the core issue helps in developing objectives that are directly related to the research focus.
• Conduct a literature review : Review existing research related to your topic to identify gaps in knowledge and areas that need further investigation. This background information can help in shaping specific and relevant objectives.
• Define the scope : Determine the scope of your study by considering factors such as the population, setting, and time frame. This will help in setting realistic and achievable objectives.
• Use the SMART criteria : Ensure that your objectives are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This framework helps in creating clear and focused objectives that can guide the research process effectively.
• Break down the main objective : If your research has a broad aim, break it down into smaller, more specific sub-objectives. This makes the research more manageable and allows for a systematic approach to addressing the main research problem.
• Phrase objectives clearly : Write your objectives in clear and concise language, avoiding jargon and complex terms. Each objective should be easy to understand and communicate to others involved in the research.
• Align with research questions : Ensure that each objective aligns with your research question(s). The objectives should directly contribute to answering the key questions posed by your study.
• Seek feedback : Discuss your research objectives with peers, advisors, or experts in the field. Feedback can help refine the objectives and ensure that they are realistic and relevant.

Turn to ATLAS.ti for your research studies

Powerful data analysis with an intuitive interface is just a few clicks away. Download a free trial.

How to write Research objectives

• October 2022

• Institute of Strategic Studies

Discover the world's research

• 25+ million members
• 160+ million publication pages
• 2.3+ billion citations
• Recruit researchers
• Join for free
• Login Email Tip: Most researchers use their institutional email address as their ResearchGate login Password Forgot password? Keep me logged in Log in or Continue with Google Welcome back! Please log in. Email · Hint Tip: Most researchers use their institutional email address as their ResearchGate login Password Forgot password? Keep me logged in Log in or Continue with Google No account? Sign up

Research Aims and Objectives: The dynamic duo for successful research

Picture yourself on a road trip without a destination in mind — driving aimlessly, not knowing where you’re headed or how to get there. Similarly, your research is navigated by well-defined research aims and objectives. Research aims and objectives are the foundation of any research project. They provide a clear direction and purpose for the study, ensuring that you stay focused and on track throughout the process. They are your trusted navigational tools, leading you to success.

Understanding the relationship between research objectives and aims is crucial to any research project’s success, and we’re here to break it down for you in this article. Here, we’ll explore the importance of research aims and objectives, understand their differences, and delve into the impact they have on the quality of research.

Understanding the Difference between Research Aims and Objectives

In research, aims and objectives are two important components but are often used interchangeably. Though they may sound similar, they are distinct and serve different purposes.

Research Aims:

Research aims are broad statements that describe the overall purpose of your study. They provide a general direction for your study and indicate the intended achievements of your research. Aims are usually written in a general and abstract manner describing the ultimate goal of the research.

Research Objectives:

Research objectives are specific, measurable, and achievable goals that you aim to accomplish within a specified timeframe. They break down the research aims into smaller, more manageable components and provide a clear picture of what you want to achieve and how you plan to achieve it.

In the example, the objectives provide specific targets that must be achieved to reach the aim. Essentially, aims provide the overall direction for the research while objectives provide specific targets that must be achieved to accomplish the aims. Aims provide a broad context for the research, while the objectives provide smaller steps that the researcher must take to accomplish the overall research goals. To illustrate, when planning a road trip, your research aim is the destination you want to reach, and your research objectives are the specific routes you need to take to get there.

Aims and objectives are interconnected. Objectives play a key role in defining the research methodology, providing a roadmap for how you’ll collect and analyze data, while aim is the final destination, which represents the ultimate goal of your research. By setting specific goals, you’ll be able to design a research plan that helps you achieve your objectives and, ultimately, your research aim.

Importance of Well-defined Aims and Objectives

The impact of clear research aims and objectives on the quality of research cannot be understated. But it’s not enough to simply have aims and objectives. Well-defined research aims and objectives are important for several reasons:

• Provides direction: Clear aims and well-defined objectives provide a specific direction for your research study, ensuring that the research stays focused on a specific topic or problem. This helps to prevent the research from becoming too broad or unfocused, and ensures that the study remains relevant and meaningful.
• Guides research design: The research aim and objectives help guide the research design and methodology, ensuring that your study is designed in a way that will answer the research questions and achieve the research objectives.
• Helps with resource allocation: Clear research aims and objectives helps you to allocate resources effectively , including time, financial resources, human resources, and other required materials. With a well-defined aim and objectives, you can identify the resources required to conduct the research, and allocate them in a way that maximizes efficiency and productivity.
• Assists in evaluation: Clearly specified research aims and objectives allow for effective evaluation of your research project’s success. You can assess whether the research has achieved its objectives, and whether the aim has been met. This evaluation process can help to identify areas of the research project that may require further attention or modification.
• Enhances communication: Well-defined research aims and objectives help to enhance communication among the research team, stakeholders, funding agencies, and other interested parties. Clear aims and objectives ensure that everyone involved in your research project understands the purpose and goals of the study. This can help to foster collaboration and ensure that everyone is working towards the same end goal.

How to Formulate Research Aims and Objectives

Formulating effective research aims and objectives involves a systematic process to ensure that they are clear, specific, achievable, and relevant. Start by asking yourself what you want to achieve through your research. What impact do you want your research to have? Once you have a clear understanding of your aims, you can then break them down into specific, achievable objectives. Here are some steps you can follow when developing research aims and objectives:

• Identify the research question : Clearly identify the questions you want to answer through your research. This will help you define the scope of your research. Understanding the characteristics of a good research question will help you generate clearer aims and objectives.
• Conduct literature review : When defining your research aim and objectives, it’s important to conduct a literature review to identify key concepts, theories, and methods related to your research problem or question. Conducting a thorough literature review can help you understand what research has been done in the area and what gaps exist in the literature.
• Identify the research aim: Develop a research aim that summarizes the overarching goal of your research. The research aim should be broad and concise.
• Develop research objectives: Based on your research questions and research aim, develop specific research objectives that outline what you intend to achieve through your research. These objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
• Use action verbs: Use action verbs such as “investigate,” “examine,” “analyze,” and “compare” to describe your research aims and objectives. This makes them more specific and measurable.
• Ensure alignment with research question: Ensure that the research aim and objectives are aligned with the research question. This helps to ensure that the research remains focused and that the objectives are specific enough to answer your research question.
• Refine and revise: Once the research aim and objectives have been developed, refine and revise them as needed. Seek feedback from your colleagues, mentors, or supervisors to ensure that they are clear, concise, and achievable within the given resources and timeframe.
• Communicate: After finalizing the research aim and objectives, they should be communicated to the research team, stakeholders, and other interested parties. This helps to ensure that everyone is working towards the same end goal and understands the purpose of the study.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid While Formulating Aims and Objectives

There are several common mistakes that researchers can make when writing research aims and objectives. These include:

• Being too broad or vague: Aims and objectives that are too general or unclear can lead to confusion and lack of focus. It is important to ensure that the aims and objectives are concise and clear.
• Being too narrow or specific: On the other hand, aims and objectives that are too narrow or specific may limit the scope of the research and make it difficult to draw meaningful conclusions or implications.
• Being too ambitious: While it is important to aim high, being too ambitious with the aims and objectives can lead to unrealistic expectations and can be difficult to achieve within the constraints of the research project.
• Lack of alignment: The aims and objectives should be directly linked to the research questions being investigated. Otherwise, this will lead to a lack of coherence in the research project.
• Lack of feasibility: The aims and objectives should be achievable within the constraints of the research project, including time, budget, and resources. Failing to consider feasibility may cause compromise of the research quality.
• Failing to consider ethical considerations: The aims and objectives should take into account any ethical considerations, such as ensuring the safety and well-being of study participants.
• Failing to involve all stakeholders: It’s important to involve all relevant stakeholders, such as participants, supervisors, and funding agencies, in the development of the aims and objectives to ensure they are appropriate and relevant.

To avoid these common pitfalls, it is important to be specific, clear, relevant, and realistic when writing research aims and objectives. Seek feedback from colleagues or supervisors to ensure that the aims and objectives are aligned with the research problem , questions, and methodology, and are achievable within the constraints of the research project. It’s important to continually refine your aims and objectives as you go. As you progress in your research, it’s not uncommon for research aims and objectives to evolve slightly, but it’s important that they remain consistent with the study conducted and the research topic.

In summary, research aims and objectives are the backbone of any successful research project. They give you the ability to cut through the noise and hone in on what really matters. By setting clear goals and aligning them with your research questions and methodology, you can ensure that your research is relevant, impactful, and of the highest quality. So, before you hit the road on your research journey, make sure you have a clear destination and steps to get there. Let us know in the comments section below the challenges you faced and the strategies you followed while fomulating research aims and objectives! Also, feel free to reach out to us at any stage of your research or publication by using #AskEnago  and tagging @EnagoAcademy on Twitter , Facebook , and Quora . Happy researching!

This particular material has added important but overlooked concepts regarding my experiences in explaining research aims and objectives. Thank you

Rate this article Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Enago Academy's Most Popular Articles

• Reporting Research

Academic Essay Writing Made Simple: 4 types and tips

The pen is mightier than the sword, they say, and nowhere is this more evident…

• Old Webinars
• Webinar Mobile App

Improving Research Manuscripts Using AI-Powered Insights: Enago reports for effective research communication

Language Quality Importance in Academia AI in Evaluating Language Quality Enago Language Reports Live Demo…

• AI in Academia
• Trending Now

Simplifying the Literature Review Journey — A comparative analysis of 5 AI summarization tools

Imagine having to skim through and read mountains of research papers and books, only to…

Choosing the Right Analytical Approach: Thematic analysis vs. content analysis for data interpretation

In research, choosing the right approach to understand data is crucial for deriving meaningful insights.…

Comparing Cross Sectional and Longitudinal Studies: 5 steps for choosing the right approach

The process of choosing the right research design can put ourselves at the crossroads of…

Choosing the Right Analytical Approach: Thematic analysis vs. content analysis for…

Comparing Cross Sectional and Longitudinal Studies: 5 steps for choosing the right…

Research Recommendations – Guiding policy-makers for evidence-based decision making

Sign-up to read more

Subscribe for free to get unrestricted access to all our resources on research writing and academic publishing including:

• 2000+ blog articles
• 50+ Webinars
• 10+ Expert podcasts
• 50+ Infographics
• 10+ Checklists
• Research Guides

We hate spam too. We promise to protect your privacy and never spam you.

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Happiness Hub Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• Happiness Hub
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• College University and Postgraduate
• Academic Writing
• Research Papers

How to Write Objectives in a Research Proposal

Last Updated: April 30, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Marissa Levis . Marissa Levis is an English Teacher in the Morris County Vocational School District. She previously worked as an English director at a tutoring center that caters to students in elementary and middle school. She is an expert in creating a curriculum that helps students advance their skills in secondary-level English, focusing on MLA formatting, reading comprehension, writing skills, editing and proofreading, literary analysis, standardized test preparation, and journalism topics. Marissa received her Master of Arts in Teaching from Fairleigh Dickinson University. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 129,731 times.

A research proposal is a detailed outline for a significant research project. They’re common for class assignments, capstone papers, grant applications, and even job applications in some fields, so it's possible you'll have to prepare one at some point. The objectives are a very important part of a research proposal because they outline where the project is headed and what it will accomplish. Developing objectives can be a little tricky, so take some time to consider them. Then work on wording them carefully so your readers understand your goals. With clear objectives, your research proposal will be much stronger.

Brainstorming Your Objectives

• For example, your research question might be “What is the effect of prolonged TV-watching on children?” You can then use that question to build your study around.
• Narrow down your research topic if it’s too broad. A broad research topic makes breaking the objectives down much more difficult. A research question like “How can we save the environment?” is a huge question. Something like “What safety measures would prevent ocean pollution?” is more specific and attainable. [2] X Research source

• Remember that in most cases, you shouldn’t state that your study will prove or disprove something exactly since you haven’t done the work yet. Don’t say “This study proves that honey is not an effective treatment for acne.” Instead, make it something like “This study will demonstrate whether or not honey is an effective treatment for acne.”

• If your research question was “What is the effect of prolonged TV-watching on children?” then there are a few categories you could look at. Objectives wrapped up within that question might be: 1) the incidence of eyestrain among children who watch a lot of TV, 2) their muscular development, 3) their level of socialization with other children. Design your objectives around answering these questions.

• You could always state in your research proposal that you plan to design future experiments or studies to answer additional questions. Most experiments leave unanswered questions and subsequent studies try to tackle them.

• A general objective might be "Establish the effect of diet on mental health." Some specific goals in that project could be 1) Determine if processed foods make depression worse, 2) Identify foods that improve mood, 3) Measure if portion sizes have an impact on mood.
• Not all research proposals want you to divide between general and specific goals. Remember to follow the instructions for the proposal you're writing.

• The best goals align with each letter in the SMART acronym. The weaker ones are missing some letters. For example, you might come up with a topic that’s specific, measurable, and time-bound, but not realistic or attainable. This is a weak objective because you probably can’t achieve it.
• Think about the resources at your disposal. Some objectives might be doable with the right equipment, but if you don’t have that equipment, then you can’t achieve that goal. For example, you might want to map DNA structures, but you can’t view DNA without an electron microscope.
• Ask the same question for your entire project. Is it attainable overall? You don’t want to try to achieve too much and overwhelm yourself.
• The specific words in this acronym sometimes change, but the sentiment is the same. Your objectives should overall be clear and specific, measurable, feasible, and limited by time.

Using the Right Language

• Verbs like use, understand, or study is vague and weak. Instead, choose words like calculate, compare, and assess.
• Your objective list might read like this: 1) Compare the muscle development of children who play video games to children who don’t, 2) Assess whether or not video games cause eyestrain, 3) Determine if videogames inhibit a child’s socialization skills.
• Some proposals use the infinitive form of verbs, like “to measure” or “to determine.” This is also fine but refer to the proposal instructions to see if this is correct.

• You can further explain your objectives further in the research proposal. No need to elaborate a lot when you’re just listing them.
• If you’re having trouble shortening an objective to 1 sentence, then you probably need to split it into 2 objectives. It might also be too complicated for this project.

• For example, “Determine if sunlight is harmful” is too vague. Instead, state the objective as “Determine if prolonged sun exposure increases subjects’ risk of skin cancer.”
• It’s helpful to let someone else read your proposal and see if they understand the objectives. If they’re confused, then you need to be more specific.

• For example, don’t say “Measure the effect of radiation on living tissue.” Instead, say “Determine what level of radiation is dangerous to living tissue.”
• Remember, don’t state the objectives as you’ve already done the experiments. They’re still not answered.

Writing the Objectives

• This is a common format for research proposals, but not universal. Always follow the format that the instructions provided.
• Depending on how long your introduction has to be, you might also list the objectives there. This depends on whether or not you have room.

• At the very least, the abstract should list the general objective. This tells the readers what your study is working towards.

• In some research projects, the general objective is called a long-term goal instead. Adjust your language to the proposal requirements.
• Some proposals directions may just want the specific objectives rather than a division between the general and specific ones. Don’t divide them if the instructions tell you not to.

• Your introduction may be as follows: "My long-term objective with this project is determining whether or not prolonged video-game playing is harmful to children under 5. I will accomplish this aim by meeting the following objectives: 1) Compare the muscle development of children who play videogames to children who don’t 2) Assess whether or not videogames cause eyestrain 3) Determine if videogames inhibit a child’s socialization skills"
• The specific objectives are usually listed as a bullet or numbered points. However, follow the instructions given.

Research Proposal Templates

Expert Q&A

• It’s always a good idea to let someone else read your research proposals and make sure they’re clear. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Proofread! A great proposal could be ruined by typos and errors. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Some proposal instructions are very specific, and applicants that don’t follow the format are eliminated. Always follow the instructions given to stay within the requirements. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://uk.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-assets/15490_book_item_15490.pdf
• ↑ https://research-methodology.net/research-methodology/research-aims-and-objectives/
• ↑ https://www.uh.edu/~lsong5/documents/A%20sample%20proposal%20with%20comment.pdf
• ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3282423/
• ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/evaluation/pdf/brief3b.pdf
• ↑ https://www.open.edu/openlearncreate/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=231&section=8.6.2
• ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6398294/
• ↑ https://arxiv.org/pdf/physics/0601009.pdf
• ↑ https://www.bpcc.edu/institutional-advancement-grants/how-to-write-goals-and-objectives-for-grant-proposals

About This Article

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Aug 9, 2022

Did this article help you?

Mar 20, 2023

Relyn Jungco

May 15, 2022

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

• The Open University
• Explore OpenLearn

• Get started
• Create a course
• Free courses
• Collections

My OpenLearn Create Profile

• Personalise your OpenLearn profile
• Save Your favourite content
• Get recognition for your learning

Already Registered?

• Health Management, Ethics and Research Module: Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health
• Health Management, Ethics and Research Module: Acknowledgements
• Health Management, Ethics and Research Module: Introduction
• Health Management, Ethics and Research Module: 1.  Health Services in Ethiopia
• Health Management, Ethics and Research Module: 2.  Management and Leadership in Community Healthcare
• Health Management, Ethics and Research Module: 3.  Planning Health Programmes
• Health Management, Ethics and Research Module: 4.  Implementing your Health Plans
• Health Management, Ethics and Research Module: 5.  Monitoring and Control
• Health Management, Ethics and Research Module: 6.  Management of Supplies at Health Post Level
• Health Management, Ethics and Research Module: 7.  Principles of Healthcare Ethics
• Health Management, Ethics and Research Module: 8.  Ethical Dilemmas in Health Service Delivery
• Health Management, Ethics and Research Module: 9.  Rights and Obligations of Health Extension Practitioners
• Health Management, Ethics and Research Module: 10.  General Principles of Health Research and Introduction to Community Surveys
• Health Management, Ethics and Research Module: 11.  Developing Your Community Profile
• Health Management, Ethics and Research: 12.  Data Collection and Analysis for Your Baseline Community Survey
• Introduction
• Learning Outcomes for Study Session 13
• 13.1.1  Components of a community profile report
• 13.2.1  Clarifying the problem of malaria infection in your community
• 13.2.2  Criteria for choosing health problems to research
• 13.2.3  Poor sanitary conditions: creating a research question
• 13.2.4  Community participation in prioritising health issues
• 13.3  Choosing which topic to research

13.4.1  What other sources should you consult?

13.4.2  Research objectives

Summary of Study Session 13

• Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs) for Study Session 13
• Health Management, Ethics and Research: 14.  Research Strategies and Study Designs for Small-Scale Research
• Health Management, Ethics and Research Module: 15.  Sampling Methods and Sample Size in Small-Scale Research
• Health Management, Ethics and Research Module: 16.  Extended Case Study on Health Management, Ethics and Research
• Download PDF version
• Health Management, Ethics and Research PDF (1.4MB)

About this course

• 40 hours study
• 1 Level 1: Introductory
• Course description

Health Management, Ethics and Research

If you create an account, you can set up a personal learning profile on the site.

The final part of clarifying your research project involves thinking in more detail about your research objectives . Research objectives should be closely related to the statement of the problem and summarise what you hope will be achieved by the study. For example, if the problem identified is low utilisation of antenatal care services, the general objective of the study could be to identify the reasons for this low uptake, in order to find ways of improving it.

Writing your research objectives clearly helps to:

• Define the focus of your study
• Clearly identify variables to be measured
• Indicate the various steps to be involved
• Establish the limits of the study
• Avoid collection of any data that is not strictly necessary.

What do you think might happen if you started a research project, but hadn’t written any clear research objectives?

Without clearly written research objectives, you might be confused about the limits of the study, what data should be collected, or how to conduct the research.

Objectives can be general or specific. The general objective of your study states what you expect to achieve in general terms. Specific objectives break down the general objective into smaller, logically connected parts that systematically address the various aspects of the problem. Your specific objectives should specify exactly what you will do in each phase of your study, how, where, when and for what purpose.

How should your objectives be stated?

Your objectives should be stated using action verbs that are specific enough to be measured, for example: to compare, to calculate, to assess, to determine, to verify, to calculate, to describe, to explain, etc. Avoid the use of vague non-active verbs such as: to appreciate, to understand, to believe, to study, etc., because it is difficult to evaluate whether they have been achieved.

Case Study 13.3 General and specific objectives for a counselling project

A research study designed to assess the accessibility and acceptability of the Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) Services for HIV infection in kebele X had the following general and specific objectives:

General objective: To identify factors that affects the acceptability of VCT services and to assess community attitudes towards comprehensive care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Specific objectives:

• To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of the community towards HIV/AIDS and VCT services.
• To identify barriers and concerns related to VCT and its uptake.
• To assess the awareness and perception of the study community regarding comprehensive care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS.

What is the difference between the specific objectives and the general objective of a research project? You can use the example in Case Study 13.3 to help you answer this question.

Specific objectives are detailed objectives that describe what will be researched during the study, whereas the general objective is a much broader statement about what the study aims to achieve overall.

In the next study session, we will move on to teach you about research strategies and alternative study designs that you may choose to conduct for a small-scale research project in your community.

For further information, take a look at our frequently asked questions which may give you the support you need.

Have a question?

If you have any concerns about anything on this site please get in contact with us here.

Report a concern

Marketing91

What are the Research Objectives? Types, Examples & How to Write Them

September 19, 2023 | By Hitesh Bhasin | Filed Under: Marketing

Accurate and well-defined research objectives lay the foundation of any successful research project. These objectives serve as a compass, guiding researchers on the path they need to follow in their research journey. They provide clarity, narrowing down the broad research question into manageable, focused tasks.

Consider, for example , a research project aimed at studying the impact of social media usage on student performance. Instead of a broad, vague aim, the research objectives could be:

• To assess the daily social media usage among high school students
• To measure academic performance via GPA
• To investigate the correlation between social media usage and academic performance.

These objectives provide a clear, unambiguous direction, facilitating a focused and effective research process .

Table of Contents

What are the Research Objectives?

Research objectives are specific, measurable goals that a researcher aims to achieve through their study. They guide the direction of the research, determining the data needed and the analysis methods to be employed. Essentially, they are the steps that lead the researcher towards the fulfillment of their overall research aim.

It’s important to ensure that research objectives are SMART – that is, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Doing so allows for clearer communication of the project intentions and better management of resources by ensuring that every aspect of the research stays on track.

Why are Research Objectives Important?

The creation of research objectives is a critical initial step in the research process. It not only provides a clear direction for the study but also allows for a systematic approach, increasing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the research. Some of the reasons why research objectives are important:

• Clarity: A research objective provides a clear understanding of what the study aims to achieve.
• Focus: They help maintain the focus of the research by defining the scope of the study.
• Feasibility: They ensure that the research is manageable by breaking down the study into smaller, achievable tasks.
• Evaluation: They allow for the assessment of the research process and the outcomes by providing measurable goals.

Types of Research Objectives

• Exploratory Objectives: These objectives aim to delve into a research topic to gain a deeper understanding of it, typically used in research areas that are not well explored. They involve conducting preliminary investigations and gathering initial insights.
• Descriptive Objectives: These objectives focus on providing a detailed account of a phenomenon or characteristic. They seek to describe and document the features, attributes, and characteristics of the subject under study.
• Explanatory Objectives: Explanatory objectives seek to interpret phenomena by illustrating the cause-and-effect relationship. They aim to explain why certain events or phenomena occur and uncover the underlying mechanisms or processes involved.
• Predictive Objectives: These objectives aim to predict outcomes or future occurrences based on identified patterns. They involve analyzing historical data and developing models to forecast future trends or events.
• Evaluative Objectives: Evaluative objectives focus on judging the effectiveness or impact of a certain program or method. They aim to assess the success or failure of an intervention and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Prescriptive Objectives: Prescriptive objectives aim to provide recommendations based on the research findings. They involve suggesting actions or solutions based on the analysis and interpretation of the data.
• Diagnostic Objectives: These objectives are set to identify the causes of a certain phenomenon or problem. They aim to investigate the root causes and factors contributing to a particular issue.
• Comparative Objectives: Comparative objectives involve comparing two or more groups or variables to identify differences or similarities. They aim to analyze and contrast the characteristics and outcomes of different groups or variables.
• Historical Objectives: These objectives involve the study of past events to understand present conditions or predict future outcomes. They aim to examine historical records and events to gain insights into the context and factors that have shaped the present.
• Ethnographic Objectives: Ethnographic objectives involve studying a culture or social group in detail to understand its practices, behaviors, and beliefs. They aim to immerse themselves in the community, observe their customs, and document their way of life.
• Action-oriented Objectives: These objectives aim to bring about a specific change through the research. They focus on identifying actionable steps and interventions that can lead to desired outcomes.
• Conceptual Objectives: Conceptual objectives are set to define concepts or ideas that are central to the research. They aim to clarify and establish the theoretical framework and key terms used in the study.
• Methodological Objectives: These objectives focus on developing or improving research methods or tools. They aim to enhance the reliability, validity, and efficiency of data collection and analysis techniques.
• Theoretical Objectives: These objectives aim to develop, expand, or verify theories related to the research topic. They involve refining existing theories or proposing new conceptual frameworks based on empirical evidence.
• Measurement Objectives: Measurement objectives involve developing or improving measurement tools or techniques. They aim to ensure accurate and reliable data collection by refining measurement instruments or procedures.
• Design Objectives: These objectives focus on planning the structure of a research study. They involve determining the research design , sampling strategy , data collection methods, and analytical approaches.
• Sampling Objectives: Sampling objectives involve determining the appropriate sample size or selecting the appropriate sample for the research. They aim to ensure that the selected sample is representative of the population under study and yields valid and generalizable results.

How to Write Research Objectives

To develop research objectives, it is important to follow some of the key steps such as:

1) Clearing the Fog: Know Your General Research Aims

Research aims refer to the overarching goals or ambitions of your study. They describe what you wish to achieve through your research and provide a broad overview of the expected outcomes. The research aims to set the direction for your research and establish a roadmap that guides your study from start to finish.

2) Going Deeper: What are Specific Research Objectives?

Specific research objectives break down the main research aim into smaller, manageable parts. These objectives are concrete, measurable, and achievable goals that guide your research efforts. They focus on specific aspects of the research aim and provide a clear path to achieve it.

3) Mastering the Art: How to Formulate Your Research Aims and Objectives

Formulating your research aims and objectives is a critical step in conducting a successful research project. It involves translating your research question into a clear, concise aim that outlines the purpose of your study. From the research aim, specific objectives are then developed that provide a roadmap for your research. Each objective focuses on a particular aspect of the research aim, guiding the study’s various stages including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

4) Bridging the Gap: How to Develop Research Objectives

Developing research objectives involves identifying the specific steps needed to achieve your research aims. These objectives should be SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. The process involves precise planning, a thorough literature review, and a deep understanding of the research problem.

5) Detective’s Journey: How Research Objectives Focus Your Study

Research objectives focus your study by providing a clear direction and framework. They serve as a compass, guiding your research methods, analysis, and eventual conclusions. These objectives help you stay on track, prevent deviation from the research aims, and ensure that you address all the key aspects of your research problem.

Creating SMART Research Objectives

When formulating research objectives, it is important to make sure they are SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. All these aspects help guide the researcher in developing a clear roadmap for their study.

• Specific: Research objectives should be precise and focused. They should clearly define the purpose of the study, including what is to be studied and why.
• Measurable: Research objectives should provide a way for you to measure your progress and assess whether or not you are on track with achieving your research aims.
• Achievable: The objectives of a study should realistically reflect the resources available and the skills of the researcher.
• Relevant: Research objectives should be relevant to answer the research questions and hypotheses, helping to address the problem being studied.
• Time-bound: Research objectives must have a deadline so that you can accurately measure progress and success over time.

Crafting Research Questions from Objectives

Research objectives provide the basis for crafting your research questions. When formulating research questions, they should keep in mind the SMART criteria and ensure that each question is framed in a way that allows it to be answered through data collection and analysis.

Research objectives are often broken down into smaller specific objectives which help guide the development of research questions. These individual objectives can then be used as the basis for developing research questions, which should be focused on gathering relevant information to answer the overall objectives of the study.

Some of the examples of research questions are:

• What methods can be used to measure the effectiveness of educational programs?
• How does access to healthcare affect outcomes for underserved communities?
• What are the factors that contribute to poverty in urban areas?

These types of questions should be specific enough to provide meaningful information, but broad enough that they can be answered through data and analysis. When crafting research questions, it is important to keep in mind the overall aim of the research project and how the data collected will help address the objectives.

Tips for Writing Research Objectives

Writing research objectives can be a daunting task, but some tips can make the process easier. Let’s have a look at some of the best practices for writing research objectives while conducting research:

1) Establish a clear purpose

Before even beginning the process of drafting research objectives, it is important to have a clear understanding of the primary aim and purpose of the research project. This will help ensure that research questions are focused on the right topic and can be answered through data collection and analysis.

2) Break down into smaller specific objectives

Breaking down objectives into smaller specific objectives can help direct the focus of research efforts and ensure that all relevant information is gathered. This will also make it easier to evaluate the success of the project, as each specific objective can be judged on its merit.

3) Be concise

Research objectives should be precise and concise. Long, rambling statements can easily become confusing and detract from the focus of the project. Keep each objective to just one sentence that outlines the aim of the research.

4) Focus on measurable outcomes

When writing research objectives, it is important to ensure that they can be measured in some way, so that the success of the project can be evaluated. This can include anything from assessing employee perceptions to collecting sales data.

5) Make sure objectives are achievable

When writing research objectives, it’s important to make sure that they are realistic and achievable. It’s important to be aware of the resources available, as well as any restrictions or limitations that might impact the project. This will help you determine whether your objectives are feasible. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that each objective is clear and concise so there is no room for misunderstanding.

Examples of Research Objectives

There are several different types of research objectives, but here are some examples to give you an idea of what well-crafted objectives might look like:

• To assess employee perceptions of working at Company X and identify areas for improved job satisfaction .
• To collect quantitative data on the success of Company X’s new product launch.
• To determine customer opinion of Company X’s services and identify opportunities for improvement.
• To evaluate the impact of Company X’s branding strategy on consumer loyalty.
• To assess public attitudes towards Company X and its environmental policies.
• To determine how Company X can better meet customer needs and improve customer service .

By creating clear, concise research objectives based on measurable outcomes, you can ensure that your research project is focused and successful. With the right direction, research projects can be incredibly valuable for any business or organization.

1) What is the research objective?

Research objectives are specific, measurable goals that a research project seeks to achieve. They provide direction for the research and help ensure that it is focused and productive.

2) What should be included in a research objective?

When writing research objectives, it is important to make sure that they are clear, concise, and relevant to the overall goal of the research project. They should include what data needs to be collected, the specific outcomes of the research, and any other relevant information that will help ensure success.

3) What is the difference between research hypothesis , research paper , and research objectives?

A research hypothesis is an educated guess or statement of what a researcher believes may be true based on the available evidence. A research paper is a formal document that outlines the findings of a research project. Research objectives are specific goals for the research project, such as collecting data or measuring outcomes. While all three terms are related, they differ in their purpose and use.

4) What is the difference between research aims and research objectives?

Research aims are broad goals that a research project seeks to achieve, whereas research objectives are specific, measurable goals. Research aims provide direction for the research and help ensure that it is focused and productive. Research objectives are concrete steps that need to be taken to reach the broader goal of the research project.

5) How do you write a research objective?

Writing research objectives involves identifying the specific goals of a research project and articulating them clearly and concisely. This should include what data needs to be collected, the specific outcomes of the research, and any other relevant information that will help ensure success. Additionally, when formulating research objectives it is important to keep in mind how they relate to the overall goal of the project.

Liked this post? Check out the complete series on Market research

Related posts:

• How to Write Research Proposal? Research Proposal Format
• How to write a Research Question? Types and Tips
• What is a Research Hypothesis And How to Write it?
• What is a Research Statement and How to Write it
• What is Survey Research? Objectives, Sampling Process, Types and Advantages
• 11 Objectives of Advertising – What are Advertising Objectives?
• Secondary Research – Meaning, Objectives, Process, Pros and Cons
• 7 Key Differences between Research Method and Research Methodology
• Qualitative Research: Meaning, and Features of Qualitative Research
• Research Ethics – Importance and Principles of Ethics in Research

About Hitesh Bhasin

Hitesh Bhasin is the CEO of Marketing91 and has over a decade of experience in the marketing field. He is an accomplished author of thousands of insightful articles, including in-depth analyses of brands and companies. Holding an MBA in Marketing, Hitesh manages several offline ventures, where he applies all the concepts of Marketing that he writes about.

All Knowledge Banks (Hub Pages)

• Marketing Hub
• Management Hub
• Marketing Strategy
• Advertising Hub
• Branding Hub
• Market Research
• Small Business Marketing
• Sales and Selling
• Marketing Careers
• Internet Marketing
• Business Model of Brands
• Marketing Mix of Brands
• Brand Competitors
• Strategy of Brands
• SWOT of Brands
• Customer Management
• Top 10 Lists

well, am going to write a research paper ” the future of online teaching and learning in higher education ” in particular my university so, what are my objectives going t be ??

i am interested too

Very educated

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• About Marketing91
• Marketing91 Team
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Terms of Use
• Editorial Policy

WE WRITE ON

• Digital Marketing
• Human Resources
• Operations Management
• Marketing News
• Marketing mix's
• Competitors