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Research Objectives | Definition & Examples

Published on July 12, 2022 by Eoghan Ryan . Revised on November 20, 2023.

Research objectives describe what your research is trying to achieve and explain why you are pursuing it. They summarize the approach and purpose of your 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 . They should:

• Establish the scope and depth of your project
• Contribute to your research design
• Indicate how your project will contribute to existing knowledge

Table of contents

What is a research objective, why are research objectives important, how to write research aims and objectives, smart research objectives, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research objectives.

Research objectives describe what your research project intends to accomplish. They should guide every step of the research process , including how you collect data , build your argument , and develop your conclusions .

Your research objectives may evolve slightly as your research progresses, but they should always line up with the research carried out and the actual content of your paper.

Research aims

A distinction is often made between research objectives and research aims.

A research aim typically refers to a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear at the end of your problem statement, before your research objectives.

Your research objectives are more specific than your research aim and indicate the particular focus and approach of your project. Though you will only have one research aim, you will likely have several research objectives.

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Research objectives are important because they:

• Establish the scope and depth of your project: This helps you avoid unnecessary research. It also means that your research methods and conclusions can easily be evaluated .
• Contribute to your research design: When you know what your objectives are, you have a clearer idea of what methods are most appropriate for your research.
• Indicate how your project will contribute to extant research: They allow you to display your knowledge of up-to-date research, employ or build on current research methods, and attempt to contribute to recent debates.

Once you’ve established a research problem you want to address, you need to decide how you will address it. This is where your research aim and objectives come in.

Step 1: Decide on a general aim

Your research aim should reflect your research problem and should be relatively broad.

Step 2: Decide on specific objectives

Break down your aim into a limited number of steps that will help you resolve your research problem. What specific aspects of the problem do you want to examine or understand?

Step 3: Formulate your aims and objectives

Once you’ve established your research aim and objectives, you need to explain them clearly and concisely to the reader.

You’ll lay out your aims and objectives at the end of your problem statement, which appears in your introduction. Frame them as clear declarative statements, and use appropriate verbs to accurately characterize the work that you will carry out.

The acronym “SMART” is commonly used in relation to research objectives. It states that your objectives should be:

• Specific: Make sure your objectives aren’t overly vague. Your research needs to be clearly defined in order to get useful results.
• Measurable: Know how you’ll measure whether your objectives have been achieved.
• Achievable: Your objectives may be challenging, but they should be feasible. Make sure that relevant groundwork has been done on your topic or that relevant primary or secondary sources exist. Also ensure that you have access to relevant research facilities (labs, library resources , research databases , etc.).
• Relevant: Make sure that they directly address the research problem you want to work on and that they contribute to the current state of research in your field.
• Time-based: Set clear deadlines for objectives to ensure that the project stays on track.

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If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

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 .

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

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 …

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.

Scope of research is determined at the beginning of your research process , prior to the data collection stage. Sometimes called “scope of study,” your scope delineates what will and will not be covered in your project. It helps you focus your work and your time, ensuring that you’ll be able to achieve your goals and outcomes.

Defining a scope can be very useful in any research project, from a research proposal to a thesis or dissertation . A scope is needed for all types of research: quantitative , qualitative , and mixed methods .

To define your scope of research, consider the following:

• Budget constraints or any specifics of grant funding
• Your proposed timeline and duration
• Specifics about your population of study, your proposed sample size , and the research methodology you’ll pursue
• Any inclusion and exclusion criteria
• Any anticipated control , extraneous , or confounding variables that could bias your research if not accounted for properly.

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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.

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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.
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• 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/
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What Are Research Objectives?

What are research objectives, and why do they matter in academia and beyond? Think of a time when you were intrigued by a question, and it fueled your desire to dig deeper and uncover answers. Research objectives are the guiding force behind this pursuit, but what exactly are they? Let’s unravel this enigma together!

Research objectives are a study’s specific aims or goals that provide researchers with a clear and concise roadmap. These objectives help define the research’s scope and direction and serve as a crucial tool for evaluating the study’s success. For instance, research objectives in a study exploring the most effective teaching methods include identifying key elements of successful strategies and determining their impact on student performance.

Introduction to Research Objectives

Research objectives are the backbone of any research project. They outline the purpose and direction of a study, providing a clear roadmap for researchers to follow. In simple terms, research objectives are the specific goals you aim to achieve through your research, and they help guide your efforts in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. So, what’s the big deal about research objectives? Let’s find out!

Importance of Research Objectives

Clarity and focus.

One of the primary reasons research objectives are crucial is that they bring clarity and focus to your research project. By clearly stating your objectives, you can ensure that your study remains on track and is consistent with its intended purpose. This focus helps you maintain momentum throughout the research process and prevents you from getting lost in irrelevant information.

Feasibility and Realism

Research objectives also help ensure that your study is feasible and realistic. Setting achievable objectives ensures that your research efforts are directed towards attainable goals, maximizing your time and resources. Additionally, having realistic objectives helps you avoid overreaching or attempting to tackle issues beyond your scope.

Evaluation and Accountability

Finally, research objectives are a tool for evaluating your study’s success. By comparing your findings to your original objectives, you can determine whether your research has met its goals and identify areas for improvement. This process of evaluation and accountability helps ensure the ongoing quality and validity of your research efforts.

Types of Research Objectives

Descriptive objectives.

Descriptive objectives provide an accurate and detailed description of a phenomenon, situation, or issue. These objectives often involve collecting data on specific variables or attributes and presenting the findings in a clear and organized manner.

Exploratory Objectives

Exploratory objectives focus on investigating new or poorly understood areas of research. The primary goal of exploratory research is to generate insights and identify patterns, relationships, or trends that may warrant further investigation.

Explanatory Objectives

Explanatory objectives aim to identify a phenomenon’s causes, effects, or underlying mechanisms. These objectives often involve testing hypotheses or theories to establish causal relationships between variables.

Evaluative Objectives

Evaluative objectives focus on assessing the effectiveness, efficiency, or value of a particular intervention, program, or policy. This type of research often involves comparing different approaches or analyzing the impact of specific interventions on relevant outcomes.

Characteristics of Good Research Objectives

Good research objectives are clear and specific, outlining precisely what you intend to achieve through your study.

A well-crafted research objective should be measurable, meaning that it can be assessed or quantified in some way. This allows you to track your progress and evaluate the success of your research efforts.

Effective research objectives are achievable, ensuring that they can realistically be accomplished within the scope of your study. This includes considering your resources, timeframe, and potential limitations or constraints.

Your research objectives should be relevant to your overall research question or problem. This ensures that your research efforts are focused on addressing the specific issue or topic you have chosen to study.

Lastly, good research objectives are time-bound, meaning they have a clear deadline or timeframe for completion. This helped keep your research on track and focused on achieving your objectives within a designated period.

Tips for Writing Effective Research Objectives

• Start by clearly defining your overall research question or problem.
• Break down your research question into smaller, more manageable objectives.
• Ensure your objectives are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
• Keep your objectives concise and straightforward, avoiding overly complex or vague language.
• Prioritize your objectives, focusing on your research question’s most important or pressing aspects.
• Review and revise your objectives as necessary, ensuring they align with your research question and overall goals.

In conclusion, research objectives are critical in guiding and structuring your research efforts. Establishing clear, specific, and achievable objectives ensures that your study remains focused, relevant, and impactful. As you embark on your research journey, remember to keep your objectives SMART, and don’t be afraid to revise them as your understanding of your research question evolves.

• What is the difference between research objectives and research questions?

Research objectives are specific goals you aim to achieve through your study, while research questions are broader inquiries that guide your research efforts. Research objectives often stem from research questions, helping to break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks.

• Why are research objectives important?

Research objectives provide clarity, focus, feasibility, and realism to your research project. They help ensure that your study remains on track, is achievable, and can be evaluated for success.

• What are some common types of research objectives?

Common types of research objectives include descriptive, exploratory, explanatory, and evaluative objectives. Each type addresses different aspects of research, such as describing a phenomenon, investigating new areas, identifying causal relationships, or evaluating interventions.

• How can I ensure my research objectives are well-crafted?

To create well-crafted research objectives, make sure they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Keep your objectives concise, prioritize them, and review and revise them as necessary.

• Can I change my research objectives during the research process?

Yes, modifying your research objectives during the research process is possible if new insights, limitations, or opportunities arise. However, it’s essential to ensure that any changes align with your research question and goals.

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Home » Blog » Basic Guide on How to Define the Objectives of a Research Paper

Basic Guide on How to Define the Objectives of a Research Paper

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How to Define the Objectives of a Research Paper

After choosing the research topic, it is necessary to understand how to define the objectives of a project. It is these elements that will guide the later stages of the study, facilitating the work to reach results that contribute to the scientific field. Anyone who has never written a project or research paper before may be frightened by so many technical terms. However, there is no cause for concern. Check out our tips and see that doing a project can be simpler than you think.

What are the specific objectives of a research paper?

The specific objective presents in detail the results to be achieved through a scientific research. From there, there is a more detailed specification on the steps that should be part of the research. The logic for understanding the use of specific objectives is very simple. That’s because just keep in mind that they sequence the points to reach the general objective. It is as if they guided the execution of their research, thus identifying the entire process carried out.

Difference between general and specific objective

The definition of the previous topic likely helped you to better understand the difference between the general objective and the specific objective. But to resolve your doubts once and for all, we will now punctuate everything you need to know in order not to confuse such descriptions anymore.

While the general objective defines the “problem of your research,” the specific objective corresponds to the issues that must be analyzed. Check out the example below and see the difference:

Main objective:

• “Analyze the influence of social networks on consumer behavior.”

Specific objectives:

• Identify which social networks are most used.
• Check how digital actions influence the purchase of the product.
• Analyze how the big brands adapted their communication strategies.
• Compare consumer behavior before and after Web 2.0.

Writing tips for research objectives

In addition to knowing how to reference materials used, page numbering, and other points that involve formatting a research paper, another important detail is about language.

Both for general and specific purposes, it is necessary to use verbs in infinity. The reason why verbs are in this mode is related to what is intended to be achieved through research. Each verb must understand a different purpose within the search, so its definitions happen as follows:

• Knowledge Verbs: Connect; enunciate; to establish; exemplify; express; identify; indicate; measure; Show; name; register; list; report; select; calculate; to quote; to rank; to define; to describe; distinguish; enumerate; to specify.
• Verbs of Understanding: Conclude; to illustrate; infer; to interpret; locate describe; distinguish; deduct; report; review demonstrate; to discuss; explain; identify.
• Application Verbs: To apply; to interpret; organize; structure; to illustrate; list.
• Analysis Verbs: Analyze; correlate; differentiate; to discuss; to detect; to discover; discriminate; examine classify; categorize; match; to compare; prove; to contrast; to experiment; identify; investigate; prove; select.
• Synthesis Verbs: Match; organize; to plan; to compose; create; prove; deduct; develop; to document; explain; list.
• Evaluation Verbs: To evaluate; list; select; validate; conclude; verify; criticize; to interpret; to judge; justify; standardize; value.

See how to define the objectives for a research paper

Many research projects are born out of a student’s doubt or curiosity. It is intended to know more about a subject, or else to understand why a certain phenomenon happens. These inquiries can be the starting point for the investigation of the problem, that is, the question to be answered. In most cases, the general objective of the survey ends up deriving from this central issue. For example, if the problem is something like “how do teenagers react to advertising on Instagram?” the objective will look like this:

Identify possible reactions of teenagers who use the social networking site Instagram to advertising pieces served in this medium.

Note that it is not necessary to extend too much or use very pompous words. The simpler and more direct the language, the easier it will be for the public to understand what the work in question is about.

The use of verbs in the infinitive is a way to make the purpose of the research paper even clearer. Actions such as “inquire,” “investigate” and “discover” are expected from any researcher. So, here’s the tip: follow this path.

From the general objective to the specific objectives

There is no way to define the objectives of a project without thinking about the schedule of activities. When you know the general proposal and the time available to carry it out, it becomes easier to design the next stages of the investigation. That is where the specific objectives come in. Each of them justifies a stage of the research process, all of which must contribute to reaching some result.

Returning to the previous example, we can think of specific objectives such as:

• Identify teenagers who use Instagram.
• Discover Instagram advertising pieces aimed at this audience.
• Understand the effects that these pieces have on young people.

For each specific objective, a methodological procedure can be thought of. In the case of objective 1, one way to obtain a sample of the audience within the expected age range would be to apply an online questionnaire. From the data collected, the student could filter possible subjects for a qualitative approach.

As for specific objective 2, a survey can be made between digital agencies that produce content for Instagram. Another possibility would be for the student to access the application and take note of the marks that appear in his feed.

Finally, specific objective 3 would require more in-depth interviews to ascertain the possible impacts of advertising on adolescents. All of these steps must be foreseen within the period of the work so that there is still time for the discussion of the results and the writing of the final report.

Example Two

• Analyze how eating habits within schools influence the choices of children and adolescents in adulthood.
• Check the number of schools that sell food in canteens.
• Analyze which foods are most consumed.
• Know the percentage of students who use the commercial canteen service in the school environment.
• Document the transition from eating habits from adolescence to adulthood.

Example Three

• List the main artistic movements that contributed to fashion in the 20th century and how new trends were created.
• Theorize the main pillars that established the consumer industry.
• Conceptualize the recurring habits of mass culture.
• Understand how futurism and surrealism influenced the concept of important brands.
• Understand the influence of schools on the visual concept of clothing and electronics brands.

Tips for making specific objectives of a research paper

To conclude this article, see some tips below that will help you to define specific objectives. It is worth remembering that the main rule is to fragment the general objective into specifics and for that, you must:

• Remember that the general objective is broader, because of this it can be subdivided into parts.
• Ask what information is needed to achieve the overall objective.
• Know that each verb refers to a different purpose within your search.
• Understand what specific objective a detailing is of the general objective.
• Gather all the specific objectives to arrive at the general objective of the research.

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Objectives and outcomes of a clinical trial

Kapoor, Mukul C.; Goyal, Rakhee 1

Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Amrita School of Medicine and Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Faridabad, Haryana, India

1 Department of Anesthesiology, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, New Delhi, India

Address for correspondence: Prof. Mukul C. Kapoor, 6 Dayanand Vihar, Delhi – 110 092, India. E-mail: [email protected]

This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 Unported, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

All scientific medical studies are conducted to generate new knowledge about health and disease and to inform clinical practice and public health policies. A medical study is planned based on a hypothesis that justifies the clinical study. The research question arises from a perceived knowledge deficit in a particular subject area. It is antecedent to the research and establishes the study’s direction. A clinical trial aims to find an answer to the main research question or hypothesis that the study plans to answer. Hypothesis testing is the most widely employed method of determining whether clinical study outcomes are positive or negative.

OBJECTIVES OF A STUDY

The objectives of a medical study can be broadly classified into primary and secondary objectives. The study’s hypothesis defines the research’s primary objective and is thus the aim of a medical study. It attempts to find an answer to the main research question or hypothesis. While addressing the primary objectives, additional research questions may also be addressed. These other research questions addressed are called the secondary objectives. [ 1 ]

The primary objective of a medical study is typically framed in terms of the study’s endpoint or outcome measure—some examples to explain the same are presented in Table 1 .

Secondary objectives are often included in a medical study to provide additional information about the intervention or exposure under investigation or to explore other research questions of interest. Secondary objectives may consist of assessing the safety and tolerability of the intervention, the effects of the intervention on secondary outcomes (e.g. quality of life, adverse events) or subgroup analyses to identify which patient populations benefit most from the intervention. Samples to explain the same are given in Table 1 .

Defining objectives helps ensure that the investigation is designed and powered appropriately to answer the research question(s) of interest, and that the data collected are correctly analysed to answer those questions. The appropriate sample size of the study is based on the incidence/prevalence/any other primary outcome in a similar study conducted earlier or a pilot study. To ensure the statistical value of a study, the design should preferably have only one primary objective. [ 2 ]

The outcomes of a medical study can be classified into primary and secondary outcomes. The primary outcome of medical research is the main outcome measure that the study aims to answer (i.e. based on the primary objective). In an experimental, semi-experimental or observational research study, the primary study outcome is based on and aligned directly with the primary objective. The secondary outcomes are additional outcome measures that are addressed in the study.

The primary outcome is typically the most important in a study. It is usually chosen to reflect the main research question or hypothesis—some examples to explain the same are presented in Table 2 .

Secondary outcomes are often included in a medical study to provide additional information about the intervention or exposure under investigation or to explore other research questions of interest. For example, secondary outcomes might include measurements of safety and tolerability of the intervention, effects on secondary endpoints (e.g. quality of life, adverse events) or subgroup analyses to identify which patient populations benefit most from the intervention. Secondary outcomes logically arise from and directly align with secondary objectives. Samples to explain the same are given in Table 2 .

Secondary outcomes may not necessarily be related to the secondary objectives included in the study protocol and may be incidental findings from data analysis. Such secondary outcomes in the study manuscript must be justified. Multiple testing of secondary outcomes increases the family-wise error rate and the probability of at least one false significant result (type I error) among all secondary outcomes studied. Secondary outcomes are helpful if they lend supporting evidence for the primary outcome. Statistically robust secondary outcomes should always be considered and not dismissed based on multiplicity concerns. [ 3 ]

A judicious approach should be taken to primary and secondary outcomes and clearly defined. The fewer they are, the better the study. [ 4 ] This helps ensure that the investigation is designed and powered appropriately to answer the research question(s) of interest, and that the data collected are analysed correctly to answer those questions. It is also essential to understand that the study may or may not result in the projected outcomes of the hypothesis or may only partially meet or may show significant secondary outcomes.

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