5.3 CONSTRUCTING RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

5.3 CONSTRUCTING RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

5.3 CONSTRUCTING RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Research objectives are stated using action verbs that can be evaluated, such as to describe, to identify, to measure, or to compare. In a research proposal, we can write the objectives using the future tense (will) because the research has not yet been undertaken. Besides, neutral–non-directional–words and phrases are preferable. For example, rather than using a phrase like “to explore the successful self-expression of individuals”, it is suggested to use “to explore self-expression experiences of individuals”. It is better to avoid using suggestive adjectives such as useful or positive because they indicate results that may or may not occur in the study.

Generally, in writing a research proposal, the research objectives are written in a separate sub-section rather than included in the Background. Here is an example of how to write the general aim of the study, and list the specific objectives.

 

The aim of the present review is to provide the School with information and views appropriate to assist in determining its immediate policy on the future development or redevelopment of TV lectures. In particular, the review will:

(1) describe the production process and subsequent use of the TV lectures

(2) collect views of the various participants on the development and use of the TV lectures

(3) examine the use of the TV lectures in the context of the course in general.

 

Another way to write the objectives of the study is by explaining them in the form of a paragraph such as in the following example:

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between foreign/second language learners' knowledge of vocabulary and their comprehension in reading formal prose such as that exemplified by secondary and tertiary-level textbooks and journals. A further subsidiary aim is to investigate the relationship between scores on vocabulary tests composed of a random selection of contents items deleted from the cloze tests and scores on the standardized vocabulary test, using the same subjects.

 

My research has two aims: firstly to describe the life history of a newly discovered diverse fauna living in mangrove swamps around the Sydney district; and secondly to test ecological theories on settlement and recruitment which have been formulated to explain patterns of distribution and abundance on species living on rocky intertidal shores.

 

For a qualitative study, we need to also include words denoting the strategy of inquiry in data collection, analysis, and research process. It is advisable to include the participants and the context or area of our study as well to make it more specific. To help us construct our research objectives, we can follow the following script:

The purpose of this ______ (strategy of inquiry, such as ethnography, case study, or other type) study is (was? will be?) to ______ (understand? explore? develop? discover?) the ______ (central phenomenon being studied) for ______ (the participants, such as the individual, groups, organization) at ______ (research site). At this stage in the research, the ______ (central phenomenon being studied) will be generally defined as ______ (provide a general definition).

Taken from Creswell (2014)

Try to take a look at the following example:

The purpose of this study was to explore affective, social, and educational factors that may have contributed to the development of reading disabilities in four adolescents. The study also sought an explanation as to why students’ reading disabilities persisted despite years of instruction. This was not an intervention study and, although some students may have improved their reading, reading improvement was not the focus of the study. (Kos, 1991, pp. 876–877)

 

Meanwhile, a quantitative study might have a different format in writing its research objectives, in which the variables of research need to be identified and we need to use words that connect the variables to indicate a possible relationship or comparison. Commonly, the independent variable is mentioned before the dependent variable, while intervening variables and moderating variables are commonly placed between the interdependent and dependent variables. Alternatively, control variables might be placed immediately after the dependent variable. Then, we have to mention the specific type of strategy of inquiry, the participants, and the study location. Please take a look at the following script:

The purpose of this ______ (experiment? survey?) study is (was? will be?) to test the theory of ______ that ______ (describes outcomes) or (compares? relates?) the ______ (independent variable) to ______ (dependent variable), controlling for ______ (control variables) for ______ (participants) at ______ (the research site). The independent variable(s) ______ will be defined as ______ (provide a definition). The dependent variable(s) will be defined as ______ (provide a definition), and the control and intervening variable(s), ______, (identify the control and intervening variables) will be defined as ______ (provide a definition).

Taken from Creswell (2014)

 

Here is a sample of research an objective and research questions in a survey study:

 

This study is an attempt to elaborate on and clarify the link between women’s sex role attitudes and experiences with sexual victimization. I used two years of data from 54 college women to answer these questions: (1) Do women’s attitudes influence vulnerability to sexual coercion over a two-year period? (2) Are attitudes changed after experiences with sexual victimization? (3) Does prior victimization reduce or increase the risk of later victimization? (p. 48)

 

After writing the research objectives, it is important to check whether our research objectives have met the characteristics of good objectives that are formulated using the SMART framework, as follows:

  • Specific: our research objectives should be clearly and concisely stated. Well-defined objectives leave no room for ambiguity and help to prevent any misinterpretation.

Question to answer: What is it to be achieved? Why is it important? Who is involved?

  • Measurable: research objectives must state something that is measurable so that progress and success can be quantified and evaluated. A lack of measurability will only result in inefficiency, uncertainty of the results, and poor quality of research. 

Question to answer: How will success be measured? What are the criteria for success?

  • Achievable: objectives MUST be realistic and attainable. With the intended result, we need to take into consideration the provided and/or available resources and time constraints. 

Questions to answer: Is this achievable within the given time frame?

  • Relevant: our objectives must be aligned with the general objective. Having relevance shows that your objectives have a clear purpose and can add valuable value to the overall context of a research project or certain goals of organizations. 

Question to answer: Does this goal align with the general aim?

  • Time-bound: objectives need to have a clear time duration for completion. It will later assist you in planning and tracking your progress.

 

Question to answer: What is the deadline?

 

Write the objectives of your proposed study. Start from the general objective (research aim), and break it down to 2-3 specific objectives. Use the SMART framework and strong action verbs.


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