- October 16, 2023
- Posted by: Igbaji Chinwendu
- Category: Project Writing Guide
Creating Research Objectives: 4 things you should know before you start working on your Research Project Objective
Introduction
The goal of a study is summed up in the research objective. The objective and problem statement must be tightly related. The client is the primary audience for research objectives, typically written in simple language and addressed to both parties. In a study without a hypothesis, the research objective may be used as a statement of purpose or in conjunction with a hypothesis.
Even if the hypothesis did not make the nature of the investigation obvious to the layperson. A study’s general purpose outlines what researchers hope to accomplish with the study overall. It is possible and beneficial to divide a broad goal into more manageable, logically connected components. These are commonly known as specialized goals.
Research objectives typically concentrate on the methods for measuring variables, such as identifying or describing variables. Sometimes, goals include determining the difference or relationship between two variables. To define or create research objectives, the three crucial points listed below are used:
Related: Sections Of A Research Project; 3 Main Sections Of A Research Project, Thesis And Dissertation
- Research question: An interrogative statement known as a research question focuses on which parameters or concepts need to be defined and any potential connections that may exist between them. Before doing a study, research topics and difficulties must arise.
- Hypothesis: Since a hypothesis is a presumed declaration of a claim that a study aims to prove, the word hypothesis is derived from two Greek origins that denote that it is a kind of “sub-statement.” A hypothesis is a statement of a ‘theory’ about a specific body of facts that can be formally tested and is obviously subject to empirical or experimental verification. The hypothesis serves as the initial foundation for the entire investigation and continues to be its cornerstone because the entire study is focused on using evidence to verify it.
- Research Study Boundary: The boundaries and restrictions of the study must be adequately established when the research questions and hypotheses have been defined. If the investigation takes into account the entire cosmos, its assumptions will render the research impractical. Even while it could be advantageous for the organization conducting the research to examine every component as it is being conducted, it might not be feasible owing to complexity and size restrictions.
Also See: Social Media and Research Project Writing: 6 positive effects and 5 negative effects
Establishing beneficial and properly expressed goals is the key to establishing excellent project objectives. The SMART technique, which stands for the following, can accomplish this. Below are five SMART tips for writing great project objectives, including:
- Specific: Specific refers to the presence of an explanation of an exact or particular action or result that is connected to a rate, quantity, percentage, or frequency. Study objectives are sufficiently precise when:
- A number, rate, percentage, or frequency is connected to an action that can be observed.
- Everyone engaged is aware that they are particularly mentioned.
- It is clear to all parties.
- The goal is free of jargon.
- Only proper language is employed.
- Measurable: Exists a metric to evaluate how well the goal is being attained? Does the subject of your curiosity meet the requirements for acceptability? A quantity as well as a quality reference should be included in objectives so that their viability may be evaluated.
- Achievable: Measurable and achievable go together. Typically, there is no purpose in beginning a task that one knows they cannot do or that they are unsure of whether or when to complete. The following criteria must be met in order to determine whether an objective may be attained:
Also Read: Letter Of Intent In Research; Meaning, 4 Purposes And Structure Of Letter Of Intention
- Recognize that it is quantifiable.
- It has been done successfully by other researchers..
- It is conceptually feasible (i.e., obviously not “unachievable”).
- Realistic: This suggests that the project’s achievement depends on the aim or objective that has been defined. Objectives ought not to be unreasonable; they should be difficult yet attainable. The abilities, information, and resources required to accomplish the goals should also be considered.
- Time based: A deadline for the research beginning and/or completion must be stated clearly in the objective. In order to set a deadline when a lengthy timeframe is required, it may be necessary to break down the overall goal into smaller, more manageable parts and determine the duration each step would likely need.
Also Check: Scales For Psychology Research Study; How To Develop Scale For Psychology Research Topics
Having these above SMART Objectives at the back of your mind, you should also:
Set your objectives
Establish your project’s objectives at the outset. You must establish your objectives at the outset and utilize them as a guide throughout the project if you want them to influence the outcomes. The overall project plan, which you should also develop at the outset of your project, should include your project objectives as we already said.
Have spirit of team work
Include the project group in the procedure of establishing goals. Your project’s goals will be more successfully accomplished the more support you have. In order for your stakeholders to approach the remainder of your project plan and the work that takes place during the project most effectively, they must have a clear grasp of the project’s goals.
Write your objectives
Write the project’s objectives in brief but precise language. When drafting a project aim for the first time, you might be tempted to include every possible detail; nevertheless, if at all possible, strive to keep your project objective concise. Your project objective statement should be no longer than one or two sentences, and you should think of it as a declaration that will direct the outcomes of your project. Your project will include additional data, such as your project budget or stakeholders.
Cross-check your objectives.
Throughout the project, revisit your goals. Students are twice as enthusiastic when they can see how their task benefits the project work. Ensure to check in with your team frequently and inform your supervisor about the project’s goals to maintain alignment and motivation.
Include a component in your project status reports that links to your project goals. Let your supervisor know if your current project is on track, in jeopardy, or off course. In this manner, your project team can make any required adjustments and proceed in a way that best advances the goals of your project.