Research Problem Formulation and Objectives

Thursday, February 1, 2018Thursday, February 1, 2018
PROBLEM FORMULATIONPROBLEM FORMULATION
AND OBJECTIVESAND OBJECTIVES

Reference Book: Kabir, SMS (2016). BasicReference Book: Kabir, SMS (2016). Basic
Guidelines for Research: An IntroductoryGuidelines for Research: An Introductory
Approach for All Disciplines. Book ZoneApproach for All Disciplines. Book Zone
Publication, ISBN: 978-984-33-9565-8,Publication, ISBN: 978-984-33-9565-8,
Chittagong-4203, Bangladesh.Chittagong-4203, Bangladesh.
smskabir218@gmail.com;smskabir218@gmail.com;
smskabir@psy.jnu.ac.bdsmskabir@psy.jnu.ac.bd
 What is research problem?What is research problem?
 Why need to formulate the researchWhy need to formulate the research
problem?problem?
 Criteria for selection of the problemCriteria for selection of the problem
 Stages in the selection of research problemStages in the selection of research problem
 How to identify the research problem?How to identify the research problem?
 Formulation of problem statementFormulation of problem statement
 How to write research question?How to write research question?
 Identify research objectives.Identify research objectives.
Topics CoveredTopics Covered

What is Research Problem?What is Research Problem?
A problem is an interrogative sentence orA problem is an interrogative sentence or
statement that asks: what relation existsstatement that asks: what relation exists
between two or more variables?between two or more variables?
Problem definition may include information on-Problem definition may include information on-
 MagnitudeMagnitude
 Time FrameTime Frame
 Geographic areaGeographic area
 PopulationPopulation
 SolutionsSolutions
 Unanswered Questions.Unanswered Questions.
A problem is an interrogative sentence orA problem is an interrogative sentence or
statement that asks: what relation existsstatement that asks: what relation exists
between two or more variables?between two or more variables?
Problem definition may include information on-Problem definition may include information on-
 MagnitudeMagnitude
 Time FrameTime Frame
 Geographic areaGeographic area
 PopulationPopulation
 SolutionsSolutions
 Unanswered Questions.Unanswered Questions.

There are four general conceptualizations of a research problem-There are four general conceptualizations of a research problem-
Casuist Research ProblemCasuist Research Problem - Determination of right and- Determination of right and
wrong in questions of conduct or conscience bywrong in questions of conduct or conscience by
analyzing moral dilemmas.analyzing moral dilemmas.
Difference Research ProblemDifference Research Problem - Is there a difference- Is there a difference
between two or more groups or treatments? This typebetween two or more groups or treatments? This type
of problem statement is used when the researcherof problem statement is used when the researcher
compares or contrasts two or more phenomena.compares or contrasts two or more phenomena.
Descriptive Research ProblemDescriptive Research Problem – “What is...?” with the– “What is...?” with the
underlying purpose to describe a situation, state, orunderlying purpose to describe a situation, state, or
existence of a specific phenomenon.existence of a specific phenomenon.
Relational Research ProblemRelational Research Problem - Relationship of some- Relationship of some
sort between two or more variables to be investigated.sort between two or more variables to be investigated.
To investigate qualities/characteristics that areTo investigate qualities/characteristics that are
connected in some way.connected in some way.
There are four general conceptualizations of a research problem-There are four general conceptualizations of a research problem-
Casuist Research ProblemCasuist Research Problem - Determination of right and- Determination of right and
wrong in questions of conduct or conscience bywrong in questions of conduct or conscience by
analyzing moral dilemmas.analyzing moral dilemmas.
Difference Research ProblemDifference Research Problem - Is there a difference- Is there a difference
between two or more groups or treatments? This typebetween two or more groups or treatments? This type
of problem statement is used when the researcherof problem statement is used when the researcher
compares or contrasts two or more phenomena.compares or contrasts two or more phenomena.
Descriptive Research ProblemDescriptive Research Problem – “What is...?” with the– “What is...?” with the
underlying purpose to describe a situation, state, orunderlying purpose to describe a situation, state, or
existence of a specific phenomenon.existence of a specific phenomenon.
Relational Research ProblemRelational Research Problem - Relationship of some- Relationship of some
sort between two or more variables to be investigated.sort between two or more variables to be investigated.
To investigate qualities/characteristics that areTo investigate qualities/characteristics that are
connected in some way.connected in some way.

A problem statement must have the following characteristics-A problem statement must have the following characteristics-
It should…It should…
 ask about a relationship betweenask about a relationship between
two or more variables.two or more variables.
 be stated clearly and unambiguously,be stated clearly and unambiguously,
usually in question form.usually in question form.
 be possible to collect data orbe possible to collect data or
answer the questions asked.answer the questions asked.
 not represent a moral or ethicalnot represent a moral or ethical
position.position.
A problem statement must have the following characteristics-A problem statement must have the following characteristics-
It should…It should…
 ask about a relationship betweenask about a relationship between
two or more variables.two or more variables.
 be stated clearly and unambiguously,be stated clearly and unambiguously,
usually in question form.usually in question form.
 be possible to collect data orbe possible to collect data or
answer the questions asked.answer the questions asked.
 not represent a moral or ethicalnot represent a moral or ethical
position.position.

Research QuestionResearch Question
In some social science disciplines the researchIn some social science disciplines the research
problem is typically posed in the form of aproblem is typically posed in the form of a
question. Good research questions are-question. Good research questions are-
 RelevantRelevant
 ManageableManageable
 Substantial and originalSubstantial and original
 Fit for assessmentFit for assessment
 Clear and simpleClear and simple
 Interesting.Interesting.

Do not confuse a research problem with a
research topic. A topic is something to read and
obtain information about whereas a problem is
something to solve or framed as a question that
must be answered.
A good research question helps to-
 guide the research process
 construct a logical argument
 write a literature review
 plan thesis chapters
 devise efficient search strategies.

A well defined research question has six properties-A well defined research question has six properties-
 Identifies the theoretical construct you wantIdentifies the theoretical construct you want
to learn more about.to learn more about.
 AAssists you to code literature according to assists you to code literature according to a
logical structure.logical structure.
 TTranscends the data used to conduct theranscends the data used to conduct the
research.research.
 DDraws attention to the significance of theraws attention to the significance of the
research.research.
 HHas the capacity to surprise the researcher asas the capacity to surprise the researcher as
they research.they research.
 Encourages a complex answer.Encourages a complex answer.

A research question is not the same as a thesis title,A research question is not the same as a thesis title,
research problem, hypothesis or research focus, althoughresearch problem, hypothesis or research focus, although
they are interrelated and support one another.they are interrelated and support one another.

 A research question summarizes the significantA research question summarizes the significant
issue your research will investigate.issue your research will investigate.

 The title consists of the topic and outcome ofThe title consists of the topic and outcome of
aa
research project.research project.

 The research problem explains the knowledgeThe research problem explains the knowledge
gap your research will address.gap your research will address.

 A hypothesis is a predicted answer to theA hypothesis is a predicted answer to the
research question that can be tested and isresearch question that can be tested and is
based on prior research.based on prior research.

 A research focus specifies the scope or domainA research focus specifies the scope or domain
of inquiry.of inquiry.

Why Need to FormulateWhy Need to Formulate
Research Problem?Research Problem?
A proper definition of research problem willA proper definition of research problem will
enable the researcher to be on the track. Theenable the researcher to be on the track. The
formulation of a research problem is like theformulation of a research problem is like the
identification of a destination beforeidentification of a destination before
undertaking a journey.undertaking a journey.
In the absence of a clear research problem, aIn the absence of a clear research problem, a
clear and economical plan is impossible. Aclear and economical plan is impossible. A
research problem serves as the foundation of aresearch problem serves as the foundation of a
research study; if it is well formulated, youresearch study; if it is well formulated, you
can expect a good study to follow. If onecan expect a good study to follow. If one
wants to solve a problem, one must generallywants to solve a problem, one must generally
know what the problem is (Kerlinger, 1986).know what the problem is (Kerlinger, 1986).

Criteria for Selection of the ProblemCriteria for Selection of the Problem
The criteria for the selection of the problem suggested by Good and Scates are -The criteria for the selection of the problem suggested by Good and Scates are -
 Novelty and avoidance of unnecessaryNovelty and avoidance of unnecessary
duplications.duplications.
 Importance for the field represented andImportance for the field represented and
implementation.implementation.
 Interest, intellectual curiosity, and drive.Interest, intellectual curiosity, and drive.
 Training and personal qualifications.Training and personal qualifications.
 Availability of data and method.Availability of data and method.
 Special equipment and working conditions.Special equipment and working conditions.
 Approachability of the sample.Approachability of the sample.
 Sponsorship and administrative cooperation.Sponsorship and administrative cooperation.
 Hazards, penalties and handicaps.Hazards, penalties and handicaps.
 Cost and returns.Cost and returns.
 Time factor.Time factor.
The criteria for the selection of the problem suggested by Good and Scates are -The criteria for the selection of the problem suggested by Good and Scates are -
 Novelty and avoidance of unnecessaryNovelty and avoidance of unnecessary
duplications.duplications.
 Importance for the field represented andImportance for the field represented and
implementation.implementation.
 Interest, intellectual curiosity, and drive.Interest, intellectual curiosity, and drive.
 Training and personal qualifications.Training and personal qualifications.
 Availability of data and method.Availability of data and method.
 Special equipment and working conditions.Special equipment and working conditions.
 Approachability of the sample.Approachability of the sample.
 Sponsorship and administrative cooperation.Sponsorship and administrative cooperation.
 Hazards, penalties and handicaps.Hazards, penalties and handicaps.
 Cost and returns.Cost and returns.
 Time factor.Time factor.

Criteria for Selection of the ProblemCriteria for Selection of the Problem
Hildreth Hoke McAshan has proposed the following questions for judging the merits of a problem…Hildreth Hoke McAshan has proposed the following questions for judging the merits of a problem…
1.1. Is the problem really important?Is the problem really important?
2.2. Is the problem interesting to others?Is the problem interesting to others?
3.3. Is the chosen problem a real problem?Is the chosen problem a real problem?
4.4. Does the problem display originality and creativeness?Does the problem display originality and creativeness?
5.5. Am I really concerned with finding the solution?Am I really concerned with finding the solution?
6.6. Am I able to state hypotheses from the problem in a testable form?Am I able to state hypotheses from the problem in a testable form?
7.7. Will I learn something new from this problem?Will I learn something new from this problem?
8.8. Do I understand the relationship of this specific problem to the broaderDo I understand the relationship of this specific problem to the broader
problem area?problem area?
9.9. Will be able to select a sample from which I can generalize to some population?Will be able to select a sample from which I can generalize to some population?
10.10. Will some other intelligent person be able to replicate the study?Will some other intelligent person be able to replicate the study?
11.11. Will my proposed data-gathering instruments actually give the informationWill my proposed data-gathering instruments actually give the information
which I want?which I want?
12.12. Is the study, including the application of its results, practical?Is the study, including the application of its results, practical?
13.13. The number of affirmative answers should be required for a suitable problem.The number of affirmative answers should be required for a suitable problem.
Hildreth Hoke McAshan has proposed the following questions for judging the merits of a problem…Hildreth Hoke McAshan has proposed the following questions for judging the merits of a problem…
1.1. Is the problem really important?Is the problem really important?
2.2. Is the problem interesting to others?Is the problem interesting to others?
3.3. Is the chosen problem a real problem?Is the chosen problem a real problem?
4.4. Does the problem display originality and creativeness?Does the problem display originality and creativeness?
5.5. Am I really concerned with finding the solution?Am I really concerned with finding the solution?
6.6. Am I able to state hypotheses from the problem in a testable form?Am I able to state hypotheses from the problem in a testable form?
7.7. Will I learn something new from this problem?Will I learn something new from this problem?
8.8. Do I understand the relationship of this specific problem to the broaderDo I understand the relationship of this specific problem to the broader
problem area?problem area?
9.9. Will be able to select a sample from which I can generalize to some population?Will be able to select a sample from which I can generalize to some population?
10.10. Will some other intelligent person be able to replicate the study?Will some other intelligent person be able to replicate the study?
11.11. Will my proposed data-gathering instruments actually give the informationWill my proposed data-gathering instruments actually give the information
which I want?which I want?
12.12. Is the study, including the application of its results, practical?Is the study, including the application of its results, practical?
13.13. The number of affirmative answers should be required for a suitable problem.The number of affirmative answers should be required for a suitable problem.

Stages in Selection ofStages in Selection of
Research ProblemResearch ProblemBroadly the selection of research problem would involveBroadly the selection of research problem would involve
following three stages, each of these stages canfollowing three stages, each of these stages can
conveniently be divided into a variety of steps.conveniently be divided into a variety of steps.
 Selection of Problem AreaProblem Area
 Identification of theIdentification of the
ProblemProblem
 Interpretation or AnalysisInterpretation or Analysis
of the Problem.of the Problem.

Stages in Selection of Research ProblemStages in Selection of Research Problem
For the selection of problem area, it is essentiallyFor the selection of problem area, it is essentially
trying to answer some questions as –trying to answer some questions as –
• Is the problem researchable, interesting,Is the problem researchable, interesting,
research already in existence orresearch already in existence or
manageable size?manageable size?
• Is it a new problem or the work on theIs it a new problem or the work on the
problem has already in existence?problem has already in existence?

Problem area can be identified from –Problem area can be identified from –
• Advanced study and critical reading.Advanced study and critical reading.
• Analysis and interpretation of the alreadyAnalysis and interpretation of the already
available evidences, practices, trends oravailable evidences, practices, trends or
needs in a particular area.needs in a particular area.
SelectionofProblemAreaSelectionofProblemArea

IdentificationoftheProblemIdentificationoftheProblem
External FactorsExternal Factors
• Novelty of theNovelty of the
ProblemProblem
• SignificanceSignificance
• SourceSource
• Techniques toTechniques to
be Employedbe Employed
• SponsorshipSponsorship
• WorkingWorking
Internal FactorsInternal Factors
• InterestInterest
• IntellectualIntellectual
• CuriosityCuriosity
• TrainingTraining
• TemperamentTemperament
• PersonalPersonal
Characteristics.Characteristics.

Some other internal factors are –Some other internal factors are –
▪▪Costs InvolvedCosts Involved ▪▪RisksRisks
▪▪Timings, andTimings, and ▪▪Motivation, etc.Motivation, etc.

Five simple questions to ourselves to ensure its feasibility.Five simple questions to ourselves to ensure its feasibility.
A.A. What Do You Want to Know?What Do You Want to Know?
B.B. Where and How Will You GetWhere and How Will You Get
the Information?the Information?
This has two parts: where to getThis has two parts: where to get
the information and how to get it.the information and how to get it.
C.C. Who Will Collect theWho Will Collect the
Information?Information?
E.E. What Does It Mean?What Does It Mean?
D.D. How Will the Information beHow Will the Information be
Analyzed?Analyzed?
InterpretationorAnalysisInterpretationorAnalysis
oftheProblemoftheProblem

Sources of Research Problem/Sources of Research Problem/
How to Identify the Research Problem?How to Identify the Research Problem?
To select a problem from which to build a researchTo select a problem from which to build a research
study, consider these broad sources of inspiration-study, consider these broad sources of inspiration-
Deductions from Theory:Deductions from Theory: Deductions made from socialDeductions made from social
philosophy or generalizations embodied in life in societyphilosophy or generalizations embodied in life in society
that the researcher is familiar with.that the researcher is familiar with.
Interdisciplinary Perspectives:Interdisciplinary Perspectives: A research study canA research study can
come from academic movements and scholarshipcome from academic movements and scholarship
originating in disciplines outside of your primary area oforiginating in disciplines outside of your primary area of
study.study.
Interviewing Practitioners:Interviewing Practitioners: Can arise from formal orCan arise from formal or
informal discussions with practitioners who provideinformal discussions with practitioners who provide
insight into new directions for future research and howinsight into new directions for future research and how
to make research findings increasingly relevant toto make research findings increasingly relevant to
practice.practice.

Sources of Research ProblemSources of Research Problem
Personal Experience:Personal Experience: Your everyday experiencesYour everyday experiences
can give rise to worthwhile problems forcan give rise to worthwhile problems for
investigation. Think critically about your owninvestigation. Think critically about your own
experiences and/or frustrations with an issueexperiences and/or frustrations with an issue
facing society, your community, or in yourfacing society, your community, or in your
neighborhood.neighborhood.

Relevant Literature:Relevant Literature: Research may be conductedResearch may be conducted
to: (a) fill gaps in knowledge; (b) evaluate if theto: (a) fill gaps in knowledge; (b) evaluate if the
methodologies employed in prior studies can bemethodologies employed in prior studies can be
adapted to solve other problems; or, (c) determineadapted to solve other problems; or, (c) determine
if a similar study could be conducted in a differentif a similar study could be conducted in a different
subject area or applied to different study samplesubject area or applied to different study sample
[i.e., different groups of people].[i.e., different groups of people].

A problem statement is a clear concise descriptionA problem statement is a clear concise description
of the issue(s) that need(s) to be addressed by aof the issue(s) that need(s) to be addressed by a
problem solving team. It has a specific form-problem solving team. It has a specific form-
 Vision - what does the world lookVision - what does the world look
like if we solve the problem?like if we solve the problem?
 Issue Statement - one or twoIssue Statement - one or two
sentences that describe the problemsentences that describe the problem
using specific issues.using specific issues.
 Method - the process that will getMethod - the process that will get
followed to solve the problem.followed to solve the problem.
A problem statement is a clear concise descriptionA problem statement is a clear concise description
of the issue(s) that need(s) to be addressed by aof the issue(s) that need(s) to be addressed by a
problem solving team. It has a specific form-problem solving team. It has a specific form-
 Vision - what does the world lookVision - what does the world look
like if we solve the problem?like if we solve the problem?
 Issue Statement - one or twoIssue Statement - one or two
sentences that describe the problemsentences that describe the problem
using specific issues.using specific issues.
 Method - the process that will getMethod - the process that will get
followed to solve the problem.followed to solve the problem.
Formulation of Problem StatementFormulation of Problem Statement

The 5 ‘W’s - Who, What, Where, When and Why - is a great tool that helpsThe 5 ‘W’s - Who, What, Where, When and Why - is a great tool that helps
get pertinent information about the formulation of problem statement.get pertinent information about the formulation of problem statement.
The 5 ‘W’s - Who, What, Where, When and Why - is a great tool that helpsThe 5 ‘W’s - Who, What, Where, When and Why - is a great tool that helps
get pertinent information about the formulation of problem statement.get pertinent information about the formulation of problem statement.
Formulation of Problem StatementFormulation of Problem Statement
 WhoWho -- Who does the problem affect? SpecificWho does the problem affect? Specific
groups, organizations, customers, etc.groups, organizations, customers, etc.
 WhatWhat -- What are the boundaries of theWhat are the boundaries of the
problem, e.g. organizational, work flow,problem, e.g. organizational, work flow,
geographic, customer, segments, etc.geographic, customer, segments, etc.
 WhenWhen -- When does the issue occur? – WhenWhen does the issue occur? – When
does it need to be fixed?does it need to be fixed?
 WhereWhere -- Where is the issue occurring? Only inWhere is the issue occurring? Only in
certain locations, processes, products,certain locations, processes, products,
etc.etc.
 WhyWhy -- Why is it important that we fix theWhy is it important that we fix the
problem?problem?

Specify the Research ObjectivesSpecify the Research ObjectivesSpecify the Research ObjectivesSpecify the Research Objectives
Review the Environment orReview the Environment or
Context of the Research ProblemContext of the Research Problem
Review the Environment orReview the Environment or
Context of the Research ProblemContext of the Research Problem
Explore the Nature
of the Problem
Explore the Nature
of the Problem
Define the Variable RelationshipsDefine the Variable Relationships
Consequences of AlternativeConsequences of Alternative
Courses of ActionCourses of Action
Consequences of AlternativeConsequences of Alternative
Courses of ActionCourses of Action
Thursday, February 1, 2018Thursday, February 1, 2018SMS Kabir, University of ChittagongSMS Kabir, University of Chittagong
5 Ways to Formulate the Research Problem5 Ways to Formulate the Research Problem
11
22
33
44
55

How to Write Research Question?How to Write Research Question?
A research question is a clear, focused,A research question is a clear, focused,
concise, complex and arguable question aroundconcise, complex and arguable question around
which you center your research. Guidelines forwhich you center your research. Guidelines for
writing a research question-writing a research question-
 Choose an interesting general topic.Choose an interesting general topic.
 Do some preliminary research on yourDo some preliminary research on your
general topic.general topic.
 Consider your audience.Consider your audience.
 Start asking questions.Start asking questions.
 Evaluate your question.Evaluate your question.


Unclear:Unclear: Why are social networking sitesWhy are social networking sites
harmful?harmful?
Clear:Clear: How are online users experiencing orHow are online users experiencing or
addressing privacy issues on such socialaddressing privacy issues on such social
networking sites as MySpace andnetworking sites as MySpace and
Facebook?Facebook?

The unclear version of this question doesn’t specifyThe unclear version of this question doesn’t specify
which social networking sites or suggest what kindwhich social networking sites or suggest what kind
of harm the sites are causing. It also assumesof harm the sites are causing. It also assumes
that this “harm” is proven and/or accepted. Thethat this “harm” is proven and/or accepted. The
clearer version specifies sites (MySpace andclearer version specifies sites (MySpace and
Facebook), the type of harm (privacy issues), andFacebook), the type of harm (privacy issues), and
who the issue is harming (users). A strong researchwho the issue is harming (users). A strong research
question should never leave room for ambiguity orquestion should never leave room for ambiguity or
interpretation. interpretation.
HowtoWriteResearchQuestion?HowtoWriteResearchQuestion?
Sample Research QuestionsSample Research Questions

Unfocused: Unfocused: What is the effect on theWhat is the effect on the
environment from global warming?environment from global warming?
Focused: Focused: How is glacial melting affectingHow is glacial melting affecting
penguinspenguins
in Antarctica?in Antarctica?
The unfocused research question is so broad thatThe unfocused research question is so broad that
it couldn’t be adequately answered in a book-lengthit couldn’t be adequately answered in a book-length
piece, let alone a standard college-level paper. Thepiece, let alone a standard college-level paper. The
focused version narrows down to a specific causefocused version narrows down to a specific cause
(glacial melting), a specific place (Antarctica), and(glacial melting), a specific place (Antarctica), and
a specific group that is affected (penguins). Whena specific group that is affected (penguins). When
in doubt, make a research question as narrow andin doubt, make a research question as narrow and
focused as possible.focused as possible.

Too simple: Too simple: How are doctors addressing diabetes inHow are doctors addressing diabetes in
Bangladesh?Bangladesh?
Appropriately Complex:Appropriately Complex: What are common traitsWhat are common traits
of those suffering from diabetes in Bangladesh,of those suffering from diabetes in Bangladesh,
and how can these commonalities be used to aidand how can these commonalities be used to aid
the medical community in prevention of thethe medical community in prevention of the
disease?disease?
The simple version of this question can be looked upThe simple version of this question can be looked up
online and answered in a few factual sentences; itonline and answered in a few factual sentences; it
leaves no room for analysis. The more complex versionleaves no room for analysis. The more complex version
is written in two parts; it is thought provoking andis written in two parts; it is thought provoking and
requires both significant investigation and evaluationrequires both significant investigation and evaluation
from the writer. As a general rule of thumb, if a quickfrom the writer. As a general rule of thumb, if a quick
Google search can answer a research question, it’s likelyGoogle search can answer a research question, it’s likely
not very effective.not very effective.

Identify Research ObjectivesIdentify Research Objectives
 Research objectives address the purpose of
the investigation and types of knowledge to be
generated.
 Looking at the objectives of a research one
can anticipate what is to be achieved by the
study.
 A research objective includes exploration,
description, explanation, prediction, evaluation
and impact assessment.
 In a descriptive study, the objectives can be
stated as the research questions. In a causal
study, the objectives are usually stated in the
form of hypotheses.

While formulating the research objectives, keep in mindWhile formulating the research objectives, keep in mind
that the results would be compared to the objectivesthat the results would be compared to the objectives
when the study is evaluated. For this reason objectiveswhen the study is evaluated. For this reason objectives
fulfill certain criteria –fulfill certain criteria –
 They are realistic to fit the localThey are realistic to fit the local
environment.environment.
 They cover the different aspects of theThey cover the different aspects of the
problem.problem.
 They consider the contributing factors in aThey consider the contributing factors in a
coherent way and in a logical sequence.coherent way and in a logical sequence.
 They consider the ethical issues, if any.They consider the ethical issues, if any.
 They are clearly phrased in operationalThey are clearly phrased in operational
terms.terms.

It is best to state the objectives of a study in general termsIt is best to state the objectives of a study in general terms
first and then moving down to specific terms. From this pointfirst and then moving down to specific terms. From this point
of view, objectives are of two types –of view, objectives are of two types – generalgeneral andand specificspecific..

General Objectives:General Objectives: The general objective of a studyThe general objective of a study
states what is expected to be achieved by the study instates what is expected to be achieved by the study in
general terms.general terms.
Specific Objectives:Specific Objectives: After rightly stated the generalAfter rightly stated the general
objectives, it is advisable to break it down into severalobjectives, it is advisable to break it down into several
smaller, logically connected parts. Specific objectivessmaller, logically connected parts. Specific objectives
should systematically address the various aspects of theshould systematically address the various aspects of the
problems and the key factors that are assumed toproblems and the key factors that are assumed to
influence or cause the problems. If formulated properly,influence or cause the problems. If formulated properly,
specific objectives will facilitate the development of thespecific objectives will facilitate the development of the
research methodology and will help the researcher toresearch methodology and will help the researcher to
orient the collection, analysis, interpretation andorient the collection, analysis, interpretation and
utilization of data.utilization of data.

Immediate Objectives:Immediate Objectives: In addition to generalIn addition to general
objective and specific objectives, a few studies,objective and specific objectives, a few studies,
particularly evaluative studies attempt to specifyparticularly evaluative studies attempt to specify
immediate objective. It serves to indicate the focusimmediate objective. It serves to indicate the focus
of the proposed research in behavioral terms. Theof the proposed research in behavioral terms. The
objective should specify the following points –objective should specify the following points –
• Who will conduct the study?Who will conduct the study?
• When and where the study will be conducted?When and where the study will be conducted?
• What are the key variables to be included?What are the key variables to be included?

Ultimate Objective:Ultimate Objective: Most applied research studiesMost applied research studies
have a statement of ultimate objective that focuseshave a statement of ultimate objective that focuses
on how the results will be used to motivate theon how the results will be used to motivate the
program managers and policymakers forprogram managers and policymakers for
implementing and executing the recommendationsimplementing and executing the recommendations
followed from the survey results.followed from the survey results.

QuestionsQuestions
AnswersAnswersReference Book: Kabir, SMS (2016). BasicReference Book: Kabir, SMS (2016). Basic
Publication, ISBN: 978-984-33-9565-8,Publication, ISBN: 978-984-33-9565-8, Thursday, February 1, 2018Thursday, February 1, 2018

Thursday, February 1, 2018
Reference Book: Kabir, SMS (2016). Basic
Guidelines for Research: An Introductory
Approach for All Disciplines. Book Zone
Publication, ISBN: 978-984-33-9565-8,
Chittagong-4203, Bangladesh.

Research Problem Formulation and Objectives

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Research Problem Formulation and Objectives

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