This document discusses research objectives and how to formulate them properly. The objectives of a research study summarize what is to be achieved by answering the questions of what, where, and why. Well-defined objectives help focus the study, avoid collecting irrelevant data, and organize the study into phases. Objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely. General objectives state what is expected at the end of the study in broad terms, while specific objectives break the goals down into smaller, logical components and use action verbs. Properly formulated objectives aid in developing methodology, collecting and analyzing data, and evaluating the project.

1. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
Dr . Hinda Hassan Khideer Mahmood
MBBS(U of K),MRCP,Nephrology Fellowship(SMSB)

2.  Incidence rate the number of NEWcases
occurring in a defined population at risk
during a specific period of time (for acute
conditions)
 Prevalence ratio :the number of all cases,
OLD &NEW ,in a defined population at risk
during a specific period of time (incidence x
duration of illness)

3. Objectives
 The objectives of a research project
summarize what to be achieved by the study.
 The objectives answer three main questions:
what , where and why

4. Functions of objectives
 Help to focus the study
 Avoid collection of unnecessary & irrelevant
data
 Organize the study in defined parts or phases

5. Characteristics of research
objectives
 Specific S
 Measurable M
 Achievable A = SMART
 Realistic R
 Timely T

6. Classifications of
Objectives
 General Objectives
 Specific Objectives

7. General Objectives
 States what is expected to be achieved by the
end of study in general terms .

8. Specific Objectives
 States what is expected to be achieved in
specific terms (in details)
 It breaks down what is to be achieved by the
study into smaller logical components
 Each specific objective must closely relate to
general objective
 Last objective should focus on how the
results will be used

9. Specific Objectives
 Properly formulated specific objectives will
help in,
- Developing the research methodology
- Collection, interpretation, analysis and
utilization of data
- Evaluation of the project

10. Specific Objectives
 Specific objectives could be one of three
types,
- Estimation objectives, aim at estimating
certain features e.g. incidence and prevalence
rates, level of service utilization
- Association objectives, aim at investigating
the association between a factor and the
problem of interest
- Evaluation objectives, aim at evaluation the
effect of an intervention

11.  Use ACTIONVERBS,
- Calculate
- Determine
- Compare
- Verify
- Establish

12. Stating the Objectives
 Avoid the VAGUE NON-ACTIONVERBS
- Appreciate
- Understand
- Study
- Notice
- Observe

13. Example
General Objective:
To assess the prevalence of hypertension in patients with ESRD
receiving erythropoietin Khartoum dialysis centre from Jan to
May 2009
Specific Objectives:
 To determine the prevalence of hypertension in ESRD patient
receiving erythropoietin
 To determine the relationship between the dose and the
severity of hypertension
 To asses the patient knowledge about this side effect of
erythropoietin and their attitudes towards blood pressure
checking

14. TITLE OF THE STUDY

15.  When objectives are well defined , the title
can be easily generated.

16.  Criteria for the title:
 1-aim specific
 2-place specific
 3-time specific

17. THANKS