In research, objectives are the specific statements that describe what a researcher aims to achieve in a study. They guide the whole research process and help in formulating research questions, methodology, and data analysis. Types of Research Objectives: General Objective (Broad Aim): Also called the overall objective. States the broad purpose of the study in one or two sentences. Example: To assess the effectiveness of simulation integrated OSCE in improving evaluation skills among teaching faculty. Specific Objectives (Narrow, Measurable Goals): Derived from the general objective. Focused, clear, and measurable. They usually begin with action verbs like to assess, to determine, to compare, to evaluate, to identify, to analyze, to explore. Characteristics of Good Research Objectives (SMART): Specific – clearly state what you want to study. Measurable – possible to quantify or assess. Achievable – realistic and practical. Relevant – aligned with the purpose of the study. Time-bound – feasible within a given timeframe. Example in Nursing Research: Title: A study to assess the knowledge and practice regarding toilet training among mothers of preschool children. General Objective: To assess the knowledge and practice regarding toilet training among mothers of preschool children. Specific Objectives: To assess the knowledge of mothers regarding toilet training. To evaluate the practice of mothers regarding toilet training. To find the association between knowledge and practice regarding toilet training among mothers with selected demographic variables.

1. Research
Objectives in
Nursing
LECTURE - II
AARTI SHARMA

2. Introduction
• • Research objectives are statements that
describe what the researcher aims to
achieve.
• • They act as a roadmap for the research
process.
• • Without clear objectives, research may
lose focus.
• • In nursing, objectives help to focus on
patient care, education, and community
needs.

3. Importance of Research Objectives in
Nursing
• • Provide clear direction to the study.
• • Help in planning methodology.
• • Focus on specific nursing problems.
• • Assist in data analysis and interpretation.
• • Improve applicability of findings in clinical
practice.

4. Characteristics of Good Research
Objectives
• • SMART:
• - Specific
• - Measurable
• - Achievable
• - Relevant
• - Time-bound
• • Clear, concise, and feasible.
• • Aligned with the research problem.

5. Types of Research Objectives
• 1. General Objective (Broad Aim): Overall
purpose of the study.
• Example: To assess effectiveness of a
teaching program on breastfeeding
practices among postnatal mothers.
• 2. Specific Objectives (Stepwise Goals):
Smaller, measurable tasks.
• Example:
• • To assess mothers’ baseline

6. Example 1 – Nursing Education
General Objective: To evaluate the
effectiveness of simulation-integrated OSCE
in improving evaluation skills among nursing
faculty.
Specific Objectives:
• • To assess baseline evaluation skills of
faculty.
• • To provide OSCE training using
simulation.
• • To compare pre- and post-test evaluation
skills.

7. Example 2 – Community Nursing
• General Objective: To assess knowledge
and practice of mothers regarding toilet
training of preschool children.
• Specific Objectives:
• • To assess pre-test knowledge and
practice.
• • To implement a structured teaching
program.
• • To assess post-test knowledge and
practice.

8. Example 3 – Child Health Nursing
• General Objective: To evaluate the
effectiveness of video-assisted teaching
on road safety among school children.
• Specific Objectives:
• • To assess baseline knowledge about
road safety.
• • To provide video-assisted teaching.
• • To assess post-test knowledge.
• • To compare pre- and post-test scores.
• Why Important? → Reduces accidents

9. Example 4 – Medical-Surgical Nursing
• General Objective: To assess knowledge
and practice of staff nurses regarding
standard precautions for infection control.
• Specific Objectives:
• • To assess knowledge of nurses about
standard precautions.
• • To observe current practices.
• • To implement training on infection control
protocol.

10. Steps in Formulating Research
Objectives
• 1. Identify nursing problem (e.g., anemia in
girls).
• 2. Review related literature.
• 3. Write general objective.
• 4. Break into specific objectives that are
measurable.
• 5. Check SMART criteria.

11. Common Mistakes by Students
• • Objectives too broad or vague.
• • Using non-measurable terms like 'to
know' or 'to understand'.
• • Having too many objectives.
• • Objectives not matching research
problem.
• • Unrealistic objectives for student
research.

12. Conclusion
• • Research objectives are the foundation
of nursing research.
• • They provide clarity, direction, and focus.
• • Always include one General Objective
and 3–5 Specific Objectives.
• • Must be SMART for success.

13. References
• Polit & Beck, Nursing Research.
• Sharma S.K., Nursing Research and Statistics.
• Recent Nursing Dissertations.