This document discusses the importance of clearly defined research objectives. It notes that objectives provide direction and focus for a research study. Without clear objectives, a study risks being aimless and wasting resources. Objectives should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. They summarize what the researcher hopes to achieve by answering research questions or testing hypotheses. Objectives cover the different aspects of a problem and state the actions a researcher will take to investigate variables.

1. Research Objectives
By- Salman khan
Lecturer

2. Introduction
• Research is an organized investigation of a
problem in which there is an attempt to gain
solution to a problem.
• To get right solution of a right problem, clearly
defined objectives are very important.
• Clearly defined objectives enlighten the way
in which the researcher has to proceed.

3. Continued…
• Therefore, clearly defined objectives are an
important feature of a good research study
without which the researcher is aimless and
directionless in conducting the study,
resulting in wastage of resources.
• Without focused objectives, no replicable
scientific findings can be expected from any
type of research.

4. Continued…
• Once the need for research information has been
clearly defined, the researcher must specify the
objectives of proposed research and develop a
specific list of information needed.
• Objectives formulated in quantitative and
qualitative studies are quite similar; however,
objectives formulated in qualitative studies are
broad and include variables that are more
complex and abstract in nature.

5. Meaning of Research Objectives
• ‘A research objective is a clear, concise,
declarative statement, which provides
direction to investigate the variables.’
• Generally, research objectives focus on the
ways to measure the variables, such as to
identify or describe them.
• Sometimes objectives are directed towards
identifying the relationship or difference
between two variables.

6. Continued…
• Research objectives are the results sought by
the researcher at the end of the research
process, i.e. what the researcher will be able
to achieve at the end of the research study.
• The objectives of research projected
summarize what is to be achieved by the
study: Objectives should be closely related to
the statement of the problem.

7. Characteristics of Research Objectives
• Research objectives is a concrete statement
describing what the researcher is trying to
achieve.
• A well worded objective will be SMART, i.e.
• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Realistic
• Time-bound

8. Continued…
• Research objective should be:
• Relevant
• Feasible
• Logical
• Observable
• Unequivocal
• Measurable

9. Continued…
• Objective is a purpose that can be reasonably
achieved within the expected timeframe and
with the available resources.
• The objective of research project summarizes
what is to be achieved by the study.
• The research objectives are the specific
accomplishments the researcher hopes to
achieve by the study.
• The objectives include obtaining answers to
research questions or testing the hypothesis.

10. Method of Stating Objectives
• While stating the objectives of the study, the
following guidelines must be taken care of:
1. The objective should be presented briefly
and concisely.
2. They cover the different aspects of the
problem and their contributing factors in a
coherent way and in a logical sequence.

11. Continued…
3. They are clearly phrased in operational terms,
specifying exactly what researcher is going to
do, where, and for what purpose.
4. They are realistic considering local conditions.
5. They use action verbs that are specific enough
to be evaluated.

12. Continued…
• Examples of action verbs are: to assess, to
identify, to find out, to determine, to
compare, to find, to verify, to calculate, to
describe, to analyze, to establish, etc.
• Avoid the use of vague non-action verbs such
as: to appreciate, to understand, to study, etc.

13. Summary
• A researcher should always keep in mind that
when the project is evaluated, the results will
be compared to the objectives.
• If the objectives has not been spelled out
clearly, the project cannot be considered
complete.