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Another important aspect in any research methods is considering what should be in a research objective. The research objective can be literally defined as the goals to be achieved through the research. The objective summarise what is to be achieved by the particular research or study. It is obviously important that the objectives should be closely related to the statement of the problem. It is commonly known in academic area that the research objective can be of two types; the general and the specific one.

IDRC (n.d) explained that the general objective of a research states what researchers expect to achieve by the study in general terms. It is about what the researcher anticipate by his/her research. It is possible and advisable to break down a general objective into smaller, logically connected parts. These are normally referred to as specific objectives.

Specific objectives should systematically address the various aspects of the problem as defined under the ‘statement of the problem’ and the key factors that are assumed to influence or cause the problem. They should specify what the researcher will do in his/her study, where and for what purpose. (IDRC, n.d).
IDRC (n.d) further added that the research objectives should be clearly developed since it will help researcher to:

(i)    Focus the study by narrowing it down to essentials;

(ii)    Avoid the collection of data which are not strictly necessary for understanding and solving the problem you have identified; and

(iii)    Organize the study in clearly defined parts or phases.

In addition properly formulated, specific objectives will facilitate the development of research methodology and will help to orient the collection, analysis, interpretation and utilisation of data.

It is also important to note that, as mentioned by IDRC (n.d) that the research objective should be able to:

(i)    Cover the different aspects of the problem and its contributing factors in a coherent way and in a logical sequence;

(ii)    Are clearly phrased in operational terms, specifying exactly what you are going to do, where, and for what purpose;

(iii)    Are realistic considering local conditions; and

(iv)    Use action verbs that are specific enough to be evaluated.

Research objective also are the steps he/she are going to take to answer his/her research questions or a specific list of tasks needed to accomplish the goals of the project. It should emphasize how aims are to be accomplished. At the same time must be highly focused and feasible and address the more immediate project outcomes. Objective also should be able to make accurate use of concepts and be sensible and precisely described and lastly are usually numbered so that each objective reads as an ‘individual’ statement to convey his/her intentions. Bryman & Bell (n.d).

For each specific objective you must have a method to attempt to achieve it. The development of a realistic time schedule may help to prioritize the researcher objectives and help to minimize wasted time and effort.

Bryman & Bell (n.d) also stressed that the objectives of any particular research should be consisted of the elements below:

(i)    be presented concisely and briefly;

(ii)    be interrelated. The aim is what the researcher want to achieve, and the objective describes how he/she is going to achieve that aim;

(iii)    be realistic about what can be accomplished in the duration of the project and the other commitments;

(iv)    provide indicators of how the researcher :

(a)    intend to approach the literature and theoretical issues related to the project ;
(b)    intend to access any chosen subjects, respondents, units, goods or services and develop a sampling frame and strategy or a rationale for their selection ;
(c)    will develop a strategy and design for data collection and analysis ;
(d)    will deal with ethical and practical problems in your research .

It should also be remembered that at the conclusion of the project the researcher will need to assess whether or not he/she have met his/her objectives and if not, why not. Whatever the case, the conclusion will still have to reflect on how well the research design that was guided by your objectives has contributed to addressing your aims.

References and further readings:

1. Ary, D., Jacobs L.C., Sorensen C.K, (2010). Introduction to Research in Education. Eighth Edition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Company;
2. Bryman & Bell (n.d): Research Project Guide, Formulating research aims and objectives. Oxford University Press;
3. Leedy, Paul. D, and Ormrod, Jeanne E. (2001). Practical Research: Planning and Design. (7th Ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill Prentice Hall;
4. The International Development Research Center (IDRC): Formulation Of Research  Objectives;
5. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire : Generating A Research Hypothesis.

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