How to develop
Research Aim, Hypothesis, Objectives, Research questions
Knowledge base
Knowledge Gap
Literature Review
Research Gap
Research Framework
Theoretical Framework
Methodological Framework
Data: Collection, Analysis, Interpretation
Research Aim
Fill research Gap
Research Objectives
Objective 1
Objective 3
Objective 2
∑ of Objectives < AIM
Research Objectives
• Objectives should be closely related to the Research
Gap that is stated in the Problem Statement
•For example, if the problem identified is crime in
housing estates, the general objective of the study could
be identifying the patterns of crimes, or reasons of
crimes, in order to find solutions
Why should Research Objectives be
developed?
The formulation of objectives will help to:
-Focus the study (narrowing down to essentials)
-Avoid the collection of data which are not strictly
necessary for understanding and solving the problem
you have identified; and
-Organize the study in clearly defined parts or phrases
How to develop Research Objectives
• The general aim of a study states what researchers expect to
achieve by the study in general terms
• Break down a general aim into smaller logically connected parts.
These are normally referred to as research objectives
• Specific research objectives should systematically address the
various aspects of the problem
Structuring the Research Objectives
• Cover the different aspects of the problem and its
contributing factors in a coherent way and in a logical
sequence
• Are clearly phrased in operational terms, specifying
exactly what you are going to do, where, and for what
purpose
• Are realistic considering local conditions; and
• use action verbs that are specific enough to be evaluated
Action Verbs in Research Objectives
• Use action verbs that are specific enough to be evaluated
-examples of action verbs are: to determine, to compare, to verify,
to calculate, to describe, or to establish
-Avoid the use of vague non-action verbs such as: to appreciate,
to understand, or to study
Significance of Quantifying
• The first specific objective usually focuses on quantifying or
specifying the problem
• This is necessary in many studies, especially when a problem
has been defined (but not quantified) for which subsequently the
major causes have to be identified.
• Measurable statements
• Good objectives will portray the research instruments, samples,
data analysis techniques that will be used later
How to express quantification
• Quantitative:
-To identify what…(questionnaires, standardized test, etc.)
(descriptive analysis etc.)
-To identify the impact…(achievement test etc.) (inferential
analysis-t test etc.)
Qualitative Objectives
• Qualitative
-To identify how..(observation, interviews, log data etc.)
(thematic analysis)
-To identify why (interviews, observations etc) (thematic analysis
etc.)
-To investigate how (interviews, observations etc) (content
analysis etc.)
• Combine the Quantitative objective with Qualitative –any
research requires this.
Developing Research Questions
• transform your objectives in a question form of
statements
• Quantitative:
-To identify what..—What is the…
- To identify the impact…--what is the
• Qualitative
-To identify how..—How..
-To identify why—Why…
-To investigate how—How..
Quantitative + Qualitative
• Quantitative + Qualitative research question is what a
research requires
-Students move from low level of achievement to high
level of achievement when using the system
No. Research Problem Research Objectives Research Questions
1. Factor that influence the To identify the factors What are the factors
development of critical that…
thinking What are the
To investigate the impact impacts of the
2.
The impact of similar of the developed system developed system
developed system-based on based on approach A based on approach
approach A toward towards A on test
achievement and critical -test achievement achievement?
thinking -Student’s critical thinking
How the system
3. Developing critical thinking To identify how the system assists students in
through approach A and assists students in developing high
system developing high level level critical thinking
critical thinking How does system
improves student’s
4. Discussion on critical thinking To identify how does achievement in test
and achievement in test system improves student’s based on the
achievement in test based development of
on the development of critical thinking
critical thinking
No Research Question Theories Instruments Data analysis
/Principles
1. What are the factors….on Approach A’s Questionnaire,
approach A principle interviews
2. What are the impacts of the Achievement test Analysis of
developed system based on comparing
approach A on test Means-T est
achievement? etc.
3. What are the impacts of the Critical thinking Critical thinking Analysis of
developed system based on model, approach test comparing
approach A on student’s critical A’s principles Means-T est
thinking? etc.
4. How the system assists students Critical thinking Interviews, Thematic
in developing high level critical model observations, log analysis,
thinking? data decision tree
analysis,
5. How does system improves Critical thinking Interviews, content
students achievement in test model observations, log analysis
based on the development data
Summary
• Quantitative or Qualitative Research?
Mixed
•Explain Quantitative
•Then explain Qualitative
•Done!
Thank you!