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Developing Effective Research Objectives

Research objectives should be developed to focus a study, avoid unnecessary data collection, and organize the study. Good objectives are stated simply, measurable, attainable, results-oriented, and time-bound. Hypotheses guide research by tentatively explaining relationships between variables. The theoretical framework explains relationships between abstract concepts, while the conceptual framework uses specific constructs. Variables include the independent variable causing changes in the dependent variable, and intervening variables between them. A study's significance, scope, limitations, and definition of key terms should also be established.

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14 views3 pages

Developing Effective Research Objectives

Research objectives should be developed to focus a study, avoid unnecessary data collection, and organize the study. Good objectives are stated simply, measurable, attainable, results-oriented, and time-bound. Hypotheses guide research by tentatively explaining relationships between variables. The theoretical framework explains relationships between abstract concepts, while the conceptual framework uses specific constructs. Variables include the independent variable causing changes in the dependent variable, and intervening variables between them. A study's significance, scope, limitations, and definition of key terms should also be established.

Uploaded by

Christian Alberto Addun
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Why should research objectives be developed?

The formulation of objectives will help you to:


Focus The Study (narrowing it 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 phases.
Properly formulated, specific objectives will facilitate the development of
your research methodology and will help to orient the collection, analysis,
interpretation and utilization of data.

Characteristics of a Good Research Objective

Should be:
1. stated in simple language
2. measurable concepts
3. attainable
4. result oriented
5. Time bounded

Hypothesis

Hypothesis is a tentative, intelligent guess as to the solution of the problem.


 There is often a 1-1 correspondence between a sub problem and a
hypothesis.
 Hypotheses can direct later research activities since they can help
determine the nature of the research and methods applied.

Types of Hypothesis

Null Hypothesis is a denial of an existence, an attribute, a relationship, a


difference or an effect.
Alternative Hypothesis states the very opposite of the of what the null hypothesis
predicts. It affirms the existence of a phenomenon.
Characteristics of a good hypothesis:
1. measurable
2. testable
3. conforms with the result of previous studies

Uses of the Hypothesis

Hypotheses serve the following uses:


1. They provide guide and direction to the research
2. Indicate the major independent and dependent
variable being considered
3. Suggest the type of data that must be collected
4. Suggest the type of analyses that must be made
5. Indicate the type of statistical measures
appropriate to the various test to be conducted
Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks

The theoretical and conceptual frameworks provide explicit explanations why the
problems under study by showing how the variables involved in the problem are
related to each other.
Theoretical framework makes use of a theory or theories in explaining
why a certain phenomenon exists. Makes use of abstract concepts.
Conceptual framework makes use of specific or well defined concepts
called constructs.

What is a variable?

Variable refers to a characteristic that has two or more mutually exclusive values
or properties
Major types of a variable:
1. Independent variable is the presumed cause of the dependent variable which is the
presumed effect in a relational study
2. Dependent variable is the focus of the investigation which behavior or status is
influenced by the independent variable
3. Intervening variable is the variable which comes between the independent and
dependent variable

Importance/Significance of the Study

Many research problems have a kind of theoretical feel about them. Such projects
often need to be justified:
 What is the research project’s practical value?
Without this justification, it will prove difficult to convince others that the
problem in question is worth study.
Contributions of the study should be stated

Scope and Delimitations

Scope defines the coverage or boundaries of the study in terms of the area or
locality and subjects or population covered, the duration or period of the study
and the research issues or concerns to which the investigation is focused.
Limitations are statements which alert the reader of the research report to certain
constraints over which the researcher has no control.
All research has limitations and thus tells us certain work that will not be
performed.
The work that will not be undertaken is described as the delimitations of the
research.

Definition of Terms

Define each technical term as it is used in relation to your research study.


 This helps remove significant ambiguity from the research itself by
ensuring that reviewers/readers, while they may not agree with your
definitions, at least know what you’re talking about.
Two major types of Definitions:
1. Conceptual definition is the meaning understood by people (universal
meaning)
2. Operational definition is the meaning of the concept or term as used in the
study

Common questions

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Clearly defining the scope and delimitations of a study establishes the boundaries of the investigation, including its location, subjects, and time frame. This clarity helps avoid ambiguity, allowing readers to understand what aspects are covered and the constraints that limit the study, thus framing realistic expectations .

Aligning a study's objectives with its data collection, analysis, and interpretation phases ensures cohesiveness and focus throughout the research process. This alignment guarantees that the data gathered is relevant and directly linked to addressing the research objectives, facilitating effective analysis and meaningful conclusions .

Theoretical and conceptual frameworks enhance the explanation of research problems by explicitly showing how variables are related to each other. Theoretical frameworks use theories to explain why phenomena exist, while conceptual frameworks apply specific constructs to elucidate variable relationships . These frameworks clarify the rationale behind the study and guide the investigation process.

A well-formulated hypothesis provides a guide and direction to the research by indicating the major independent and dependent variables being considered. It suggests the type of data and analyses that must be performed and determines appropriate statistical measures for testing . This structured framework helps ensure that the research is systematically conducted and conclusions are valid.

Conceptual definitions refer to the universal meaning understood by people, while operational definitions specify the meaning of the concept as used within the context of the study. Operational definitions are crucial for precise measurement and application in research .

An independent variable is the presumed cause in a relational study, while a dependent variable is the presumed effect, focusing on how it is influenced by the independent variable. An intervening variable exists between the independent and dependent variables, potentially affecting the relationship between them .

In hypothesis testing, the null hypothesis serves as a statement negating an existence, attribute, relationship, difference, or effect, while the alternative hypothesis affirms its existence. The hypothesis test determines whether there is enough evidence to reject the null hypothesis in favor of the alternative .

Developing specific research objectives helps focus the study by narrowing it down to essentials, avoids unnecessary data collection, and organizes the study into clearly defined parts or phases . Properly formulated objectives facilitate the development of research methodology and orient data collection, analysis, interpretation, and utilization .

Hypotheses guide the determination of major variables and suggest specific statistical measures suitable for testing those variables. They define the type of analyses required for validating relationships and effects, which is integral for selecting the right statistical tests and ensuring accuracy in results .

Defining technical terms removes significant ambiguity by ensuring that readers understand the specific meanings of terms used in the study, even if they disagree with the definitions. This clarity enhances communication and supports accurate interpretation of the research findings .

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