2. research objectives
- 1. UNIT-3 (B): Ms. Chanda Jabeen Lecturer RN, RM, BSN M.Phil. Epidemiology & Public Health PhD (Scholar) Epidemiology & Public Health 1
- 2. OBJECTIVES At the completion of this unit learners will be able to: Develop objectives of research Discuss the research purpose Explain characteristics of research objectives Discuss types of research objectives Describe methods of stating research objectives 2
- 3. 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
- 4. MEANING „A research objective is a clear, concise, declarative statement, which provides direction to investigate the variables.‟ Generally research objective focus on the ways to measure the variables , such as to identify or describe them. Sometime objectives are directed towards identifying the relationship or difference between two variables. 4
- 5. COUNT… Research objective 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 a research project summarize what is to be achieved by the study. Objective should be closely related to the statement of the problem. 5
- 6. CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Research objectives is a concrete statement describing what the research is trying to achieve. A well-worded objective will be SMART, i.e Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, & Time-bound. Research objective should be Relevant, Feasible, Logical, Observable, Unequivocal & Measurable. Objective is a purpose that can be reasonably achieved within the expected timeframe & with the available resources. 6
- 7. COUNT… The objective or research project summarizes what is to be achieved by the study. The research objectives are the specific accomplishment the researchers hopes to achieve by the study. The objective include obtaining answers to research questions or testing the research hypothesis. 7
- 8. NEED OF RESEARCH OBJECTIVES The formulation of research objectives will help researcher to Focus: With clearly defined objectives, the researchers can focus on the study Avoid : The formulation of research objectives helps the researcher avoid the collection of data which are not strictly necessary for understanding & solving problem that he or she has defined. 8
- 9. COUNT… Organize :The formulation of objectives organize the study in clearly defined parts or phases. Direction: Properly formulated, specific objectives will facilitate the development of research methodology & will help to orient the collection, analysis, interpretation, & utilization of data. 9
- 10. TYPES OF RESEARCH OBJECTIVES 1. General objective General objectives are broad goals to be achieved. The general objectives of the study state what the researcher expects to achieve by the study in general terms. General objectives are usually less in number. 10
- 11. COUNT… 2. Specific objective Specific objectives are short term & narrow in focus. General objectives can broken into small logically connected parts to form specific objectives. General objective is met through accomplishing all the specific objective. The specific objectives are more in number & they systematically address various aspects of problem as defined under „the statement of problem‟ & key factor that is assumed to influence or causes the problem. They should specify what the researcher will do in the study, where, & for what purpose. 11
- 12. EXAMPLES OF GENERAL & SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES Research statement: “Effectiveness of planned teaching on the knowledge of staff nurses working in psychiatric unit regarding Physical Restraints for psychiatric patient in selected hospital of Lahore”. General objective: To asses the knowledge of staff nurses working in psychiatric unit regarding physical restraint. Specific objective: To assess the knowledge regarding Physical Restraints among nurses working in psychiatric unit. To evaluate the effect of planned teaching on Physical Restraints among nurses. To associate the knowledge with selected demographic variables. 12
- 13. METHODS OF STATING OBJECTIVES While stating objectives of the study, the following guidelines must be taken care of: The objectives should be presented briefly & concisely. They cover the different aspects of the problem & its contributing factors in a coherent way & in a logical sequence. The objectives are clearly phrased in operational terms, specifying exactly what researcher is going to do, where, & for what purpose. They are realistic considering local conditions. Use action verbs that are specify enough to be evaluated. 13
- 14. COUNT… 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 analyse, to establish, etc. 14
- 15. STATEMENTS OF PURPOSE The research goal is often written as a statement of purpose It is usually easy to identify because the word “purpose” is clearly stated- “the purpose of this study was ….” gives the general direction of the study which is stated in 1-2 sentences 15
- 16. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE –CONT.. Quantitative studies – it will identify the key study variables their possible relations; the population 16
- 17. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE –CONT.. Example Handwashing helps to prevent the spread of nosocomial infections. Is the use of soap and water or alcohol-based rubs more effective in preventing these infections? Identify the independent, dependent variables and the population State the purpose of the study 17
- 18. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE –CONT.. Qualitative studies – indicates the nature of the inquiry, the key concept or phenomenon, the group, community or setting under study Example: The purpose of this study was to describe satisfactory and unsatisfactory experiences of postpartum nursing car from the perspective of adolescent mothers. 18
- 19. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE –CONT.. The use of verbs are important Can often tell the type of study used to solve the problem Explore, Describe, Test Evaluate, Examine relationship Understand etc. 19
- 20. REFERENCES Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2017). Nursing research: Generating and Assessing Evidence for Nursing Practice (10th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Grove, S. K., Gray, R.J.,& Burns, N.(2015).Understanding Nursing research building an evidence- based practice(6thed.).St. Louis: Elsevier Health Sciences. 20