Research objectives give your study direction, but poorly written objectives can make the entire research process difficult to manage. Objectives that are too broad, unclear, or unrelated to the research problem may affect your research questions, methodology, data collection, and analysis.
Making Objectives Too Broad
An objective should focus on a specific aspect of your research problem. Avoid trying to investigate too many issues in one objective.
Too broad:
To investigate education in universities.
Better:
To examine the effect of online learning on student engagement in selected universities.
Using Vague Words
Avoid objectives that use unclear terms such as “to understand,” “to learn,” or “to know.” These can be difficult to measure.
Instead, use specific action verbs such as examine, assess, determine, analyse, evaluate, or investigate.
Writing Objectives That Do Not Match the Research Problem
Every objective should contribute directly to addressing the problem your study identified. If an objective is unrelated to the problem statement, it may take your research in a different direction.
Having Too Many Objectives
More objectives do not necessarily mean better research. Too many objectives can make your study difficult to complete within the available time and resources.
Choose objectives that are relevant, realistic, and achievable.
Making Objectives Impossible to Measure
Your objectives should lead to something that can be investigated using evidence or data. Avoid objectives that are based mainly on personal opinions or cannot be assessed through your chosen research methods.
A Simple Check
Before finalising your research objectives, ask:
- Does each objective address my research problem?
- Is it specific and clear?
- Can I investigate it using available data?
- Does it align with my research questions?
- Can I realistically achieve it within my study?
