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Research outputs,
Organizing reports
(Abstract, introduction, developing research
question, aims and objectives)

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AIMS

 A research aim describes the main goal or the overarching purpose of

your research project.
 Generated from problem statement and research question (background
study)
 In doing so, it acts as a focal point for your research and provides your
readers with clarity as to what your study is all about. Because of this,
research aims are almost always located within its own subsection
under the introduction section of a research document, regardless of
whether it’s a thesis, a dissertation, or a research paper.
 A research aim is usually formulated as a broad statement of the main
goal of the research and can range in length from a single sentence to a
short paragraph. Although the exact format may vary according to
preference, they should all describe why your research is needed (i.e.
the context), what it sets out to accomplish (the actual aim) and,
briefly, how it intends to accomplish it (overview of your objectives).

Simply:
 Once you have an idea for research, then turn it into a statement that
summarizes what you will be investigating. This is generally called
the aim of your research.
 Some research requires more than one aim, but don't be over-
ambitious.
 limit yourself to a single sentence to have the focus.
 Make it clear and uncomplicated.

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OBJECTIVES

 Research objectives describe what your research is trying to achieve

and explain why you are pursuing it. They summarize the approach
and purpose of your project and help to focus your research.
 Your objectives should appear in the introduction of your research
paper, at the end of your problem statement. They should:
• Establish the scope and depth of your project
• Contribute to your research design
• Indicate how your project will contribute to existing knowledge

SMART research objectives

 The acronym “SMART” is commonly used in relation to research objectives. It
states that your objectives should be:
• Specific: Make sure your objectives aren’t overly vague. Your research needs to
be clearly defined in order to get useful results.
• Measurable: Know how you’ll measure whether your objectives have been
achieved.
• Achievable: Your objectives may be challenging, but they should be feasible.
Make sure that relevant groundwork has been done on your topic or that
relevant primary or secondary sources exist. Also ensure that you have access
to relevant research facilities (labs, library resources, research databases, etc.).
• Relevant: Make sure that they directly address the research problem you want
to work on and that they contribute to the current state of research in your
field.
• Time-based: Set clear deadlines for objectives to ensure that the project stays
on track.

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 A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of

your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end
of your problem statement, before your research objectives.
 Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They
indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

To give few examples,

• To investigate whether inpatient counselling of patients with diabetes

by a pharmacist reduces rates of re-admission to hospital.

• To test the best method for educating doctors about the hospital
formulary or list of medicines.

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A PhD thesis example:

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EXERCISE: DEVELOP THE RESEARCH AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF YOUR THESIS TOPIC.

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