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21 Research Objectives Examples (Copy and Paste)

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Research objectives refer to the definitive statements made by researchers at the beginning of a research project detailing exactly what a research project aims to achieve.

These objectives are explicit goals clearly and concisely projected by the researcher to present a clear intention or course of action for his or her qualitative or quantitative study. 

Research objectives are typically nested under one overarching research aim. The objectives are the steps you’ll need to take in order to achieve the aim (see the examples below, for example, which demonstrate an aim followed by 3 objectives, which is what I recommend to my research students).

Research Objectives vs Research Aims

Research aim and research objectives are fundamental constituents of any study, fitting together like two pieces of the same puzzle.

The ‘research aim’ describes the overarching goal or purpose of the study (Kumar, 2019). This is usually a broad, high-level purpose statement, summing up the central question that the research intends to answer.

Example of an Overarching Research Aim:

“The aim of this study is to explore the impact of climate change on crop productivity.” 

Comparatively, ‘research objectives’ are concrete goals that underpin the research aim, providing stepwise actions to achieve the aim.

Objectives break the primary aim into manageable, focused pieces, and are usually characterized as being more specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

Examples of Specific Research Objectives:

1. “To examine the effects of rising temperatures on the yield of rice crops during the upcoming growth season.” 2. “To assess changes in rainfall patterns in major agricultural regions over the first decade of the twenty-first century (2000-2010).” 3. “To analyze the impact of changing weather patterns on crop diseases within the same timeframe.”

The distinction between these two terms, though subtle, is significant for successfully conducting a study. The research aim provides the study with direction, while the research objectives set the path to achieving this aim, thereby ensuring the study’s efficiency and effectiveness.

How to Write Research Objectives

I usually recommend to my students that they use the SMART framework to create their research objectives.

SMART is an acronym standing for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It provides a clear method of defining solid research objectives and helps students know where to start in writing their objectives (Locke & Latham, 2013).

Each element of this acronym adds a distinct dimension to the framework, aiding in the creation of comprehensive, well-delineated objectives.

Here is each step:

• Specific : We need to avoid ambiguity in our objectives. They need to be clear and precise (Doran, 1981). For instance, rather than stating the objective as “to study the effects of social media,” a more focused detail would be “to examine the effects of social media use (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) on the academic performance of college students.”
• Measurable: The measurable attribute provides a clear criterion to determine if the objective has been met (Locke & Latham, 2013). A quantifiable element, such as a percentage or a number, adds a measurable quality. For example, “to increase response rate to the annual customer survey by 10%,” makes it easier to ascertain achievement.
• Achievable: The achievable aspect encourages researchers to craft realistic objectives, resembling a self-check mechanism to ensure the objectives align with the scope and resources at disposal (Doran, 1981). For example, “to interview 25 participants selected randomly from a population of 100” is an attainable objective as long as the researcher has access to these participants.
• Relevance : Relevance, the fourth element, compels the researcher to tailor the objectives in alignment with overarching goals of the study (Locke & Latham, 2013). This is extremely important – each objective must help you meet your overall one-sentence ‘aim’ in your study.
• Time-Bound: Lastly, the time-bound element fosters a sense of urgency and prioritization, preventing procrastination and enhancing productivity (Doran, 1981). “To analyze the effect of laptop use in lectures on student engagement over the course of two semesters this year” expresses a clear deadline, thus serving as a motivator for timely completion.

You’re not expected to fit every single element of the SMART framework in one objective, but across your objectives, try to touch on each of the five components.

Research Objectives Examples

1. Field: Psychology

Aim: To explore the impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance in college students.

• Objective 1: To compare cognitive test scores of students with less than six hours of sleep and those with 8 or more hours of sleep.
• Objective 2: To investigate the relationship between class grades and reported sleep duration.
• Objective 3: To survey student perceptions and experiences on how sleep deprivation affects their cognitive capabilities.

2. Field: Environmental Science

Aim: To understand the effects of urban green spaces on human well-being in a metropolitan city.

• Objective 1: To assess the physical and mental health benefits of regular exposure to urban green spaces.
• Objective 2: To evaluate the social impacts of urban green spaces on community interactions.
• Objective 3: To examine patterns of use for different types of urban green spaces. 

3. Field: Technology

Aim: To investigate the influence of using social media on productivity in the workplace.

• Objective 1: To measure the amount of time spent on social media during work hours.
• Objective 2: To evaluate the perceived impact of social media use on task completion and work efficiency.
• Objective 3: To explore whether company policies on social media usage correlate with different patterns of productivity.

4. Field: Education

Aim: To examine the effectiveness of online vs traditional face-to-face learning on student engagement and achievement.

• Objective 1: To compare student grades between the groups exposed to online and traditional face-to-face learning.
• Objective 2: To assess student engagement levels in both learning environments.
• Objective 3: To collate student perceptions and preferences regarding both learning methods.

5. Field: Health

Aim: To determine the impact of a Mediterranean diet on cardiac health among adults over 50.

• Objective 1: To assess changes in cardiovascular health metrics after following a Mediterranean diet for six months.
• Objective 2: To compare these health metrics with a similar group who follow their regular diet.
• Objective 3: To document participants’ experiences and adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

6. Field: Environmental Science

Aim: To analyze the impact of urban farming on community sustainability.

• Objective 1: To document the types and quantity of food produced through urban farming initiatives.
• Objective 2: To assess the effect of urban farming on local communities’ access to fresh produce.
• Objective 3: To examine the social dynamics and cooperative relationships in the creating and maintaining of urban farms.

7. Field: Sociology

Aim: To investigate the influence of home offices on work-life balance during remote work.

• Objective 1: To survey remote workers on their perceptions of work-life balance since setting up home offices.
• Objective 2: To conduct an observational study of daily work routines and family interactions in a home office setting.
• Objective 3: To assess the correlation, if any, between physical boundaries of workspaces and mental boundaries for work in the home setting.

8. Field: Economics

Aim: To evaluate the effects of minimum wage increases on small businesses.

• Objective 1: To analyze cost structures, pricing changes, and profitability of small businesses before and after minimum wage increases.
• Objective 2: To survey small business owners on the strategies they employ to navigate minimum wage increases.
• Objective 3: To examine employment trends in small businesses in response to wage increase legislation.

9. Field: Education

Aim: To explore the role of extracurricular activities in promoting soft skills among high school students.

• Objective 1: To assess the variety of soft skills developed through different types of extracurricular activities.
• Objective 2: To compare self-reported soft skills between students who participate in extracurricular activities and those who do not.
• Objective 3: To investigate the teachers’ perspectives on the contribution of extracurricular activities to students’ skill development.

10. Field: Technology

Aim: To assess the impact of virtual reality (VR) technology on the tourism industry.

• Objective 1: To document the types and popularity of VR experiences available in the tourism market.
• Objective 2: To survey tourists on their interest levels and satisfaction rates with VR tourism experiences.
• Objective 3: To determine whether VR tourism experiences correlate with increased interest in real-life travel to the simulated destinations.

11. Field: Biochemistry

Aim: To examine the role of antioxidants in preventing cellular damage.

• Objective 1: To identify the types and quantities of antioxidants in common fruits and vegetables.
• Objective 2: To determine the effects of various antioxidants on free radical neutralization in controlled lab tests.
• Objective 3: To investigate potential beneficial impacts of antioxidant-rich diets on long-term cellular health.

12. Field: Linguistics

Aim: To determine the influence of early exposure to multiple languages on cognitive development in children.

• Objective 1: To assess cognitive development milestones in monolingual and multilingual children.
• Objective 2: To document the number and intensity of language exposures for each group in the study.
• Objective 3: To investigate the specific cognitive advantages, if any, enjoyed by multilingual children.

13. Field: Art History

Aim: To explore the impact of the Renaissance period on modern-day art trends.

• Objective 1: To identify key characteristics and styles of Renaissance art.
• Objective 2: To analyze modern art pieces for the influence of the Renaissance style.
• Objective 3: To survey modern-day artists for their inspirations and the influence of historical art movements on their work.

14. Field: Cybersecurity

Aim: To assess the effectiveness of two-factor authentication (2FA) in preventing unauthorized system access.

• Objective 1: To measure the frequency of unauthorized access attempts before and after the introduction of 2FA.
• Objective 2: To survey users about their experiences and challenges with 2FA implementation.
• Objective 3: To evaluate the efficacy of different types of 2FA (SMS-based, authenticator apps, biometrics, etc.).

15. Field: Cultural Studies

Aim: To analyze the role of music in cultural identity formation among ethnic minorities.

• Objective 1: To document the types and frequency of traditional music practices within selected ethnic minority communities.
• Objective 2: To survey community members on the role of music in their personal and communal identity.
• Objective 3: To explore the resilience and transmission of traditional music practices in contemporary society.

16. Field: Astronomy

Aim: To explore the impact of solar activity on satellite communication.

• Objective 1: To categorize different types of solar activities and their frequencies of occurrence.
• Objective 2: To ascertain how variations in solar activity may influence satellite communication.
• Objective 3: To investigate preventative and damage-control measures currently in place during periods of high solar activity.

17. Field: Literature

Aim: To examine narrative techniques in contemporary graphic novels.

• Objective 1: To identify a range of narrative techniques employed in this genre.
• Objective 2: To analyze the ways in which these narrative techniques engage readers and affect story interpretation.
• Objective 3: To compare narrative techniques in graphic novels to those found in traditional printed novels.

18. Field: Renewable Energy

Aim: To investigate the feasibility of solar energy as a primary renewable resource within urban areas.

• Objective 1: To quantify the average sunlight hours across urban areas in different climatic zones. 
• Objective 2: To calculate the potential solar energy that could be harnessed within these areas.
• Objective 3: To identify barriers or challenges to widespread solar energy implementation in urban settings and potential solutions.

19. Field: Sports Science

Aim: To evaluate the role of pre-game rituals in athlete performance.

• Objective 1: To identify the variety and frequency of pre-game rituals among professional athletes in several sports.
• Objective 2: To measure the impact of pre-game rituals on individual athletes’ performance metrics.
• Objective 3: To examine the psychological mechanisms that might explain the effects (if any) of pre-game ritual on performance.

20. Field: Ecology

Aim: To investigate the effects of urban noise pollution on bird populations.

• Objective 1: To record and quantify urban noise levels in various bird habitats.
• Objective 2: To measure bird population densities in relation to noise levels.
• Objective 3: To determine any changes in bird behavior or vocalization linked to noise levels.

21. Field: Food Science

Aim: To examine the influence of cooking methods on the nutritional value of vegetables.

• Objective 1: To identify the nutrient content of various vegetables both raw and after different cooking processes.
• Objective 2: To compare the effect of various cooking methods on the nutrient retention of these vegetables.
• Objective 3: To propose cooking strategies that optimize nutrient retention.

The Importance of Research Objectives

The importance of research objectives cannot be overstated. In essence, these guideposts articulate what the researcher aims to discover, understand, or examine (Kothari, 2014).

When drafting research objectives, it’s essential to make them simple and comprehensible, specific to the point of being quantifiable where possible, achievable in a practical sense, relevant to the chosen research question, and time-constrained to ensure efficient progress (Kumar, 2019). 

Remember that a good research objective is integral to the success of your project, offering a clear path forward for setting out a research design , and serving as the bedrock of your study plan. Each objective must distinctly address a different dimension of your research question or problem (Kothari, 2014). Always bear in mind that the ultimate purpose of your research objectives is to succinctly encapsulate your aims in the clearest way possible, facilitating a coherent, comprehensive and rational approach to your planned study, and furnishing a scientific roadmap for your journey into the depths of knowledge and research (Kumar, 2019). 

Kothari, C.R (2014). Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques . New Delhi: New Age International.

Kumar, R. (2019). Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners .New York: SAGE Publications.

Doran, G. T. (1981). There’s a S.M.A.R.T. way to write management’s goals and objectives. Management review, 70 (11), 35-36.

Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2013). New Developments in Goal Setting and Task Performance . New York: Routledge.

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 25 Number Games for Kids (Free and Easy)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 25 Word Games for Kids (Free and Easy)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 25 Outdoor Games for Kids
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 50 Incentives to Give to Students

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Educational resources and simple solutions for your research journey

What Are Research Objectives and How to Write Them (with Examples)

Table of Contents

Introduction

Research is at the center of everything researchers do, and setting clear, well-defined research objectives plays a pivotal role in guiding scholars toward their desired outcomes. Research papers are essential instruments for researchers to effectively communicate their work. Among the many sections that constitute a research paper, the introduction plays a key role in providing a background and setting the context. 1 Research objectives, which define the aims of the study, are usually stated in the introduction. Every study has a research question that the authors are trying to answer, and the objective is an active statement about how the study will answer this research question. These objectives help guide the development and design of the study and steer the research in the appropriate direction; if this is not clearly defined, a project can fail!

Research studies have a research question, research hypothesis, and one or more research objectives. A research question is what a study aims to answer, and a research hypothesis is a predictive statement about the relationship between two or more variables, which the study sets out to prove or disprove. Objectives are specific, measurable goals that the study aims to achieve. The difference between these three is illustrated by the following example:

• Research question : How does low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) compare with a placebo device in managing the symptoms of skeletally mature patients with patellar tendinopathy?
• Research hypothesis : Pain levels are reduced in patients who receive daily active-LIPUS (treatment) for 12 weeks compared with individuals who receive inactive-LIPUS (placebo).
• Research objective : To investigate the clinical efficacy of LIPUS in the management of patellar tendinopathy symptoms.

This article discusses the importance of clear, well-thought out objectives and suggests methods to write them clearly.

What is the introduction in research papers?

Research objectives are usually included in the introduction section. This section is the first that the readers will read so it is essential that it conveys the subject matter appropriately and is well written to create a good first impression. A good introduction sets the tone of the paper and clearly outlines the contents so that the readers get a quick snapshot of what to expect.

A good introduction should aim to: 2,3

• Indicate the main subject area, its importance, and cite previous literature on the subject
• Define the gap(s) in existing research, ask a research question, and state the objectives
• Announce the present research and outline its novelty and significance
• Avoid repeating the Abstract, providing unnecessary information, and claiming novelty without accurate supporting information.

Why are research objectives important?

Objectives can help you stay focused and steer your research in the required direction. They help define and limit the scope of your research, which is important to efficiently manage your resources and time. The objectives help to create and maintain the overall structure, and specify two main things—the variables and the methods of quantifying the variables.

A good research objective:

• defines the scope of the study
• gives direction to the research
• helps maintain focus and avoid diversions from the topic
• minimizes wastage of resources like time, money, and energy

Types of research objectives

Research objectives can be broadly classified into general and specific objectives . 4 General objectives state what the research expects to achieve overall while specific objectives break this down into smaller, logically connected parts, each of which addresses various parts of the research problem. General objectives are the main goals of the study and are usually fewer in number while specific objectives are more in number because they address several aspects of the research problem.

Example (general objective): To investigate the factors influencing the financial performance of firms listed in the New York Stock Exchange market.

Example (specific objective): To assess the influence of firm size on the financial performance of firms listed in the New York Stock Exchange market.

In addition to this broad classification, research objectives can be grouped into several categories depending on the research problem, as given in Table 1.

Table 1: Types of research objectives

Characteristics of research objectives

Research objectives must start with the word “To” because this helps readers identify the objective in the absence of headings and appropriate sectioning in research papers. 5,6

• A good objective is SMART (mostly applicable to specific objectives):
• Specific—clear about the what, why, when, and how
• Measurable—identifies the main variables of the study and quantifies the targets
• Achievable—attainable using the available time and resources
• Realistic—accurately addresses the scope of the problem
• Time-bound—identifies the time in which each step will be completed
• Research objectives clarify the purpose of research.
• They help understand the relationship and dissimilarities between variables.
• They provide a direction that helps the research to reach a definite conclusion.

How to write research objectives?

Research objectives can be written using the following steps: 7

• State your main research question clearly and concisely.
• Describe the ultimate goal of your study, which is similar to the research question but states the intended outcomes more definitively.
• Divide this main goal into subcategories to develop your objectives.
• Limit the number of objectives (1-2 general; 3-4 specific)
• Assess each objective using the SMART
• Start each objective with an action verb like assess, compare, determine, evaluate, etc., which makes the research appear more actionable.
• Use specific language without making the sentence data heavy.
• The most common section to add the objectives is the introduction and after the problem statement.
• Add the objectives to the abstract (if there is one).
• State the general objective first, followed by the specific objectives.

Formulating research objectives

Formulating research objectives has the following five steps, which could help researchers develop a clear objective: 8

• Identify the research problem.
• Review past studies on subjects similar to your problem statement, that is, studies that use similar methods, variables, etc.
• Identify the research gaps the current study should cover based on your literature review. These gaps could be theoretical, methodological, or conceptual.
• Define the research question(s) based on the gaps identified.
• Revise/relate the research problem based on the defined research question and the gaps identified. This is to confirm that there is an actual need for a study on the subject based on the gaps in literature.
• Identify and write the general and specific objectives.
• Incorporate the objectives into the study.

Advantages of research objectives

Adding clear research objectives has the following advantages: 4,8

• Maintains the focus and direction of the research
• Optimizes allocation of resources with minimal wastage
• Acts as a foundation for defining appropriate research questions and hypotheses
• Provides measurable outcomes that can help evaluate the success of the research
• Determines the feasibility of the research by helping to assess the availability of required resources
• Ensures relevance of the study to the subject and its contribution to existing literature

Disadvantages of research objectives

Research objectives also have few disadvantages, as listed below: 8

• Absence of clearly defined objectives can lead to ambiguity in the research process
• Unintentional bias could affect the validity and accuracy of the research findings

Key takeaways

• Research objectives are concise statements that describe what the research is aiming to achieve.
• They define the scope and direction of the research and maintain focus.
• The objectives should be SMART—specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound.
• Clear research objectives help avoid collection of data or resources not required for the study.
• Well-formulated specific objectives help develop the overall research methodology, including data collection, analysis, interpretation, and utilization.
• Research objectives should cover all aspects of the problem statement in a coherent way.
• They should be clearly stated using action verbs.

Frequently asked questions on research objectives

Q: what’s the difference between research objectives and aims 9.

A: Research aims are statements that reflect the broad goal(s) of the study and outline the general direction of the research. They are not specific but clearly define the focus of the study.

Example: This research aims to explore employee experiences of digital transformation in retail HR.

Research objectives focus on the action to be taken to achieve the aims. They make the aims more practical and should be specific and actionable.

Example: To observe the retail HR employees throughout the digital transformation.

Q: What are the examples of research objectives, both general and specific?

A: Here are a few examples of research objectives:

• To identify the antiviral chemical constituents in Mumbukura gitoniensis (general)
• To carry out solvent extraction of dried flowers of Mumbukura gitoniensis and isolate the constituents. (specific)
• To determine the antiviral activity of each of the isolated compounds. (specific)
• To examine the extent, range, and method of coral reef rehabilitation projects in five shallow reef areas adjacent to popular tourist destinations in the Philippines.
• To investigate species richness of mammal communities in five protected areas over the past 20 years.
• To evaluate the potential application of AI techniques for estimating best-corrected visual acuity from fundus photographs with and without ancillary information.
• To investigate whether sport influences psychological parameters in the personality of asthmatic children.

Q: How do I develop research objectives?

A: Developing research objectives begins with defining the problem statement clearly, as illustrated by Figure 1. Objectives specify how the research question will be answered and they determine what is to be measured to test the hypothesis.

Q: Are research objectives measurable?

A: The word “measurable” implies that something is quantifiable. In terms of research objectives, this means that the source and method of collecting data are identified and that all these aspects are feasible for the research. Some metrics can be created to measure your progress toward achieving your objectives.

Q: Can research objectives change during the study?

A: Revising research objectives during the study is acceptable in situations when the selected methodology is not progressing toward achieving the objective, or if there are challenges pertaining to resources, etc. One thing to keep in mind is the time and resources you would have to complete your research after revising the objectives. Thus, as long as your problem statement and hypotheses are unchanged, minor revisions to the research objectives are acceptable.

Q: What is the difference between research questions and research objectives? 10

Q: Are research objectives the same as hypotheses?

A: No, hypotheses are predictive theories that are expressed in general terms. Research objectives, which are more specific, are developed from hypotheses and aim to test them. A hypothesis can be tested using several methods and each method will have different objectives because the methodology to be used could be different. A hypothesis is developed based on observation and reasoning; it is a calculated prediction about why a particular phenomenon is occurring. To test this prediction, different research objectives are formulated. Here’s a simple example of both a research hypothesis and research objective.

Research hypothesis : Employees who arrive at work earlier are more productive.

Research objective : To assess whether employees who arrive at work earlier are more productive.

To summarize, research objectives are an important part of research studies and should be written clearly to effectively communicate your research. We hope this article has given you a brief insight into the importance of using clearly defined research objectives and how to formulate them.

• Farrugia P, Petrisor BA, Farrokhyar F, Bhandari M. Practical tips for surgical research: Research questions, hypotheses and objectives. Can J Surg. 2010 Aug;53(4):278-81.
• Abbadia J. How to write an introduction for a research paper. Mind the Graph website. Accessed June 14, 2023. https://mindthegraph.com/blog/how-to-write-an-introduction-for-a-research-paper/
• Writing a scientific paper: Introduction. UCI libraries website. Accessed June 15, 2023. https://guides.lib.uci.edu/c.php?g=334338&p=2249903
• Research objectives—Types, examples and writing guide. Researchmethod.net website. Accessed June 17, 2023. https://researchmethod.net/research-objectives/#:~:text=They%20provide%20a%20clear%20direction,track%20and%20achieve%20their%20goals .
• Bartle P. SMART Characteristics of good objectives. Community empowerment collective website. Accessed June 16, 2023. https://cec.vcn.bc.ca/cmp/modules/pd-smar.htm
• Research objectives. Studyprobe website. Accessed June 18, 2023. https://www.studyprobe.in/2022/08/research-objectives.html
• Corredor F. How to write objectives in a research paper. wikiHow website. Accessed June 18, 2023. https://www.wikihow.com/Write-Objectives-in-a-Research-Proposal
• Research objectives: Definition, types, characteristics, advantages. AccountingNest website. Accessed June 15, 2023. https://www.accountingnest.com/articles/research/research-objectives
• Phair D., Shaeffer A. Research aims, objectives & questions. GradCoach website. Accessed June 20, 2023. https://gradcoach.com/research-aims-objectives-questions/
• Understanding the difference between research questions and objectives. Accessed June 21, 2023. https://board.researchersjob.com/blog/research-questions-and-objectives

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Research Aims, Objectives & Questions

The “Golden Thread” Explained Simply (+ Examples)

By: David Phair (PhD) and Alexandra Shaeffer (PhD) | June 2022

The research aims , objectives and research questions (collectively called the “golden thread”) are arguably the most important thing you need to get right when you’re crafting a research proposal , dissertation or thesis . We receive questions almost every day about this “holy trinity” of research and there’s certainly a lot of confusion out there, so we’ve crafted this post to help you navigate your way through the fog.

Overview: The Golden Thread

• What is the golden thread
• What are research aims ( examples )
• What are research objectives ( examples )
• What are research questions ( examples )
• The importance of alignment in the golden thread

What is the “golden thread”?  

The golden thread simply refers to the collective research aims , research objectives , and research questions for any given project (i.e., a dissertation, thesis, or research paper ). These three elements are bundled together because it’s extremely important that they align with each other, and that the entire research project aligns with them.

Importantly, the golden thread needs to weave its way through the entirety of any research project , from start to end. In other words, it needs to be very clearly defined right at the beginning of the project (the topic ideation and proposal stage) and it needs to inform almost every decision throughout the rest of the project. For example, your research design and methodology will be heavily influenced by the golden thread (we’ll explain this in more detail later), as well as your literature review.

The research aims, objectives and research questions (the golden thread) define the focus and scope ( the delimitations ) of your research project. In other words, they help ringfence your dissertation or thesis to a relatively narrow domain, so that you can “go deep” and really dig into a specific problem or opportunity. They also help keep you on track , as they act as a litmus test for relevance. In other words, if you’re ever unsure whether to include something in your document, simply ask yourself the question, “does this contribute toward my research aims, objectives or questions?”. If it doesn’t, chances are you can drop it.

Alright, enough of the fluffy, conceptual stuff. Let’s get down to business and look at what exactly the research aims, objectives and questions are and outline a few examples to bring these concepts to life.

Research Aims: What are they?

Simply put, the research aim(s) is a statement that reflects the broad overarching goal (s) of the research project. Research aims are fairly high-level (low resolution) as they outline the general direction of the research and what it’s trying to achieve .

Research Aims: Examples  

True to the name, research aims usually start with the wording “this research aims to…”, “this research seeks to…”, and so on. For example:

“This research aims to explore employee experiences of digital transformation in retail HR.”   “This study sets out to assess the interaction between student support and self-care on well-being in engineering graduate students”  

As you can see, these research aims provide a high-level description of what the study is about and what it seeks to achieve. They’re not hyper-specific or action-oriented, but they’re clear about what the study’s focus is and what is being investigated.

Need a helping hand?

Research Objectives: What are they?

The research objectives take the research aims and make them more practical and actionable . In other words, the research objectives showcase the steps that the researcher will take to achieve the research aims.

The research objectives need to be far more specific (higher resolution) and actionable than the research aims. In fact, it’s always a good idea to craft your research objectives using the “SMART” criteria. In other words, they should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound”.

Research Objectives: Examples  

Let’s look at two examples of research objectives. We’ll stick with the topic and research aims we mentioned previously.  

For the digital transformation topic:

To observe the retail HR employees throughout the digital transformation. To assess employee perceptions of digital transformation in retail HR. To identify the barriers and facilitators of digital transformation in retail HR.

And for the student wellness topic:

To determine whether student self-care predicts the well-being score of engineering graduate students. To determine whether student support predicts the well-being score of engineering students. To assess the interaction between student self-care and student support when predicting well-being in engineering graduate students.

  As you can see, these research objectives clearly align with the previously mentioned research aims and effectively translate the low-resolution aims into (comparatively) higher-resolution objectives and action points . They give the research project a clear focus and present something that resembles a research-based “to-do” list.

Research Questions: What are they?

Finally, we arrive at the all-important research questions. The research questions are, as the name suggests, the key questions that your study will seek to answer . Simply put, they are the core purpose of your dissertation, thesis, or research project. You’ll present them at the beginning of your document (either in the introduction chapter or literature review chapter) and you’ll answer them at the end of your document (typically in the discussion and conclusion chapters).  

The research questions will be the driving force throughout the research process. For example, in the literature review chapter, you’ll assess the relevance of any given resource based on whether it helps you move towards answering your research questions. Similarly, your methodology and research design will be heavily influenced by the nature of your research questions. For instance, research questions that are exploratory in nature will usually make use of a qualitative approach, whereas questions that relate to measurement or relationship testing will make use of a quantitative approach.  

Let’s look at some examples of research questions to make this more tangible.

Research Questions: Examples  

Again, we’ll stick with the research aims and research objectives we mentioned previously.  

For the digital transformation topic (which would be qualitative in nature):

How do employees perceive digital transformation in retail HR? What are the barriers and facilitators of digital transformation in retail HR?  

And for the student wellness topic (which would be quantitative in nature):

Does student self-care predict the well-being scores of engineering graduate students? Does student support predict the well-being scores of engineering students? Do student self-care and student support interact when predicting well-being in engineering graduate students?  

You’ll probably notice that there’s quite a formulaic approach to this. In other words, the research questions are basically the research objectives “converted” into question format. While that is true most of the time, it’s not always the case. For example, the first research objective for the digital transformation topic was more or less a step on the path toward the other objectives, and as such, it didn’t warrant its own research question.  

So, don’t rush your research questions and sloppily reword your objectives as questions. Carefully think about what exactly you’re trying to achieve (i.e. your research aim) and the objectives you’ve set out, then craft a set of well-aligned research questions . Also, keep in mind that this can be a somewhat iterative process , where you go back and tweak research objectives and aims to ensure tight alignment throughout the golden thread.

The importance of strong alignment 

Alignment is the keyword here and we have to stress its importance . Simply put, you need to make sure that there is a very tight alignment between all three pieces of the golden thread. If your research aims and research questions don’t align, for example, your project will be pulling in different directions and will lack focus . This is a common problem students face and can cause many headaches (and tears), so be warned.

Take the time to carefully craft your research aims, objectives and research questions before you run off down the research path. Ideally, get your research supervisor/advisor to review and comment on your golden thread before you invest significant time into your project, and certainly before you start collecting data .  

Recap: The golden thread

In this post, we unpacked the golden thread of research, consisting of the research aims , research objectives and research questions . You can jump back to any section using the links below.

As always, feel free to leave a comment below – we always love to hear from you. Also, if you’re interested in 1-on-1 support, take a look at our private coaching service here.

Psst... there’s more!

This post was based on one of our popular Research Bootcamps . If you're working on a research project, you'll definitely want to check this out ...

40 Comments

Thank you very much for your great effort put. As an Undergraduate taking Demographic Research & Methodology, I’ve been trying so hard to understand clearly what is a Research Question, Research Aim and the Objectives in a research and the relationship between them etc. But as for now I’m thankful that you’ve solved my problem.

Well appreciated. This has helped me greatly in doing my dissertation.

An so delighted with this wonderful information thank you a lot.

so impressive i have benefited a lot looking forward to learn more on research.

I am very happy to have carefully gone through this well researched article.

Infact,I used to be phobia about anything research, because of my poor understanding of the concepts.

Now,I get to know that my research question is the same as my research objective(s) rephrased in question format.

I please I would need a follow up on the subject,as I intends to join the team of researchers. Thanks once again.

Thanks so much. This was really helpful.

I know you pepole have tried to break things into more understandable and easy format. And God bless you. Keep it up

i found this document so useful towards my study in research methods. thanks so much.

This is my 2nd read topic in your course and I should commend the simplified explanations of each part. I’m beginning to understand and absorb the use of each part of a dissertation/thesis. I’ll keep on reading your free course and might be able to avail the training course! Kudos!

Thank you! Better put that my lecture and helped to easily understand the basics which I feel often get brushed over when beginning dissertation work.

This is quite helpful. I like how the Golden thread has been explained and the needed alignment.

This is quite helpful. I really appreciate!

The article made it simple for researcher students to differentiate between three concepts.

Very innovative and educational in approach to conducting research.

I am very impressed with all these terminology, as I am a fresh student for post graduate, I am highly guided and I promised to continue making consultation when the need arise. Thanks a lot.

A very helpful piece. thanks, I really appreciate it .

Very well explained, and it might be helpful to many people like me.

Wish i had found this (and other) resource(s) at the beginning of my PhD journey… not in my writing up year… 😩 Anyways… just a quick question as i’m having some issues ordering my “golden thread”…. does it matter in what order you mention them? i.e., is it always first aims, then objectives, and finally the questions? or can you first mention the research questions and then the aims and objectives?

Thank you for a very simple explanation that builds upon the concepts in a very logical manner. Just prior to this, I read the research hypothesis article, which was equally very good. This met my primary objective.

My secondary objective was to understand the difference between research questions and research hypothesis, and in which context to use which one. However, I am still not clear on this. Can you kindly please guide?

In research, a research question is a clear and specific inquiry that the researcher wants to answer, while a research hypothesis is a tentative statement or prediction about the relationship between variables or the expected outcome of the study. Research questions are broader and guide the overall study, while hypotheses are specific and testable statements used in quantitative research. Research questions identify the problem, while hypotheses provide a focus for testing in the study.

Exactly what I need in this research journey, I look forward to more of your coaching videos.

This helped a lot. Thanks so much for the effort put into explaining it.

What data source in writing dissertation/Thesis requires?

What is data source covers when writing dessertation/thesis

This is quite useful thanks

I’m excited and thankful. I got so much value which will help me progress in my thesis.

where are the locations of the reserch statement, research objective and research question in a reserach paper? Can you write an ouline that defines their places in the researh paper?

Very helpful and important tips on Aims, Objectives and Questions.

Thank you so much for making research aim, research objectives and research question so clear. This will be helpful to me as i continue with my thesis.

Thanks much for this content. I learned a lot. And I am inspired to learn more. I am still struggling with my preparation for dissertation outline/proposal. But I consistently follow contents and tutorials and the new FB of GRAD Coach. Hope to really become confident in writing my dissertation and successfully defend it.

As a researcher and lecturer, I find splitting research goals into research aims, objectives, and questions is unnecessarily bureaucratic and confusing for students. For most biomedical research projects, including ‘real research’, 1-3 research questions will suffice (numbers may differ by discipline).

Awesome! Very important resources and presented in an informative way to easily understand the golden thread. Indeed, thank you so much.

Well explained

The blog article on research aims, objectives, and questions by Grad Coach is a clear and insightful guide that aligns with my experiences in academic research. The article effectively breaks down the often complex concepts of research aims and objectives, providing a straightforward and accessible explanation. Drawing from my own research endeavors, I appreciate the practical tips offered, such as the need for specificity and clarity when formulating research questions. The article serves as a valuable resource for students and researchers, offering a concise roadmap for crafting well-defined research goals and objectives. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced researcher, this article provides practical insights that contribute to the foundational aspects of a successful research endeavor.

A great thanks for you. it is really amazing explanation. I grasp a lot and one step up to research knowledge.

I really found these tips helpful. Thank you very much Grad Coach.

I found this article helpful. Thanks for sharing this.

thank you so much, the explanation and examples are really helpful

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Handy Tips To Write A Clear Research Objectives With Examples

Introduction.

Research objectives play a crucial role in any research study. They provide a clear direction and purpose for the research, guiding the researcher in their investigation. Understanding research objectives is essential for conducting a successful study and achieving meaningful results.

In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the definition of research objectives, exploring their characteristics, types, and examples. We will also discuss the relationship between research objectives and research questions, as well as provide insights into how to write effective research objectives. Additionally, we will examine the role of research objectives in research methodology and highlight the importance of them in a study. By the end of this review, you will have a comprehensive understanding of research objectives and their significance in the research process.

Definition of Research Objectives: What Are They?

A research objective is defined as a clear and concise statement that outlines the specific goals and aims of a research study. These objectives are designed to be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), ensuring they provide a structured pathway to accomplishing the intended outcomes of the project. Each objective serves as a foundational element that summarizes the purpose of your study, guiding the research activities and helping to measure progress toward the study’s goals. Additionally, research objectives are integral components of the research framework , establishing a clear direction that aligns with the overall research questions and hypotheses. This alignment helps to ensure that the study remains focused and relevant, facilitating the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data.

Characteristics of Effective Research Objectives

Characteristics of research objectives include:

• Specific: Research objectives should be clear about the what, why, when, and how of the study.
• Measurable: Research objectives should identify the main variables of the study that can be measured or observed.
• Relevant: Research objectives should be relevant to the research topic and contribute to the overall understanding of the subject.
• Feasible: Research objectives should be achievable within the constraints of time, resources, and expertise available.
• Logical: Research objectives should follow a logical sequence and build upon each other to achieve the overall research goal.
• Observable: Research objectives should be observable or measurable in order to assess the progress and success of the research project.
• Unambiguous: Research objectives should be clear and unambiguous, leaving no room for interpretation or confusion.
• Measurable: Research objectives should be measurable, allowing for the collection of data and analysis of results.

By incorporating these characteristics into research objectives, researchers can ensure that their study is focused, achievable, and contributes to the body of knowledge in their field.

Types of Research Objectives

Research objective can be broadly classified into general and specific objectives. General objectives are broad statements that define the overall purpose of the research. They provide a broad direction for the study and help in setting the context. Specific objectives, on the other hand, are detailed objectives that describe what will be researched during the study. They are more focused and provide specific outcomes that the researcher aims to achieve. Specific objectives are derived from the general objectives and help in breaking down the research into smaller, manageable parts. The specific objectives should be clear, measurable, and achievable. They should be designed in a way that allows the researcher to answer the research questions and address the research problem.

In addition to general and specific objectives, research objective can also be categorized as descriptive or analytical objectives. Descriptive objectives focus on describing the characteristics or phenomena of a particular subject or population. They involve surveys, observations, and data collection to provide a detailed understanding of the subject. Analytical objectives, on the other hand, aim to analyze the relationships between variables or factors. They involve data analysis and interpretation to gain insights and draw conclusions.

Both descriptive and analytical objectives are important in research as they serve different purposes and contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the research topic.

Examples of Research Objectives

Here are some examples of research objectives in different fields:

1. Objective: To identify key characteristics and styles of Renaissance art.

This objective focuses on exploring the characteristics and styles of art during the Renaissance period. The research may involve analyzing various artworks, studying historical documents, and interviewing experts in the field.

2. Objective: To analyze modern art trends and their impact on society.

This objective aims to examine the current trends in modern art and understand how they influence society. The research may involve analyzing artworks, conducting surveys or interviews with artists and art enthusiasts, and studying the social and cultural implications of modern art.

3. Objective: To investigate the effects of exercise on mental health.

This objective focuses on studying the relationship between exercise and mental health. The research may involve conducting experiments or surveys to assess the impact of exercise on factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression.

4. Objective: To explore the factors influencing consumer purchasing decisions in the fashion industry.

This objective aims to understand the various factors that influence consumers’ purchasing decisions in the fashion industry. The research may involve conducting surveys, analyzing consumer behavior data, and studying the impact of marketing strategies on consumer choices.

5. Objective: To examine the effectiveness of a new drug in treating a specific medical condition.

This objective focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of a newly developed drug in treating a particular medical condition. The research may involve conducting clinical trials, analyzing patient data, and comparing the outcomes of the new drug with existing treatment options.

These examples demonstrate the diversity of research objectives across different disciplines. Each objective is specific, measurable, and achievable, providing a clear direction for the research study.

Aligning Research Objectives with Research Questions

Research objectives and research questions are essential components of a research project. Research objective describe what you intend your research project to accomplish. They summarize the approach and purpose of the project and provide a clear direction for the research. Research questions, on the other hand, are the starting point of any good research. They guide the overall direction of the research and help identify and focus on the research gaps .

The main difference between research questions and objectives is their form. Research questions are stated in a question form, while objectives are specific, measurable, and achievable goals that you aim to accomplish within a specified timeframe. Research questions are broad statements that provide a roadmap for the research, while objectives break down the research aim into smaller, actionable steps.

Research objectives and research questions work together to form the ‘golden thread’ of a research project. The research aim specifies what the study will answer, while the objectives and questions specify how the study will answer it. They provide a clear focus and scope for the research project, helping researchers stay on track and ensure that their study is meaningful and relevant.

When writing research objectives and questions, it is important to be clear, concise, and specific. Each objective or question should address a specific aspect of the research and contribute to the overall goal of the study. They should also be measurable, meaning that their achievement can be assessed and evaluated. Additionally, research objectives and questions should be achievable within the given timeframe and resources of the research project. By clearly defining the objectives and questions, researchers can effectively plan and execute their research, leading to valuable insights and contributions to the field.

Guidelines for Writing Clear Research Objectives

Writing research objective is a crucial step in any research project. The objectives provide a clear direction and purpose for the study, guiding the researcher in their data collection and analysis. Here are some tips on how to write effective research objective:

1. Be clear and specific

Research objective should be written in a clear and specific manner. Avoid vague or ambiguous language that can lead to confusion. Clearly state what you intend to achieve through your research.

2. Use action verbs

Start your research objective with action verbs that describe the desired outcome. Action verbs such as ‘investigate’, ‘analyze’, ‘compare’, ‘evaluate’, or ‘identify’ help to convey the purpose of the study.

3. Align with research questions or hypotheses

Ensure that your research objectives are aligned with your research questions or hypotheses. The objectives should address the main goals of your study and provide a framework for answering your research questions or testing your hypotheses.

4. Be realistic and achievable

Set research objectives that are realistic and achievable within the scope of your study. Consider the available resources, time constraints, and feasibility of your objectives. Unrealistic objectives can lead to frustration and hinder the progress of your research.

5. Consider the significance and relevance

Reflect on the significance and relevance of your research objectives. How will achieving these objectives contribute to the existing knowledge or address a gap in the literature? Ensure that your objectives have a clear purpose and value.

6. Seek feedback

It is beneficial to seek feedback on your research objectives from colleagues, mentors, or experts in your field. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improving the clarity and effectiveness of your objectives.

7. Revise and refine

Research objectives are not set in stone. As you progress in your research, you may need to revise and refine your objectives to align with new findings or changes in the research context. Regularly review and update your objectives to ensure they remain relevant and focused.

By following these tips, you can write research objectives that are clear, focused, and aligned with your research goals. Well-defined objectives will guide your research process and help you achieve meaningful outcomes.

The Role of Research Objectives in Research Methodology

Research objectives play a crucial role in the research methodology . In research methodology, research objectives are formulated based on the research questions or problem statement. These objectives help in defining the scope and focus of the study, ensuring that the research is conducted in a systematic and organized manner.

The research objectives in research methodology act as a roadmap for the research project. They help in identifying the key variables to be studied, determining the research design and methodology, and selecting the appropriate data collection methods .

Furthermore, research objectives in research methodology assist in evaluating the success of the study. By setting clear objectives, researchers can assess whether the desired outcomes have been achieved and determine the effectiveness of the research methods employed. It is important to note that research objectives in research methodology should be aligned with the overall research aim. They should address the specific aspects or components of the research aim and provide a framework for achieving the desired outcomes.

Understanding The Dynamic of Research Objectives in Your Study

The research objectives of a study play a crucial role in guiding the research process, ensuring that the study is focused, purposeful, and contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field. It is important to note that the research objectives may evolve or change as the study progresses. As new information is gathered and analyzed, the researcher may need to revise the objectives to ensure that they remain relevant and achievable.

In summary, research objectives are essential components in writing an effective research paper . They provide a roadmap for the research process, guiding the researcher in their investigation and helping to ensure that the study is purposeful and meaningful. By understanding and effectively utilizing research objectives, researchers can enhance the quality and impact of their research endeavors.

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Writing the Research Objectives: 5 Straightforward Examples

The research objective of a research proposal or scientific article defines the direction or content of a research investigation. Without the research objectives, the proposal or research paper is in disarray. It is like a fisherman riding on a boat without any purpose and with no destination in sight. Therefore, at the beginning of any research venture, the researcher must be clear about what he or she intends to do or achieve in conducting a study.

How do you define the objectives of a study? What are the uses of the research objective? How would a researcher write this essential part of the research? This article aims to provide answers to these questions.

Table of Contents

Definition of a research objective.

A research objective describes, in a few words, the result of the research project after its implementation. It answers the question,

The research objective provides direction to the performance of the study.

What are the Uses of the Research Objective?

The uses of the research objective are enumerated below:

The research design serves as the “blueprint” for the research investigation. The University of Southern California describes the different types of research design extensively. It details the data to be gathered, data collection procedure, data measurement, and statistical tests to use in the analysis.

The variables of the study include those factors that the researcher wants to evaluate in the study. These variables narrow down the research to several manageable components to see differences or correlations between them.

Specifying the data collection procedure ensures data accuracy and integrity . Thus, the probability of error is minimized. Generalizations or conclusions based on valid arguments founded on reliable data strengthens research findings on particular issues and problems.

In data mining activities where large data sets are involved, the research objective plays a crucial role. Without a clear objective to guide the machine learning process, the desired outcomes will not be met.

How is the Research Objective Written?

A research objective must be achievable, i.e., it must be framed keeping in mind the available time, infrastructure required for research, and other resources.

Before forming a research objective, you should read about all the developments in your area of research and find gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed. Readings will help you come up with suitable objectives for your research project.

5 Examples of Research Objectives

The following examples of research objectives based on several published studies on various topics demonstrate how the research objectives are written:

Finally, writing the research objectives requires constant practice, experience, and knowledge about the topic investigated. Clearly written objectives save time, money, and effort.

Evans, K. L., Rodrigues, A. S., Chown, S. L., & Gaston, K. J. (2006). Protected areas and regional avian species richness in South Africa.  Biology letters ,  2 (2), 184-188.

Yeemin, T., Sutthacheep, M., & Pettongma, R. (2006). Coral reef restoration projects in Thailand.  Ocean & Coastal Management ,  49 (9-10), 562-575.

© 2020 March 23 P. A. Regoniel Updated 17 November 2020 | Updated 18 January 2024

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Dr. Regoniel, a hobbyist writer, served as consultant to various environmental research and development projects covering issues and concerns on climate change, coral reef resources and management, economic valuation of environmental and natural resources, mining, and waste management and pollution. He has extensive experience on applied statistics, systems modelling and analysis, an avid practitioner of LaTeX, and a multidisciplinary web developer. He leverages pioneering AI-powered content creation tools to produce unique and comprehensive articles in this website.

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Research Objectives: The Compass of Your Study

Table of contents

• 1 Definition and Purpose of Setting Clear Research Objectives
• 2 How Research Objectives Fit into the Overall Research Framework
• 3 Types of Research Objectives
• 4 Aligning Objectives with Research Questions and Hypotheses
• 5 Role of Research Objectives in Various Research Phases
• 6.1 Key characteristics of well-defined research objectives
• 6.2 Step-by-Step Guide on How to Formulate Both General and Specific Research Objectives
• 6.3 How to Know When Your Objectives Need Refinement
• 7 Research Objectives Examples in Different Fields
• 8 Conclusion

Embarking on a research journey without clear objectives is like navigating the sea without a compass. This article delves into the essence of establishing precise research objectives, serving as the guiding star for your scholarly exploration.

We will unfold the layers of how the objective of study not only defines the scope of your research but also directs every phase of the research process, from formulating research questions to interpreting research findings. By bridging theory with practical examples, we aim to illuminate the path to crafting effective research objectives that are both ambitious and attainable. Let’s chart the course to a successful research voyage, exploring the significance, types, and formulation of research paper objectives.

Definition and Purpose of Setting Clear Research Objectives

Defining the research objectives includes which two tasks? Research objectives are clear and concise statements that outline what you aim to achieve through your study. They are the foundation for determining your research scope, guiding your data collection methods, and shaping your analysis. The purpose of research proposal and setting clear objectives in it is to ensure that your research efforts are focused and efficient, and to provide a roadmap that keeps your study aligned with its intended outcomes.

To define the research objective at the outset, researchers can avoid the pitfalls of scope creep, where the study’s focus gradually broadens beyond its initial boundaries, leading to wasted resources and time. Clear objectives facilitate communication with stakeholders, such as funding bodies, academic supervisors, and the broader academic community, by succinctly conveying the study’s goals and significance. Furthermore, they help in the formulation of precise research questions and hypotheses, making the research process more systematic and organized. Yet, it is not always easy. For this reason, PapersOwl is always ready to help. Lastly, clear research objectives enable the researcher to critically assess the study’s progress and outcomes against predefined benchmarks, ensuring the research stays on track and delivers meaningful results.

How Research Objectives Fit into the Overall Research Framework

Research objectives are integral to the research framework as the nexus between the research problem, questions, and hypotheses. They translate the broad goals of your study into actionable steps, ensuring every aspect of your research is purposefully aligned towards addressing the research problem. This alignment helps in structuring the research design and methodology, ensuring that each component of the study is geared towards answering the core questions derived from the objectives. Creating such a difficult piece may take a lot of time. If you need it to be accurate yet fast delivered, consider getting professional research paper writing help whenever the time comes. It also aids in the identification and justification of the research methods and tools used for data collection and analysis, aligning them with the objectives to enhance the validity and reliability of the findings.

Furthermore, by setting clear objectives, researchers can more effectively evaluate the impact and significance of their work in contributing to existing knowledge. Additionally, research objectives guide literature review, enabling researchers to focus their examination on relevant studies and theoretical frameworks that directly inform their research goals.

Types of Research Objectives

In the landscape of research, setting objectives is akin to laying down the tracks for a train’s journey, guiding it towards its destination. Constructing these tracks involves defining two main types of objectives: general and specific. Each serves a unique purpose in guiding the research towards its ultimate goals, with general objectives providing the broad vision and specific objectives outlining the concrete steps needed to fulfill that vision. Together, they form a cohesive blueprint that directs the focus of the study, ensuring that every effort contributes meaningfully to the overarching research aims.

• General objectives articulate the overarching goals of your study. They are broad, setting the direction for your research without delving into specifics. These objectives capture what you wish to explore or contribute to existing knowledge.
• Specific objectives break down the general objectives into measurable outcomes. They are precise, detailing the steps needed to achieve the broader goals of your study. They often correspond to different aspects of your research question , ensuring a comprehensive approach to your study.

To illustrate, consider a research project on the impact of digital marketing on consumer behavior. A general objective might be “to explore the influence of digital marketing on consumer purchasing decisions.” Specific objectives could include “to assess the effectiveness of social media advertising in enhancing brand awareness” and “to evaluate the impact of email marketing on customer loyalty.”

Aligning Objectives with Research Questions and Hypotheses

The harmony between what research objectives should be, questions, and hypotheses is critical. Objectives define what you aim to achieve; research questions specify what you seek to understand, and hypotheses predict the expected outcomes.

This alignment ensures a coherent and focused research endeavor. Achieving it necessitates a thoughtful consideration of how each component interrelates, ensuring that the objectives are not only ambitious but also directly answerable through the research questions and testable via the hypotheses. This interconnectedness facilitates a streamlined approach to the research process, enabling researchers to systematically address each aspect of their study in a logical sequence. Moreover, it enhances the clarity and precision of the research, making it easier for peers and stakeholders to grasp the study’s direction and potential contributions.

Role of Research Objectives in Various Research Phases

Throughout the research process, objectives guide your choices and strategies – from selecting the appropriate research design and methods to analyzing data and interpreting results. They are the criteria against which you measure the success of your study. In the initial stages, research objectives inform the selection of a topic, helping to narrow down a broad area of interest into a focused question that can be explored in depth. During the methodology phase, they dictate the type of data needed and the best methods for obtaining that data, ensuring that every step taken is purposeful and aligned with the study’s goals. As the research progresses, objectives provide a framework for analyzing the collected data, guiding the researcher in identifying patterns, drawing conclusions, and making informed decisions.

Crafting Effective Research Objectives

The effective objective of research is pivotal in laying the groundwork for a successful investigation. These objectives clarify the focus of your study and determine its direction and scope. Ensuring that your objectives are well-defined and aligned with the SMART criteria is crucial for setting a strong foundation for your research.

Key characteristics of well-defined research objectives

Well-defined research objectives are characterized by the SMART criteria – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Specific objectives clearly define what you plan to achieve, eliminating any ambiguity. Measurable objectives allow you to track progress and assess the outcome. Achievable objectives are realistic, considering the research sources and time available. Relevant objectives align with the broader goals of your field or research question. Finally, Time-bound objectives have a clear timeline for completion, adding urgency and a schedule to your work.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Formulate Both General and Specific Research Objectives

So lets get to the part, how to write research objectives properly?

• Understand the issue or gap in existing knowledge your study aims to address.
• Gain insights into how similar challenges have been approached to refine your objectives.
• Articulate the broad goal of research based on your understanding of the problem.
• Detail the specific aspects of your research, ensuring they are actionable and measurable.

How to Know When Your Objectives Need Refinement

Your objectives of research may require refinement if they lack clarity, feasibility, or alignment with the research problem. If you find yourself struggling to design experiments or methods that directly address your objectives, or if the objectives seem too broad or not directly related to your research question, it’s likely time for refinement. Additionally, objectives in research proposal that do not facilitate a clear measurement of success indicate a need for a more precise definition. Refinement involves ensuring that each objective is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, enhancing your research’s overall focus and impact.

Research Objectives Examples in Different Fields

The application of research objectives spans various academic disciplines, each with its unique focus and methodologies. To illustrate how the objectives of the study guide a research paper across different fields, here are some research objective examples:

• In Health Sciences , a research aim may be to “determine the efficacy of a new vaccine in reducing the incidence of a specific disease among a target population within one year.” This objective is specific (efficacy of a new vaccine), measurable (reduction in disease incidence), achievable (with the right study design and sample size), relevant (to public health), and time-bound (within one year).
• In Environmental Studies , the study objectives could be “to assess the impact of air pollution on urban biodiversity over a decade.” This reflects a commitment to understanding the long-term effects of human activities on urban ecosystems, emphasizing the need for sustainable urban planning.
• In Economics , an example objective of a study might be “to analyze the relationship between fiscal policies and unemployment rates in developing countries over the past twenty years.” This seeks to explore macroeconomic trends and inform policymaking, highlighting the role of economic research study in societal development.

These examples of research objectives describe the versatility and significance of research objectives in guiding scholarly inquiry across different domains. By setting clear, well-defined objectives, researchers can ensure their studies are focused and impactful and contribute valuable knowledge to their respective fields.

Defining research studies objectives and problem statement is not just a preliminary step, but a continuous guiding force throughout the research journey. These goals of research illuminate the path forward and ensure that every stride taken is meaningful and aligned with the ultimate goals of the inquiry. Whether through the meticulous application of the SMART criteria or the strategic alignment with research questions and hypotheses, the rigor in crafting and refining these objectives underscores the integrity and relevance of the research. As scholars venture into the vast terrains of knowledge, the clarity, and precision of their objectives serve as beacons of light, steering their explorations toward discoveries that advance academic discourse and resonate with the broader societal needs.

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• Writing Tips

How to Write Research Objectives

• 3-minute read
• 22nd November 2021

Writing a research paper, thesis, or dissertation ? If so, you’ll want to state your research objectives in the introduction of your paper to make it clear to your readers what you’re trying to accomplish. But how do you write effective research objectives? In this post, we’ll look at two key topics to help you do this:

• How to use your research aims as a basis for developing objectives.
• How to use SMART criteria to refine your research objectives.

For more advice on how to write strong research objectives, see below.

Research Aims and Objectives

There is an important difference between research aims and research objectives:

• A research aim defines the main purpose of your research. As such, you can think of your research aim as answering the question “What are you doing?”
• Research objectives (as most studies will have more than one) are the steps you will take to fulfil your aims. As such, your objectives should answer the question “How are you conducting your research?”

For instance, an example research aim could be:

This study will investigate the link between dehydration and the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in intensive care patients in Australia.

To develop a set of research objectives, you would then break down the various steps involved in meeting said aim. For example:

This study will investigate the link between dehydration and the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in intensive care patients in Australia. To achieve this, the study objectives w ill include:

• Replicat ing a small Singaporean study into the role of dehydration in UTIs in hospital patients (Sepe, 2018) in a larger Australian cohort.
• Trialing the use of intravenous fluids for intensive care patients to prevent dehydration.
• Assessing the relationship between the age of patients and quantities of intravenous fluids needed to counter dehydration.

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Note that the objectives don’t go into any great detail here. The key is to briefly summarize each component of your study. You can save details for how you will conduct the research for the methodology section of your paper.

Make Your Research Objectives SMART

A great way to refine your research objectives is to use SMART criteria . Borrowed from the world of project management, there are many versions of this system. However, we’re going to focus on developing specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timebound objectives.

In other words, a good research objective should be all of the following:

• S pecific – Is the objective clear and well-defined?
• M easurable – How will you know when the objective has been achieved? Is there a way to measure the thing you’re seeking to do?
• A chievable – Do you have the support and resources necessary to undertake this action? Are you being overly ambitious with this objective?
• R elevant – Is this objective vital for fulfilling your research aim?
• T imebound – Can this action be realistically undertaken in the time you have?

If you follow this system, your research objectives will be much stronger.

Expert Research Proofreading

Whatever your research aims and objectives, make sure to have your academic writing proofread by the experts!

Our academic editors can help you with research papers and proposals , as well as any other scholarly document you need checking. And this will help to ensure that your academic writing is always clear, concise, and precise.

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Formulating Research Aims and Objectives

Formulating research aim and objectives in an appropriate manner is one of the most important aspects of your thesis. This is because research aim and objectives determine the scope, depth and the overall direction of the research. Research question is the central question of the study that has to be answered on the basis of research findings.

Research aim emphasizes what needs to be achieved within the scope of the research, by the end of the research process. Achievement of research aim provides answer to the research question.

Research objectives divide research aim into several parts and address each part separately. Research aim specifies WHAT needs to be studied and research objectives comprise a number of steps that address HOW research aim will be achieved.

As a rule of dumb, there would be one research aim and several research objectives. Achievement of each research objective will lead to the achievement of the research aim.

Consider the following as an example:

Research title: Effects of organizational culture on business profitability: a case study of Virgin Atlantic

Research aim: To assess the effects of Virgin Atlantic organizational culture on business profitability

Following research objectives would facilitate the achievement of this aim:

• Analyzing the nature of organizational culture at Virgin Atlantic by September 1, 2022
• Identifying factors impacting Virgin Atlantic organizational culture by September 16, 2022
• Analyzing impacts of Virgin Atlantic organizational culture on employee performances by September 30, 2022
• Providing recommendations to Virgin Atlantic strategic level management in terms of increasing the level of effectiveness of organizational culture by October 5, 2022

Figure below illustrates additional examples in formulating research aims and objectives:

Formulation of research question, aim and objectives

Common mistakes in the formulation of research aim relate to the following:

1. Choosing the topic too broadly . This is the most common mistake. For example, a research title of “an analysis of leadership practices” can be classified as too broad because the title fails to answer the following questions:

a) Which aspects of leadership practices? Leadership has many aspects such as employee motivation, ethical behaviour, strategic planning, change management etc. An attempt to cover all of these aspects of organizational leadership within a single research will result in an unfocused and poor work.

b) An analysis of leadership practices in which country? Leadership practices tend to be different in various countries due to cross-cultural differences, legislations and a range of other region-specific factors. Therefore, a study of leadership practices needs to be country-specific.

c) Analysis of leadership practices in which company or industry? Similar to the point above, analysis of leadership practices needs to take into account industry-specific and/or company-specific differences, and there is no way to conduct a leadership research that relates to all industries and organizations in an equal manner.

Accordingly, as an example “a study into the impacts of ethical behaviour of a leader on the level of employee motivation in US healthcare sector” would be a more appropriate title than simply “An analysis of leadership practices”.

2. Setting an unrealistic aim . Formulation of a research aim that involves in-depth interviews with Apple strategic level management by an undergraduate level student can be specified as a bit over-ambitious. This is because securing an interview with Apple CEO Tim Cook or members of Apple Board of Directors might not be easy. This is an extreme example of course, but you got the idea. Instead, you may aim to interview the manager of your local Apple store and adopt a more feasible strategy to get your dissertation completed.

3. Choosing research methods incompatible with the timeframe available . Conducting interviews with 20 sample group members and collecting primary data through 2 focus groups when only three months left until submission of your dissertation can be very difficult, if not impossible. Accordingly, timeframe available need to be taken into account when formulating research aims and objectives and selecting research methods.

Moreover, research objectives need to be formulated according to SMART principle,

 where the abbreviation stands for specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound.

Examples of SMART research objectives

At the conclusion part of your research project you will need to reflect on the level of achievement of research aims and objectives. In case your research aims and objectives are not fully achieved by the end of the study, you will need to discuss the reasons. These may include initial inappropriate formulation of research aims and objectives, effects of other variables that were not considered at the beginning of the research or changes in some circumstances during the research process.

John Dudovskiy

The Importance Of Research Objectives

Imagine you’re a student planning a vacation in a foreign country. You’re on a tight budget and need to draw…

Imagine you’re a student planning a vacation in a foreign country. You’re on a tight budget and need to draw up a pocket-friendly plan. Where do you begin? The first step is to do your research.

Before that, you make a mental list of your objectives—finding reasonably-priced hotels, traveling safely and finding ways of communicating with someone back home. These objectives help you focus sharply during your research and be aware of the finer details of your trip.

More often than not, research is a part of our daily lives. Whether it’s to pick a restaurant for your next birthday dinner or to prepare a presentation at work, good research is the foundation of effective learning. Read on to understand the meaning, importance and examples of research objectives.

Why Do We Need Research?

What are the objectives of research, what goes into a research plan.

Research is a careful and detailed study of a particular problem or concern, using scientific methods. An in-depth analysis of information creates space for generating new questions, concepts and understandings. The main objective of research is to explore the unknown and unlock new possibilities. It’s an essential component of success.

Over the years, businesses have started emphasizing the need for research. You’ve probably noticed organizations hiring research managers and analysts. The primary purpose of business research is to determine the goals and opportunities of an organization. It’s critical in making business decisions and appropriately allocating available resources.

Here are a few benefits of research that’ll explain why it is a vital aspect of our professional lives:

Expands Your Knowledge Base

One of the greatest benefits of research is to learn and gain a deeper understanding. The deeper you dig into a topic, the more well-versed you are. Furthermore, research has the power to help you build on any personal experience you have on the subject.

Keeps You Up To Date

Research encourages you to discover the most recent information available. Updated information prevents you from falling behind and helps you present accurate information. You’re better equipped to develop ideas or talk about a topic when you’re armed with the latest inputs.

Builds Your Credibility

Research provides you with a good foundation upon which you can develop your thoughts and ideas. People take you more seriously when your suggestions are backed by research. You can speak with greater confidence because you know that the information is accurate.

Sparks Connections

Take any leading nonprofit organization, you’ll see how they have a strong research arm supported by real-life stories. Research also becomes the base upon which real-life connections and impact can be made. It even helps you communicate better with others and conveys why you’re pursuing something.

Encourages Curiosity

As we’ve already established, research is mostly about using existing information to create new ideas and opinions. In the process, it sparks curiosity as you’re encouraged to explore and gain deeper insights into a subject. Curiosity leads to higher levels of positivity and lower levels of anxiety.

Well-defined objectives of research are an essential component of successful research engagement. If you want to drive all aspects of your research methodology such as data collection, design, analysis and recommendation, you need to lay down the objectives of research methodology. In other words, the objectives of research should address the underlying purpose of investigation and analysis. It should outline the steps you’d take to achieve desirable outcomes. Research objectives help you stay focused and adjust your expectations as you progress.

The objectives of research should be closely related to the problem statement, giving way to specific and achievable goals. Here are the four types of research objectives for you to explore:

General Objective

Also known as secondary objectives, general objectives provide a detailed view of the aim of a study. In other words, you get a general overview of what you want to achieve by the end of your study. For example, if you want to study an organization’s contribution to environmental sustainability, your general objective could be: a study of sustainable practices and the use of renewable energy by the organization.

Specific Objectives

Specific objectives define the primary aim of the study. Typically, general objectives provide the foundation for identifying specific objectives. In other words, when general objectives are broken down into smaller and logically connected objectives, they’re known as specific objectives. They help define the who, what, why, when and how aspects of your project. Once you identify the main objective of research, it’s easier to develop and pursue a plan of action.

Let’s take the example of ‘a study of an organization’s contribution to environmental sustainability’ again. The specific objectives will look like this:

To determine through history how the organization has changed its practices and adopted new solutions

To assess how the new practices, technology and strategies will contribute to the overall effectiveness

Once you’ve identified the objectives of research, it’s time to organize your thoughts and streamline your research goals. Here are a few effective tips to develop a powerful research plan and improve your business performance.

Set SMART Goals

Your research objectives should be SMART—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-constrained. When you focus on utilizing available resources and setting realistic timeframes and milestones, it’s easier to prioritize objectives. Continuously track your progress and check whether you need to revise your expectations or targets. This way, you’re in greater control over the process.

Create A Plan

Create a plan that’ll help you select appropriate methods to collect accurate information. A well-structured plan allows you to use logical and creative approaches towards problem-solving. The complexity of information and your skills are bound to influence your plan, which is why you need to make room for flexibility. The availability of resources will also play a big role in influencing your decisions.

Collect And Collate

After you’ve created a plan for the research process, make a list of the data you’re going to collect and the methods you’ll use. Not only will it help make sense of your insights but also keep track of your approach. The information you collect should be:

Logical, rigorous and objective

Can be reproduced by other people working on the same subject

Free of errors and highlighting necessary details

Current and updated

Includes everything required to support your argument/suggestions

Analyze And Keep Ready

Data analysis is the most crucial part of the process and there are many ways in which the information can be utilized. Four types of data analysis are often seen in a professional environment. While they may be divided into separate categories, they’re linked to each other.

Descriptive Analysis:

The most commonly used data analysis, descriptive analysis simply summarizes past data. For example, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) use descriptive analysis. It establishes certain benchmarks after studying how someone has been performing in the past.

Diagnostic Analysis:

The next step is to identify why something happened. Diagnostic analysis uses the information gathered through descriptive analysis and helps find the underlying causes of an outcome. For example, if a marketing initiative was successful, you deep-dive into the strategies that worked.

Predictive Analysis:

It attempts to answer ‘what’s likely to happen’. Predictive analysis makes use of past data to predict future outcomes. However, the accuracy of predictions depends on the quality of the data provided. Risk assessment is an ideal example of using predictive analysis.

Prescriptive Analysis: 

The most sought-after type of data analysis, prescriptive analysis combines the insights of all of the previous analyses. It’s a huge organizational commitment as it requires plenty of effort and resources. A great example of prescriptive analysis is Artificial Intelligence (AI), which consumes large amounts of data. You need to be prepared to commit to this type of analysis.

Review And Interpret

Once you’ve collected and collated your data, it’s time to review it and draw accurate conclusions. Here are a few ways to improve the review process:

Identify the fundamental issues, opportunities and problems and make note of recurring trends if any

Make a list of your insights and check which is the most or the least common. In short, keep track of the frequency of each insight

Conduct a SWOT analysis and identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats

Write down your conclusions and recommendations of the research

When we think about research, we often associate it with academicians and students. but the truth is research is for everybody who is willing to learn and enhance their knowledge. If you want to master the art of strategically upgrading your knowledge, Harappa Education’s Learning Expertly course has all the answers. Not only will it help you look at things from a fresh perspective but also show you how to acquire new information with greater efficiency. The Growth Mindset framework will teach you how to believe in your abilities to grow and improve. The Learning Transfer framework will help you apply your learnings from one context to another. Begin the journey of tactful learning and self-improvement today!

Explore Harappa Diaries to learn more about topics related to the THINK Habit such as  Learning From Experience ,  Critical Thinking  & What is  Brainstorming  to think clearly and rationally.

Frequently asked questions

What’s an example of a research objective.

Your research objectives indicate how you’ll try to address your research problem and should be specific:

Frequently asked questions: Writing a research paper

A research project is an academic, scientific, or professional undertaking to answer a research question . Research projects can take many forms, such as qualitative or quantitative , descriptive , longitudinal , experimental , or correlational . What kind of research approach you choose will depend on your topic.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

Formulating a main research question can be a difficult task. Overall, your question should contribute to solving the problem that you have defined in your problem statement .

However, it should also fulfill criteria in three main areas:

• Researchability
• Feasibility and specificity
• Relevance and originality

Research questions anchor your whole project, so it’s important to spend some time refining them.

In general, they should be:

• Focused and researchable
• Answerable using credible sources
• Complex and arguable
• Feasible and specific
• Relevant and original

All research questions should be:

• Focused on a single problem or issue
• Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
• Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
• Specific enough to answer thoroughly
• Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
• Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly

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.

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

Research objectives describe what you intend your research project to accomplish.

They summarize the approach and purpose of the 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 .

The main guidelines for formatting a paper in Chicago style are to:

• Use a standard font like 12 pt Times New Roman
• Use 1 inch margins or larger
• Apply double line spacing
• Indent every new paragraph ½ inch
• Include a title page
• Place page numbers in the top right or bottom center
• Cite your sources with author-date citations or Chicago footnotes
• Include a bibliography or reference list

To automatically generate accurate Chicago references, you can use Scribbr’s free Chicago reference generator .

The main guidelines for formatting a paper in MLA style are as follows:

• Use an easily readable font like 12 pt Times New Roman
• Set 1 inch page margins
• Include a four-line MLA heading on the first page
• Center the paper’s title
• Use title case capitalization for headings
• Cite your sources with MLA in-text citations
• List all sources cited on a Works Cited page at the end

To format a paper in APA Style , follow these guidelines:

• Use a standard font like 12 pt Times New Roman or 11 pt Arial
• If submitting for publication, insert a running head on every page
• Apply APA heading styles
• Cite your sources with APA in-text citations
• List all sources cited on a reference page at the end

No, it’s not appropriate to present new arguments or evidence in the conclusion . While you might be tempted to save a striking argument for last, research papers follow a more formal structure than this.

All your findings and arguments should be presented in the body of the text (more specifically in the results and discussion sections if you are following a scientific structure). The conclusion is meant to summarize and reflect on the evidence and arguments you have already presented, not introduce new ones.

The conclusion of a research paper has several key elements you should make sure to include:

• A restatement of the research problem
• A summary of your key arguments and/or findings
• A short discussion of the implications of your research

Don’t feel that you have to write the introduction first. The introduction is often one of the last parts of the research paper you’ll write, along with the conclusion.

This is because it can be easier to introduce your paper once you’ve already written the body ; you may not have the clearest idea of your arguments until you’ve written them, and things can change during the writing process .

The way you present your research problem in your introduction varies depending on the nature of your research paper . A research paper that presents a sustained argument will usually encapsulate this argument in a thesis statement .

A research paper designed to present the results of empirical research tends to present a research question that it seeks to answer. It may also include a hypothesis —a prediction that will be confirmed or disproved by your research.

The introduction of a research paper includes several key elements:

• A hook to catch the reader’s interest
• Relevant background on the topic
• Details of your research problem

and your problem statement

• A thesis statement or research question
• Sometimes an overview of the paper

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Research Objectives

Ai generator.

Research objectives are specific goals or purposes that guide a study or investigation. They are clearly defined statements that outline what the researcher aims to achieve through their research . These objectives help to focus the study, provide direction, and establish the scope of the research design . They typically include the main questions or problems the research seeks to address and are essential for designing the methodology, data collection, and analysis processes. By defining research objectives , researchers can ensure their study remains on track and addresses the key issues relevant to their topic.

What Are Research Objectives?

Research objectives are clear, specific goals that guide a study’s direction and scope. They outline what the researcher aims to achieve, helping to focus the research, design methodologies, and guide data collection and analysis. These objectives ensure the research stays on track and addresses key issues relevant to the topic.

Examples of Research Objectives

• To determine the impact of social media on adolescent mental health.
• To analyze the effectiveness of online learning platforms in primary education.
• To investigate the relationship between diet and cognitive function in adults.
• To assess customer satisfaction with a new product line.
• To explore the effects of climate change on local agriculture.
• To identify key factors influencing employee job satisfaction in the tech industry.
• To evaluate the success of a community health intervention program.
• To compare the environmental benefits of electric vs. hybrid vehicles.
• To examine the role of leadership styles in organizational performance.
• To measure the economic impact of tourism in a specific region.

Examples of Qualitative Research Objectives

• To explore the experiences of patients undergoing chronic pain management.
• To understand the perceptions of teachers on the integration of technology in the classroom.
• To investigate the motivations behind volunteerism in community service organizations.
• To examine the cultural influences on dietary habits among immigrant families.
• To assess the impact of workplace culture on employee morale in remote teams.
• To identify the challenges faced by first-generation college students in higher education.
• To analyze the role of social support networks in the lives of single parents.
• To study the decision-making processes of consumers when choosing organic products.
• To explore the lived experiences of individuals recovering from addiction.
• To understand the factors influencing career choices among high school students.

Examples of Research Objectives in a Research Proposal

• To investigate the effects of social media usage on high school students’ academic performance.
• To explore the relationship between work-life balance and job satisfaction among healthcare professionals.
• To assess the impact of urban green spaces on residents’ mental health in metropolitan areas.
• To analyze the effectiveness of bilingual education programs in enhancing language proficiency among elementary students.
• To determine the influence of corporate social responsibility initiatives on consumer loyalty in the retail industry.
• To examine the role of leadership styles in fostering innovation within technology startups.
• To identify barriers to accessing healthcare services in rural communities.
• To evaluate the success of digital marketing strategies in small businesses.
• To understand the factors affecting voter turnout in local elections.
• To study the impact of remote work on team collaboration and productivity in the IT sector.

Research Objectives in Business

• To evaluate the effectiveness of digital marketing strategies in increasing online sales.
• To analyze customer satisfaction levels with the company’s new product line.
• To investigate the impact of employee training programs on productivity.
• To determine the key factors influencing consumer purchasing decisions in the retail industry.
• To assess the role of corporate social responsibility in enhancing brand reputation.
• To explore the relationship between workplace diversity and employee performance.
• To examine the effects of remote work on team collaboration and company culture.
• To identify market trends and opportunities for business expansion in emerging markets.
• To study the influence of pricing strategies on customer retention and loyalty.
• To measure the impact of leadership styles on organizational innovation and growth.

Why are Research Objectives Important?

Research objectives are crucial because they provide clear direction and focus for a study, ensuring that the research stays on track and addresses the specific goals set by the researcher. They help in the formulation of research questions and the design of the methodology, guiding data collection and analysis processes. Well-defined objectives make it easier to measure the study’s success and ensure that the findings are relevant and meaningful. They also enhance the credibility and reliability of the research by outlining a precise plan, making it easier for others to understand and replicate the study.

Importance of Research Objectives

• Provide Clarity and Focus: Research objectives clearly outline what the study aims to achieve, helping to narrow down the scope and maintain a clear direction throughout the research process.
• Guide Research Design: They help in formulating research questions and determining the most appropriate methodology, ensuring that data collection and analysis are aligned with the study’s goals.
• Ensure Relevance: Well-defined objectives ensure that the research addresses specific, relevant issues, making the findings more meaningful and applicable.
• Measure Success: They provide benchmarks against which the success of the study can be measured, making it easier to assess whether the research has achieved its intended goals.
• Enhance Credibility: Clearly stated objectives enhance the credibility and reliability of the research by demonstrating a systematic and organized approach.

Types of Research Objectives

1. Descriptive Objectives

Descriptive objectives aim to describe the characteristics or functions of a particular phenomenon or population. These objectives focus on answering the “what” aspect of research. Example : To describe the demographic characteristics of smartphone users in the United States.

2. Exploratory Objectives

Exploratory objectives aim to explore new areas where little information is available. They seek to gain insights and familiarize the researcher with the subject area. Example : To explore the potential factors influencing consumer preferences for electric vehicles.

3. Explanatory Objectives

Explanatory objectives aim to explain the relationships or causality between variables. These objectives focus on understanding the “why” and “how” aspects of research. Example : To explain the relationship between social media usage and academic performance among college students.

4. Predictive Objectives

Predictive objectives aim to predict the future trends, behaviors, or outcomes based on current data or trends. These objectives are used to forecast and anticipate future scenarios. Example : To predict the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity over the next decade.

5. Evaluative Objectives

Evaluative objectives aim to assess the effectiveness or impact of an intervention, program, or policy. These objectives focus on determining the success or value of something. Example : To evaluate the effectiveness of a new employee training program on job performance.

Characteristics of Research Objectives

Research objectives are crucial components of any study as they define the purpose and goals of the research. Well-crafted research objectives provide clarity, direction, and focus to the study. Here are the key characteristics of research objectives:

1. Specific

Research objectives should be clear and precise, leaving no room for ambiguity. They should clearly state what the research intends to achieve. Example: Specific Objective: “To determine the impact of social media marketing on consumer purchasing decisions.”

2. Measurable

Objectives should be quantifiable, allowing researchers to assess the extent to which they have been achieved. This involves using metrics or indicators that can be measured. Example: Measurable Objective: “To measure the increase in sales by 15% after implementing a social media marketing campaign.”

3. Achievable

The objectives should be realistic and attainable within the scope and resources of the study. Setting achievable goals ensures that the research can be completed successfully. Example: Achievable Objective: “To survey 500 consumers within a three-month period to understand their social media usage patterns.”

4. Relevant

Objectives must be relevant to the research problem and aligned with the overall purpose of the study. They should address the key issues and contribute to solving the research problem. Example: Relevant Objective: “To analyze the relationship between social media engagement and brand loyalty among teenagers.”

5. Time-bound

Objectives should have a clear timeframe within which they are to be achieved. This helps in planning and maintaining the research schedule. Example: Time-bound Objective: “To complete data collection within six months and publish findings within one year.”

How to write Research Objectives?

1. identify the research problem.

• Clearly define the research problem.
• Understand the main issue or question you want to address.

2. Conduct a Literature Review

• Review existing literature to understand what has already been done in the field.
• Refine your research problem and identify gaps.

3. Define the Scope of Your Study

• Determine the boundaries of your research.
• Specify what aspects of the problem you will address and what you will exclude.

4. Formulate Specific Questions

• Break down your research problem into specific, clear, and focused questions.

5. Use Action Verbs

• Use specific action verbs such as “analyze,” “determine,” “evaluate,” “explore,” and “compare” to articulate your aims.

6. Be Clear and Concise

• Ensure your objectives are clear, concise, and easy to understand.
• Avoid ambiguous language and make each objective specific and measurable.

7. Align with Research Goals

• Ensure that your objectives are aligned with the overall goals of your research.
• Each objective should contribute to achieving these goals.

8. Prioritize Objectives

• List your objectives in order of importance.
• Focus on primary objectives first, followed by secondary ones.

9. Ensure Feasibility

• Make sure your objectives are realistic and achievable within the scope of your resources, time, and capabilities.

10. Review and Refine

• Review your objectives to ensure they are comprehensive and cover all aspects of your research problem.
• Refine them as necessary for clarity and focus.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Research Objectives

Advantages of research objectives.

• Clarity and Focus Objectives provide a clear direction, helping you stay on track. Example: “To study the impact of social media on teenagers’ mental health” keeps your research focused on a specific topic.
• Guidance for Methodology They help in choosing the right methods and tools for your research. Example: “To test the effectiveness of new teaching methods” suggests using experiments and tests.
• Measurement and Evaluation Objectives make it easy to measure success. Example: “To improve test scores by 15% with a new teaching method” provides a clear goal to aim for.
• Resource Allocation They ensure efficient use of time, money, and effort. Example: If your objective is “To survey 500 people,” you can plan your resources accordingly.
• Communication Objectives help explain your research to others. Example: Clear objectives can be shared in grant proposals to get funding.

Disadvantages of Research Objectives

• Rigidity Objectives can be too rigid, limiting flexibility. Example: If new data shows something unexpected, a fixed objective might stop you from exploring it.
• Over-Simplification They might oversimplify complex issues. Example: “To study the effect of diet on health” might ignore the many factors that influence health.
• Bias Introduction Specific objectives can lead to focusing too narrowly. Example: Studying only the positive effects of a new drug might overlook side effects.
• Pressure to Achieve They can create pressure to meet specific outcomes, risking research integrity. Example: You might feel pressured to show that a new teaching method works, even if it doesn’t.
• Resource Constraints Some objectives may require more resources than available. Example: “To survey 1,000 people” might be hard if you have limited funds.

FAQ’s

Why are research objectives important.

Research objectives provide direction and focus for the study, ensuring that the research stays on track and addresses relevant questions.

How do you formulate research objectives?

Formulate research objectives by identifying key questions your research aims to answer, ensuring they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

What is the difference between research objectives and research questions?

Research objectives outline the goals of the study, while research questions specify what the researcher aims to find out.

Can research objectives change during the study?

Yes, research objectives can be refined or adjusted as the study progresses, especially if new insights emerge.

How many research objectives should a study have?

The number of research objectives depends on the scope of the study but typically ranges from two to five.

How do research objectives relate to hypotheses?

Research objectives guide the study, while hypotheses are testable predictions derived from these objectives.

Can research objectives be qualitative or quantitative?

Yes, research objectives can be either qualitative, focusing on understanding phenomena, or quantitative, focusing on measuring variables.

How do you prioritize research objectives?

Prioritize research objectives based on their relevance to the research problem and feasibility within the study’s constraints.

What role do research objectives play in a literature review?

Research objectives help structure the literature review, guiding the selection of relevant studies and identifying gaps in existing research.

How do research objectives influence data collection?

Research objectives determine the type of data needed and the appropriate methods for collecting this data.

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How to Write a Research Proposal: (with Examples & Templates)

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Before conducting a study, a research proposal should be created that outlines researchers’ plans and methodology and is submitted to the concerned evaluating organization or person. Creating a research proposal is an important step to ensure that researchers are on track and are moving forward as intended. A research proposal can be defined as a detailed plan or blueprint for the proposed research that you intend to undertake. It provides readers with a snapshot of your project by describing what you will investigate, why it is needed, and how you will conduct the research.  

Your research proposal should aim to explain to the readers why your research is relevant and original, that you understand the context and current scenario in the field, have the appropriate resources to conduct the research, and that the research is feasible given the usual constraints.  

This article will describe in detail the purpose and typical structure of a research proposal , along with examples and templates to help you ace this step in your research journey.  

What is a Research Proposal ?  

A research proposal¹ ,²  can be defined as a formal report that describes your proposed research, its objectives, methodology, implications, and other important details. Research proposals are the framework of your research and are used to obtain approvals or grants to conduct the study from various committees or organizations. Consequently, research proposals should convince readers of your study’s credibility, accuracy, achievability, practicality, and reproducibility.   

With research proposals , researchers usually aim to persuade the readers, funding agencies, educational institutions, and supervisors to approve the proposal. To achieve this, the report should be well structured with the objectives written in clear, understandable language devoid of jargon. A well-organized research proposal conveys to the readers or evaluators that the writer has thought out the research plan meticulously and has the resources to ensure timely completion.  

Purpose of Research Proposals  

A research proposal is a sales pitch and therefore should be detailed enough to convince your readers, who could be supervisors, ethics committees, universities, etc., that what you’re proposing has merit and is feasible . Research proposals can help students discuss their dissertation with their faculty or fulfill course requirements and also help researchers obtain funding. A well-structured proposal instills confidence among readers about your ability to conduct and complete the study as proposed.  

Research proposals can be written for several reasons:³  

• To describe the importance of research in the specific topic  
• Address any potential challenges you may encounter  
• Showcase knowledge in the field and your ability to conduct a study  
• Apply for a role at a research institute  
• Convince a research supervisor or university that your research can satisfy the requirements of a degree program  
• Highlight the importance of your research to organizations that may sponsor your project  
• Identify implications of your project and how it can benefit the audience  

What Goes in a Research Proposal?    

Research proposals should aim to answer the three basic questions—what, why, and how.  

The What question should be answered by describing the specific subject being researched. It should typically include the objectives, the cohort details, and the location or setting.  

The Why question should be answered by describing the existing scenario of the subject, listing unanswered questions, identifying gaps in the existing research, and describing how your study can address these gaps, along with the implications and significance.  

The How question should be answered by describing the proposed research methodology, data analysis tools expected to be used, and other details to describe your proposed methodology.   

Research Proposal Example  

Here is a research proposal sample template (with examples) from the University of Rochester Medical Center. 4 The sections in all research proposals are essentially the same although different terminology and other specific sections may be used depending on the subject.  

Structure of a Research Proposal  

If you want to know how to make a research proposal impactful, include the following components:¹  

1. Introduction  

This section provides a background of the study, including the research topic, what is already known about it and the gaps, and the significance of the proposed research.  

2. Literature review  

This section contains descriptions of all the previous relevant studies pertaining to the research topic. Every study cited should be described in a few sentences, starting with the general studies to the more specific ones. This section builds on the understanding gained by readers in the Introduction section and supports it by citing relevant prior literature, indicating to readers that you have thoroughly researched your subject.  

3. Objectives  

Once the background and gaps in the research topic have been established, authors must now state the aims of the research clearly. Hypotheses should be mentioned here. This section further helps readers understand what your study’s specific goals are.  

4. Research design and methodology  

Here, authors should clearly describe the methods they intend to use to achieve their proposed objectives. Important components of this section include the population and sample size, data collection and analysis methods and duration, statistical analysis software, measures to avoid bias (randomization, blinding), etc.  

5. Ethical considerations  

This refers to the protection of participants’ rights, such as the right to privacy, right to confidentiality, etc. Researchers need to obtain informed consent and institutional review approval by the required authorities and mention this clearly for transparency.  

6. Budget/funding  

Researchers should prepare their budget and include all expected expenditures. An additional allowance for contingencies such as delays should also be factored in.  

7. Appendices  

This section typically includes information that supports the research proposal and may include informed consent forms, questionnaires, participant information, measurement tools, etc.  

8. Citations  

Important Tips for Writing a Research Proposal  

Writing a research proposal begins much before the actual task of writing. Planning the research proposal structure and content is an important stage, which if done efficiently, can help you seamlessly transition into the writing stage. 3,5  

The Planning Stage  

• Manage your time efficiently. Plan to have the draft version ready at least two weeks before your deadline and the final version at least two to three days before the deadline.
• What is the primary objective of your research?  
• Will your research address any existing gap?  
• What is the impact of your proposed research?  
• Do people outside your field find your research applicable in other areas?  
• If your research is unsuccessful, would there still be other useful research outcomes?  

  The Writing Stage  

• Create an outline with main section headings that are typically used.  
• Focus only on writing and getting your points across without worrying about the format of the research proposal , grammar, punctuation, etc. These can be fixed during the subsequent passes. Add details to each section heading you created in the beginning.   
• Ensure your sentences are concise and use plain language. A research proposal usually contains about 2,000 to 4,000 words or four to seven pages.  
• Don’t use too many technical terms and abbreviations assuming that the readers would know them. Define the abbreviations and technical terms.  
• Ensure that the entire content is readable. Avoid using long paragraphs because they affect the continuity in reading. Break them into shorter paragraphs and introduce some white space for readability.  
• Focus on only the major research issues and cite sources accordingly. Don’t include generic information or their sources in the literature review.  
• Proofread your final document to ensure there are no grammatical errors so readers can enjoy a seamless, uninterrupted read.  
• Use academic, scholarly language because it brings formality into a document.  
• Ensure that your title is created using the keywords in the document and is neither too long and specific nor too short and general.  
• Cite all sources appropriately to avoid plagiarism.  
• Make sure that you follow guidelines, if provided. This includes rules as simple as using a specific font or a hyphen or en dash between numerical ranges.  
• Ensure that you’ve answered all questions requested by the evaluating authority.  

Key Takeaways   

Here’s a summary of the main points about research proposals discussed in the previous sections:  

• A research proposal is a document that outlines the details of a proposed study and is created by researchers to submit to evaluators who could be research institutions, universities, faculty, etc.  
• Research proposals are usually about 2,000-4,000 words long, but this depends on the evaluating authority’s guidelines.  
• A good research proposal ensures that you’ve done your background research and assessed the feasibility of the research.  
• Research proposals have the following main sections—introduction, literature review, objectives, methodology, ethical considerations, and budget.  

Frequently Asked Questions  

Q1. How is a research proposal evaluated?  

A1. In general, most evaluators, including universities, broadly use the following criteria to evaluate research proposals . 6  

• Significance —Does the research address any important subject or issue, which may or may not be specific to the evaluator or university?  
• Content and design —Is the proposed methodology appropriate to answer the research question? Are the objectives clear and well aligned with the proposed methodology?  
• Sample size and selection —Is the target population or cohort size clearly mentioned? Is the sampling process used to select participants randomized, appropriate, and free of bias?  
• Timing —Are the proposed data collection dates mentioned clearly? Is the project feasible given the specified resources and timeline?  
• Data management and dissemination —Who will have access to the data? What is the plan for data analysis?  

Q2. What is the difference between the Introduction and Literature Review sections in a research proposal ?  

A2. The Introduction or Background section in a research proposal sets the context of the study by describing the current scenario of the subject and identifying the gaps and need for the research. A Literature Review, on the other hand, provides references to all prior relevant literature to help corroborate the gaps identified and the research need.  

Q3. How long should a research proposal be?  

A3. Research proposal lengths vary with the evaluating authority like universities or committees and also the subject. Here’s a table that lists the typical research proposal lengths for a few universities.  

Q4. What are the common mistakes to avoid in a research proposal ?  

A4. Here are a few common mistakes that you must avoid while writing a research proposal . 7  

• No clear objectives: Objectives should be clear, specific, and measurable for the easy understanding among readers.  
• Incomplete or unconvincing background research: Background research usually includes a review of the current scenario of the particular industry and also a review of the previous literature on the subject. This helps readers understand your reasons for undertaking this research because you identified gaps in the existing research.  
• Overlooking project feasibility: The project scope and estimates should be realistic considering the resources and time available.   
• Neglecting the impact and significance of the study: In a research proposal , readers and evaluators look for the implications or significance of your research and how it contributes to the existing research. This information should always be included.  
• Unstructured format of a research proposal : A well-structured document gives confidence to evaluators that you have read the guidelines carefully and are well organized in your approach, consequently affirming that you will be able to undertake the research as mentioned in your proposal.  
• Ineffective writing style: The language used should be formal and grammatically correct. If required, editors could be consulted, including AI-based tools such as Paperpal , to refine the research proposal structure and language.  

Thus, a research proposal is an essential document that can help you promote your research and secure funds and grants for conducting your research. Consequently, it should be well written in clear language and include all essential details to convince the evaluators of your ability to conduct the research as proposed.  

This article has described all the important components of a research proposal and has also provided tips to improve your writing style. We hope all these tips will help you write a well-structured research proposal to ensure receipt of grants or any other purpose.  

References  

• Sudheesh K, Duggappa DR, Nethra SS. How to write a research proposal? Indian J Anaesth. 2016;60(9):631-634. Accessed July 15, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5037942/  
• Writing research proposals. Harvard College Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. Harvard University. Accessed July 14, 2024. https://uraf.harvard.edu/apply-opportunities/app-components/essays/research-proposals  
• What is a research proposal? Plus how to write one. Indeed website. Accessed July 17, 2024. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/research-proposal  
• Research proposal template. University of Rochester Medical Center. Accessed July 16, 2024. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/MediaLibraries/URMCMedia/pediatrics/research/documents/Research-proposal-Template.pdf  
• Tips for successful proposal writing. Johns Hopkins University. Accessed July 17, 2024. https://research.jhu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Tips-for-Successful-Proposal-Writing.pdf  
• Formal review of research proposals. Cornell University. Accessed July 18, 2024. https://irp.dpb.cornell.edu/surveys/survey-assessment-review-group/research-proposals  
• 7 Mistakes you must avoid in your research proposal. Aveksana (via LinkedIn). Accessed July 17, 2024. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/7-mistakes-you-must-avoid-your-research-proposal-aveksana-cmtwf/  

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Get accurate academic translations, rewriting support, grammar checks, vocabulary suggestions, and generative AI assistance that delivers human precision at machine speed. Try for free or upgrade to Paperpal Prime starting at US$19 a month to access premium features, including consistency, plagiarism, and 30+ submission readiness checks to help you succeed.  

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Top 5 Research Objective Example Templates with Samples

Lakshya Khurana

Research work is complicated, long, and tiring. In the jumbled mess of theories, experiments, and reports, it is not unusual to lose sight of the research objective (s); the why of your work.

How do you remind yourself and others of it?

You use a SlideTeam PowerPoint Presentation.  To achieve an objective, it needs to be in your mind space and in front of your eyes, and a presentation is the best way to do this.

This ensures that you do not lose focus and are always able to correct course within time and without causing much damage to the business.

When you present your research progress and findings, the objective is your constant companion, and the focus of attention, as you about creating a roadmap for your journey.

We present the Top 5 Research Objective Example Templates that will help you create a top-notch presentation and elevate your productivity to the next level. Let’s check out these templates to find the one that suits your needs, current or future!

Template 1: Student Research Proposal PowerPoint Presentation Slides

As a student, your research will consume much of your time, and structure is necessary to ensure you can stay productive. Use this PPT Deck to create a structure for your work and present your progress to your supervisors. Starting with a cover letter to give a brief on the research, this PPT Template helps you explain in visual detail your research objectives and your plans to fructify these. Download this template now!

DOWNLOAD NOW

Template 2: Academic Research Proposal PowerPoint Presentation Slides

This PPT Slide Set contains templates that any academic worth his/her salt would require to present and share their research work, such as the abstract, the problem statement, assertions, literature review, etc. Use this deck to get a head start on achieving your research objectives. Get it now from the link below.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Template 3: Research Proposal Template PPT Presentation Slides

What do you want to find from your research? How will you do it, and by when? Questions like these are the backbone of your research work and must be answered for your own work satisfaction and to ensure supervisors will pass you. Use this PPT deck to showcase your research objectives, timeline, funding, methodology, and more. Grab it right here!

GET IT HERE

Template 4: Research Proposal Template PowerPoint Presentation Slides

Create a convincing proposal to study your research objectives and keep relevant people in the loop at all times with this PPT Template Bundle. From the cover letter to the abstract to the research method overview, the slides have well-researched material showcased that will fit all requirements. If not, there is always the 100% customizable and editable nature of the presentation template to fall back on. Download this template right away!

Template 5: Research Project Proposal PowerPoint Presentation Slides

With an attention-grabbing design and expertly researched content, this PPT Deck is perfect for presenting your research objectives and showcasing elements to achieving these. Express the contents of your work, such as the problem statement, literature review, research constraints, and more. Download it now.

Keep Your Eyes on Your Destination

With the research objective always reminding you of what you wish to achieve, you will not worry about losing your way, and neither will your supervisors and other superiors. With our Research Objective Templates, you will keep your eyes on the prize (the research objective) at all times. As promised, the templates are all yours, and available for access right now.

PS Do you wish to plan for the roadmap that will take you to your destination, then click here to check out the blog roadmap journey with templates included.

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FAQs on Research Objectives

What are the 3 main objectives of research.

Among the many objectives of research, the following are the main three:

• Generate new knowledge: The primary objective of research is to generate new knowledge and understanding about a particular topic. This can mean discovering new facts, hypnotizing new theories, or identifying new relationships between existing pieces of information.
• Solve problems: Research is meant to find practical solutions to real-world issues. This can mean identifying the cause of a pressing problem, developing new technologies or products, or evaluating the effectiveness of existing approaches to addressing a particular issue.
• Advance scientific understanding: Research is undertaken to advance scientific understanding of a particular field or area of study. This can mean building on existing knowledge, testing hypotheses, or developing new theories or models.

What are examples of research objectives?

Here are some examples of research objectives:

• To investigate the prevalence of a specific disease only in a certain population
• To determine the effectiveness of a new treatment for a disease
• To identify factors that contribute to academic success in college students (social science)
• To understand consumer behavior in a market segment
• To evaluate the impact of a new policy on crime rates
• To study the relationship between diet and heart disease
• To examine the effects of a new teaching method on student learning
• To investigate factors that influence customer loyalty in a particular industry
• To understand the motivations behind customers; purchasing decisions
• To study the impact of social media on political opinions

How do you write research objectives?  

• Define the overall research question: The first step in writing research objectives is to clearly define the overall research (SMART) question that the study aims to answer.
• Break it down into specific objectives: Once the overall research question has been defined, it should be broken down into objectives to guide the development of the research.
• Write the objectives in a clear and concise manner: Use simple, straightforward language to describe the objectives. Avoid using jargon or technical terms.
• Review and revise the objectives: This is a must to ensure that these remain relevant and achievable.

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Top 10 Roadmap Journey Templates with Samples and Examples

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Research Aims and Objectives: The dynamic duo for successful research

Picture yourself on a road trip without a destination in mind — driving aimlessly, not knowing where you’re headed or how to get there. Similarly, your research is navigated by well-defined research aims and objectives. Research aims and objectives are the foundation of any research project. They provide a clear direction and purpose for the study, ensuring that you stay focused and on track throughout the process. They are your trusted navigational tools, leading you to success.

Understanding the relationship between research objectives and aims is crucial to any research project’s success, and we’re here to break it down for you in this article. Here, we’ll explore the importance of research aims and objectives, understand their differences, and delve into the impact they have on the quality of research.

Understanding the Difference between Research Aims and Objectives

In research, aims and objectives are two important components but are often used interchangeably. Though they may sound similar, they are distinct and serve different purposes.

Research Aims:

Research aims are broad statements that describe the overall purpose of your study. They provide a general direction for your study and indicate the intended achievements of your research. Aims are usually written in a general and abstract manner describing the ultimate goal of the research.

Research Objectives:

Research objectives are specific, measurable, and achievable goals that you aim to accomplish within a specified timeframe. They break down the research aims into smaller, more manageable components and provide a clear picture of what you want to achieve and how you plan to achieve it.

In the example, the objectives provide specific targets that must be achieved to reach the aim. Essentially, aims provide the overall direction for the research while objectives provide specific targets that must be achieved to accomplish the aims. Aims provide a broad context for the research, while the objectives provide smaller steps that the researcher must take to accomplish the overall research goals. To illustrate, when planning a road trip, your research aim is the destination you want to reach, and your research objectives are the specific routes you need to take to get there.

Aims and objectives are interconnected. Objectives play a key role in defining the research methodology, providing a roadmap for how you’ll collect and analyze data, while aim is the final destination, which represents the ultimate goal of your research. By setting specific goals, you’ll be able to design a research plan that helps you achieve your objectives and, ultimately, your research aim.

Importance of Well-defined Aims and Objectives

The impact of clear research aims and objectives on the quality of research cannot be understated. But it’s not enough to simply have aims and objectives. Well-defined research aims and objectives are important for several reasons:

• Provides direction: Clear aims and well-defined objectives provide a specific direction for your research study, ensuring that the research stays focused on a specific topic or problem. This helps to prevent the research from becoming too broad or unfocused, and ensures that the study remains relevant and meaningful.
• Guides research design: The research aim and objectives help guide the research design and methodology, ensuring that your study is designed in a way that will answer the research questions and achieve the research objectives.
• Helps with resource allocation: Clear research aims and objectives helps you to allocate resources effectively , including time, financial resources, human resources, and other required materials. With a well-defined aim and objectives, you can identify the resources required to conduct the research, and allocate them in a way that maximizes efficiency and productivity.
• Assists in evaluation: Clearly specified research aims and objectives allow for effective evaluation of your research project’s success. You can assess whether the research has achieved its objectives, and whether the aim has been met. This evaluation process can help to identify areas of the research project that may require further attention or modification.
• Enhances communication: Well-defined research aims and objectives help to enhance communication among the research team, stakeholders, funding agencies, and other interested parties. Clear aims and objectives ensure that everyone involved in your research project understands the purpose and goals of the study. This can help to foster collaboration and ensure that everyone is working towards the same end goal.

How to Formulate Research Aims and Objectives

Formulating effective research aims and objectives involves a systematic process to ensure that they are clear, specific, achievable, and relevant. Start by asking yourself what you want to achieve through your research. What impact do you want your research to have? Once you have a clear understanding of your aims, you can then break them down into specific, achievable objectives. Here are some steps you can follow when developing research aims and objectives:

• Identify the research question : Clearly identify the questions you want to answer through your research. This will help you define the scope of your research. Understanding the characteristics of a good research question will help you generate clearer aims and objectives.
• Conduct literature review : When defining your research aim and objectives, it’s important to conduct a literature review to identify key concepts, theories, and methods related to your research problem or question. Conducting a thorough literature review can help you understand what research has been done in the area and what gaps exist in the literature.
• Identify the research aim: Develop a research aim that summarizes the overarching goal of your research. The research aim should be broad and concise.
• Develop research objectives: Based on your research questions and research aim, develop specific research objectives that outline what you intend to achieve through your research. These objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
• Use action verbs: Use action verbs such as “investigate,” “examine,” “analyze,” and “compare” to describe your research aims and objectives. This makes them more specific and measurable.
• Ensure alignment with research question: Ensure that the research aim and objectives are aligned with the research question. This helps to ensure that the research remains focused and that the objectives are specific enough to answer your research question.
• Refine and revise: Once the research aim and objectives have been developed, refine and revise them as needed. Seek feedback from your colleagues, mentors, or supervisors to ensure that they are clear, concise, and achievable within the given resources and timeframe.
• Communicate: After finalizing the research aim and objectives, they should be communicated to the research team, stakeholders, and other interested parties. This helps to ensure that everyone is working towards the same end goal and understands the purpose of the study.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid While Formulating Aims and Objectives

There are several common mistakes that researchers can make when writing research aims and objectives. These include:

• Being too broad or vague: Aims and objectives that are too general or unclear can lead to confusion and lack of focus. It is important to ensure that the aims and objectives are concise and clear.
• Being too narrow or specific: On the other hand, aims and objectives that are too narrow or specific may limit the scope of the research and make it difficult to draw meaningful conclusions or implications.
• Being too ambitious: While it is important to aim high, being too ambitious with the aims and objectives can lead to unrealistic expectations and can be difficult to achieve within the constraints of the research project.
• Lack of alignment: The aims and objectives should be directly linked to the research questions being investigated. Otherwise, this will lead to a lack of coherence in the research project.
• Lack of feasibility: The aims and objectives should be achievable within the constraints of the research project, including time, budget, and resources. Failing to consider feasibility may cause compromise of the research quality.
• Failing to consider ethical considerations: The aims and objectives should take into account any ethical considerations, such as ensuring the safety and well-being of study participants.
• Failing to involve all stakeholders: It’s important to involve all relevant stakeholders, such as participants, supervisors, and funding agencies, in the development of the aims and objectives to ensure they are appropriate and relevant.

To avoid these common pitfalls, it is important to be specific, clear, relevant, and realistic when writing research aims and objectives. Seek feedback from colleagues or supervisors to ensure that the aims and objectives are aligned with the research problem , questions, and methodology, and are achievable within the constraints of the research project. It’s important to continually refine your aims and objectives as you go. As you progress in your research, it’s not uncommon for research aims and objectives to evolve slightly, but it’s important that they remain consistent with the study conducted and the research topic.

In summary, research aims and objectives are the backbone of any successful research project. They give you the ability to cut through the noise and hone in on what really matters. By setting clear goals and aligning them with your research questions and methodology, you can ensure that your research is relevant, impactful, and of the highest quality. So, before you hit the road on your research journey, make sure you have a clear destination and steps to get there. Let us know in the comments section below the challenges you faced and the strategies you followed while fomulating research aims and objectives! Also, feel free to reach out to us at any stage of your research or publication by using #AskEnago  and tagging @EnagoAcademy on Twitter , Facebook , and Quora . Happy researching!

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Difference between Aim and Objectives of a Research Study

Understanding the difference between aims and objectives in research.

In the field of research, distinguishing between the terms “aim” and “objective” is crucial yet often confusing. Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they represent different aspects of the research process. This comprehensive guide will clarify the difference between aims and objectives, how to use them effectively, and why understanding this distinction is essential for successful research.

What Is the Aim of a Research Study?

The aim of a research study is a broad, overarching statement that defines the general purpose and goal of the research. It addresses the fundamental question of why the study is being conducted and what the researcher hopes to achieve. The aim provides a high-level overview and sets the direction for the entire study. A well-defined aim is crucial as it helps to frame the research questions, guides the research process, and communicates the significance of the study to stakeholders such as funding bodies, academic peers, and the public. It essentially provides the foundation upon which the research is built.

For example, if a researcher is investigating the impact of diet on cardiovascular health, the aim might be: “To explore the effects of dietary habits on the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in adults.”

 What Are the Objectives of a Research Study?

Objectives are specific, detailed statements that outline the steps or actions required to achieve the aim of the study. They break down the broad aim into manageable tasks and provide a clear roadmap for conducting the research. Objectives are more detailed and measurable compared to the aim, and they help operationalize the research process.

The key functions of objectives include:

• Clarifying the Research Question: Objectives refine and specify the research question by detailing the exact aspects of the study to be investigated.
• Identifying Key Variables: They help in pinpointing the key variables and factors that need to be measured or analyzed.
• Outlining the Research Methodology : Objectives provide a structured approach to the research methodology, detailing the methods and procedures that will be employed.
• Ensuring Focus and Direction: By breaking down the aim into smaller tasks, objectives help maintain focus and direction throughout the research process.

Objectives are often framed using the SMART criteria:

– Specific: Clear and unambiguous.

– Measurable: Includes criteria to measure progress and success.

– Achievable: Feasible within the given timeframe and resources.

– Relevant: Directly related to the aim of the study.

– Time-bound: Has a defined deadline for completion.

Examples Illustrating the Difference Between Aims and Objectives

To better understand the difference between aims and objectives, consider the following examples:

– aim: to investigate the relationship between physical activity and mental health..

Objectives:

– To review existing literature on the relationship between physical activity and mental health.

– To collect data on physical activity levels and mental health indicators in a sample population.

– To analyze the data to determine the influence of physical activity on mental health .

– To draw conclusions based on the findings and make recommendations for future research or interventions.

In this example, the aim is to explore the broader relationship between physical activity and mental health. https://www.manuscriptedit.com/scholar-hangout/explore-the-social-determinants-of-mental-health/The objectives break down this aim into specific tasks, such as reviewing literature, collecting data, analyzing results, and making recommendations.

– Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a new teaching method for improving student performance in mathematics.

– To identify the core components and theoretical basis of the new teaching method.

– To implement the teaching method in selected classrooms.

– To collect and analyze data on student performance before and after the implementation.

– To evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching method based on the performance data.

– To provide recommendations for optimizing the teaching method and its implementation.

Here, the aim is to assess the effectiveness of a new teaching method. The objectives detail the steps required to evaluate this effectiveness , including identifying components, implementing the method, collecting data, analyzing results, and making recommendations.

Why Understanding the Difference Matters

Recognizing the difference between aims and objectives is important for several reasons:.

• Clarity: A clear distinction helps in formulating precise research questions and hypotheses, ensuring that the research is well-structured and focused.
• Planning: Well-defined aims and objectives aid in planning the research methodology and resources, allowing for efficient allocation of time and resources.
• Communication: Clearly defined aims and objectives facilitate better communication of the research purpose and scope to stakeholders, including reviewers, funders, and collaborators.
• Evaluation: Objectives provide measurable targets that can be used to assess the progress and success of the research, aiding in evaluating the research process and outcomes.

 Conclusion

In summary, while the aim of a research study represents the broad goal or purpose, objectives are specific statements that outline the steps necessary to achieve that aim. Understanding the difference between aims and objectives helps in creating a clear and structured research plan, ensuring that the study remains focused and aligned with its overall purpose. By clearly defining both aims and objectives, researchers can enhance the clarity, effectiveness, and impact of their research .

For more insights and resources on research and academic writing , visit our website [ManuscriptEdit](https://www.manuscriptedit.com). If you have any queries or need assistance, feel free to contact us at [email protected].

References: “Thesis Writing.” Google Books , books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=LZSSEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA77&dq=Difference+between+Aim+and+Objectives+of+a+Research+Study&ots=s96gshgb-7&sig=vPygp_US9INyKqT-T6N-EC3x_2s&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=Difference%20between%20Aim%20and%20Objectives%20of%20a%20Research%20Study&f=false .

Hirsch, E. D. “Objective Interpretation.” PMLA/Publications of the Modern Language Association of America , vol. 75, no. 4-Part1, Sept. 1960, pp. 463–79. https://doi.org/10.2307/460609 .

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Home » Scope of the Research – Writing Guide and Examples

Scope of the Research – Writing Guide and Examples

Table of Contents

Scope of the Research

Scope of research refers to the range of topics, areas, and subjects that a research project intends to cover. It is the extent and limitations of the study, defining what is included and excluded in the research.

The scope of a research project depends on various factors, such as the research questions , objectives , methodology, and available resources. It is essential to define the scope of the research project clearly to avoid confusion and ensure that the study addresses the intended research questions.

How to Write Scope of the Research

Writing the scope of the research involves identifying the specific boundaries and limitations of the study. Here are some steps you can follow to write a clear and concise scope of the research:

• Identify the research question: Start by identifying the specific question that you want to answer through your research . This will help you focus your research and define the scope more clearly.
• Define the objectives: Once you have identified the research question, define the objectives of your study. What specific goals do you want to achieve through your research?
• Determine the population and sample: Identify the population or group of people that you will be studying, as well as the sample size and selection criteria. This will help you narrow down the scope of your research and ensure that your findings are applicable to the intended audience.
• Identify the variables: Determine the variables that will be measured or analyzed in your research. This could include demographic variables, independent variables , dependent variables , or any other relevant factors.
• Define the timeframe: Determine the timeframe for your study, including the start and end date, as well as any specific time intervals that will be measured.
• Determine the geographical scope: If your research is location-specific, define the geographical scope of your study. This could include specific regions, cities, or neighborhoods that you will be focusing on.
• Outline the limitations: Finally, outline any limitations or constraints of your research, such as time, resources, or access to data. This will help readers understand the scope and applicability of your research findings.

Examples of the Scope of the Research

Some Examples of the Scope of the Research are as follows:

Title : “Investigating the impact of artificial intelligence on job automation in the IT industry”

Scope of Research:

This study aims to explore the impact of artificial intelligence on job automation in the IT industry. The research will involve a qualitative analysis of job postings, identifying tasks that can be automated using AI. The study will also assess the potential implications of job automation on the workforce, including job displacement, job creation, and changes in job requirements.

Title : “Developing a machine learning model for predicting cyberattacks on corporate networks”

This study will develop a machine learning model for predicting cyberattacks on corporate networks. The research will involve collecting and analyzing network traffic data, identifying patterns and trends that are indicative of cyberattacks. The study aims to build an accurate and reliable predictive model that can help organizations identify and prevent cyberattacks before they occur.

Title: “Assessing the usability of a mobile app for managing personal finances”

This study will assess the usability of a mobile app for managing personal finances. The research will involve conducting a usability test with a group of participants, evaluating the app’s ease of use, efficiency, and user satisfaction. The study aims to identify areas of the app that need improvement, and to provide recommendations for enhancing its usability and user experience.

Title : “Exploring the effects of mindfulness meditation on stress reduction among college students”

This study aims to investigate the impact of mindfulness meditation on reducing stress levels among college students. The research will involve a randomized controlled trial with two groups: a treatment group that receives mindfulness meditation training and a control group that receives no intervention. The study will examine changes in stress levels, as measured by self-report questionnaires, before and after the intervention.

Title: “Investigating the impact of social media on body image dissatisfaction among young adults”

This study will explore the relationship between social media use and body image dissatisfaction among young adults. The research will involve a cross-sectional survey of participants aged 18-25, assessing their social media use, body image perceptions, and self-esteem. The study aims to identify any correlations between social media use and body image dissatisfaction, and to determine if certain social media platforms or types of content are particularly harmful.

When to Write Scope of the Research

Here is a guide on When to Write the Scope of the Research:

• Before starting your research project, it’s important to clearly define the scope of your study. This will help you stay focused on your research question and avoid getting sidetracked by irrelevant information.
• The scope of the research should be determined by the research question or problem statement. It should outline what you intend to investigate and what you will not be investigating.
• The scope should also take into consideration any limitations of the study, such as time, resources, or access to data. This will help you realistically plan and execute your research.
• Writing the scope of the research early in the research process can also help you refine your research question and identify any gaps in the existing literature that your study can address.
• It’s important to revisit the scope of the research throughout the research process to ensure that you stay on track and make any necessary adjustments.
• The scope of the research should be clearly communicated in the research proposal or study protocol to ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the research objectives and limitations.
• The scope of the research should also be reflected in the research design, methods, and analysis plan. This will ensure that the research is conducted in a systematic and rigorous manner that is aligned with the research objectives.
• The scope of the research should be written in a clear and concise manner, using language that is accessible to all stakeholders, including those who may not be familiar with the research topic or methodology.
• When writing the scope of the research, it’s important to be transparent about any assumptions or biases that may influence the research findings. This will help ensure that the research is conducted in an ethical and responsible manner.
• The scope of the research should be reviewed and approved by the research supervisor, committee members, or other relevant stakeholders. This will ensure that the research is feasible, relevant, and contributes to the field of study.
• Finally, the scope of the research should be clearly stated in the research report or dissertation to provide context for the research findings and conclusions. This will help readers understand the significance of the research and its contribution to the field of study.

Purpose of Scope of the Research

Purposes of Scope of the Research are as follows:

• Defines the boundaries and extent of the study.
• Determines the specific objectives and research questions to be addressed.
• Provides direction and focus for the research.
• Helps to identify the relevant theories, concepts, and variables to be studied.
• Enables the researcher to select the appropriate research methodology and techniques.
• Allows for the allocation of resources (time, money, personnel) to the research.
• Establishes the criteria for the selection of the sample and data collection methods.
• Facilitates the interpretation and generalization of the results.
• Ensures the ethical considerations and constraints are addressed.
• Provides a framework for the presentation and dissemination of the research findings.

Advantages of Scope of the Research

Here are some advantages of having a well-defined scope of research:

• Provides clarity and focus: Defining the scope of research helps to provide clarity and focus to the study. This ensures that the research stays on track and does not deviate from its intended purpose.
• Helps to manage resources: Knowing the scope of research allows researchers to allocate resources effectively. This includes managing time, budget, and personnel required to conduct the study.
• Improves the quality of research: A well-defined scope of research helps to ensure that the study is designed to achieve specific objectives. This helps to improve the quality of the research by reducing the likelihood of errors or bias.
• Facilitates communication: A clear scope of research enables researchers to communicate the goals and objectives of the study to stakeholders, such as funding agencies or participants. This facilitates understanding and enhances cooperation.
• Enables replication : A well-defined scope of research makes it easier to replicate the study in the future. This allows other researchers to validate the findings and build upon them, leading to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
• Increases the relevance of research: Defining the scope of research helps to ensure that the study is relevant to the problem or issue being investigated. This increases the likelihood that the findings will be useful and applicable to real-world situations.
• Reduces the risk of scope creep : Scope creep occurs when the research expands beyond the original scope, leading to an increase in the time, cost, and resources required to complete the study. A clear definition of the scope of research helps to reduce the risk of scope creep by establishing boundaries and limitations.
• Enhances the credibility of research: A well-defined scope of research helps to enhance the credibility of the study by ensuring that it is designed to achieve specific objectives and answer specific research questions. This makes it easier for others to assess the validity and reliability of the study.
• Provides a framework for decision-making : A clear scope of research provides a framework for decision-making throughout the research process. This includes decisions related to data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

Scope of the Research Vs Scope of the Project

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Muhammad Hassan

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• Open access
• Published: 12 August 2024

Patient responsiveness as a safewards fidelity indicator: a qualitative interview study on an acute psychiatric in-patient ward

• Veikko Pelto-Piri 1 ,
• Lars Kjellin 1 ,
• Gabriella Backman 2 ,
• Karoline Carlsson 3 &
• Anna Björkdahl 4  

BMC Health Services Research volume  24 , Article number:  922 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

Metrics details

The Safewards model aims to reduce conflict and use of containment on psychiatric wards. To evaluate the implementation of Safewards and understand why it is effective in some settings but not in others, it is important to assess the level of implementation fidelity. To do this, the Safewards Fidelity Checklist (SFC) is often used, which focuses on objective visual observations of interventions but does not include patient responsiveness. The latter is a key indicator of implementation fidelity and includes engagement, relevance, acceptability and usefulness. The aim of the present study was to investigate the fidelity of Safewards implementation on an acute psychiatric ward from the perspective of patient responsiveness.

The study was conducted on a ward for patients with mainly affective disorders. To assess the general level of fidelity the SFC was used together with a detailed ward walkthrough. Ten patients were interviewed with a focus on patient responsiveness to each of the seven interventions implemented on the ward. Data were analysed using qualitative descriptive analysis.

The findings indicate high implementation fidelity, which was reflected in the SFC assessment, walkthrough and patient responsiveness. Patients gave examples of improvements that had happened over time or of the ward being better than other wards. They felt respected, less alone, hopeful and safe. They also described supporting fellow patients and taking responsibility for the ward climate. However, some patients were unfamiliar with a ward where so much communication was expected. Several suggestions were made about improving Safewards.

Conclusions

This study confirms previous research that patient responsiveness is an important factor for achieving fidelity in a prevention programme. The patients’ descriptions of the acceptability, relevance and usefulness of the specific interventions reflected to a high degree the objective visual observations made by means of the SFC and ward walkthrough. Patient engagement was demonstrated by several suggestions about how to adapt the interventions. There is potential to obtain valuable input from patients when adapting Safewards in practice. This study also presents many examples of practical work with these interventions and the effects it can have on patients’ experiences of care.

Peer Review reports

The use of coercion in European psychiatric and mental health services has been extensively criticized for violating the UN General Assembly agreement on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. An implication of these conventions is that states should actively work towards finding ways to minimize or even abolish policies that allow coercive treatment and other coercive measures within the psychiatric services. However, in Sweden as in most Western countries, legislation still enables the use of coercive measures when certain criteria are deemed to be present [ 4 ]. Although often controversial, the aim of these pieces of legislation is to prevent harm, initiate necessary treatment and allow the patient to recover and accept continuous care on a voluntary basis.

Patients have often experienced psychiatric wards as unsafe places with shortcomings in therapeutic relationships and strict but unpredictable rules [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Patients have also reported being exposed to harm and re-traumatization during care episodes, which jeopardizes the recovery process [ 6 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. For staff, working in an environment that includes violence and coercive measures can cause emotional and psychological problems as well as an increased risk of long-term sick leave [ 11 , 12 ]. There is a relationship between the use of coercive measures and violence in psychiatric services that has been suggested to create a negative spiral of risk and incident escalation in which patient aggression may lead to restrictive practices, which in turn may trigger further patient aggression [ 13 ]. However, the incidence of violence and coercive measures can be prevented by, for example, the use of therapeutic relationship strategies and improving the ward culture [ 14 ].

Historically, Sweden has employed more coercive measures in psychiatric care compared to many other European countries [ 15 ]. The Swedish government has faced criticism from the Committee of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for its excessive use of coercive measures [ 16 ]. During recent decades, several nationwide projects aimed at reducing violence and restrictive practices in inpatient psychiatry have been initiated and funded by the Swedish government. Nevertheless, according to national registers, coercive measures such as the use of seclusion, restraint and involuntary medication have not been reduced [ 17 ]. Internationally, various promising alternative interventions have been developed for psychiatric in-patient services. Most countries do not have any mandatory legislation or policies to ensure that these interventions are implemented, and they are rarely evaluated on a large scale [ 18 , 19 ]. Currently, one of the best known hospital-based programmes is the Safewards model [ 13 , 18 ]. Safewards, which includes ten interventions, focuses on preventing conflict and the use of containment (Table  1 ) [ 5 , 20 , 21 ]. However, implementation is complex, as in order to change the service culture, the model comprises several parallel interventions involving both staff and patients [ 14 , 18 , 19 ].

Patient participation is an important part of the Safewards implementation, preferably in the form of a continuous co-creation process between staff and patients [ 22 , 23 , 24 ]. In cases where Safewards was successfully implemented, patients reported a stronger sense of community, safety and calm [ 5 , 25 ]. They also described feeling less isolated, more hopeful and positive about their stay in addition to experiencing increased respect on the part of staff. In a study by Kennedy et al. [ 26 ], the implementation and possible improvement of the ten Safewards interventions were discussed from the perspective of consumers. It was concluded that although the model does not address important issues regarding the nature of involuntary treatment, the interventions may minimize harm and increase safety. Staff perceptions of Safewards have varied, from high and enthusiastic acceptance along with the belief that the model has a positive impact on conflict and containment, to poor participation and negative perceptions [ 21 ]. Staff working with patients who have intellectual disabilities reported positive experiences, such as fewer violent incidents and feeling safer [ 27 ]. They also described an increased sense of community with patients and were more positive about being part of the ward community. Several studies, including a randomized controlled trial, demonstrated a reduced incidence of violence and coercive measures after implementation of Safewards, while others did not show any significant effects [ 28 ]. In some studies, the extent of the reduction was attributed to the high fidelity of the implementation, which means that to a great degree the interventions were delivered by staff as intended [ 29 , 30 , 31 ].

Implementation fidelity is often measured to evaluate outcomes and better understand why an intervention is successful or unsuccessful [ 32 ]. It can be defined as to what degree an intervention or program is implemented as intended by those who developed it [ 32 ]. If an intervention lacks the expected outcomes, an evaluation of fidelity can indicate whether this is due to poor implementation or an inadequate intervention. In a complex intervention such as Safewards, the level of implementation fidelity can be influenced by many factors. Therefore, it is often recommended that those involved in implementation research and clinical development should collaborate with staff and patients within the healthcare system [ 33 ]. In a conceptual framework, Carroll [ 34 ] suggests that when evaluating implementation fidelity the focus should be on adherence. Adherence refers to the implementation adherence to the content, coverage, dose and duration of the intervention. Four potential modifiers will have an impact on the level of adherence: intervention complexity, facilitation strategies, quality of delivery, and participant responsiveness and capacity. The four adherence modifiers influence each other and there is evidence that for example quality of delivery is associated with participant responsiveness [ 35 ]. Participant responsiveness includes both those delivering and receiving the intervention and, in a health care context, refers to the willingness and ability of staff and patients to be involved and engaged. High patient responsiveness is achieved when patients are positive about and actively involved in the intervention. Furthermore, it entails patients’ positive perceptions of the acceptability, relevance, usefulness and outcomes of the intervention [ 32 ]. Given that many Safewards interventions require active patient participation, patient responsiveness is a crucial modifier for adherence and, consequently, the evaluation of implementation fidelity. For example, for Safewards to be implemented as intended and reach expected positive outcomes, the intervention ‘Discharge messages’ requires patients to write messages to other patients, ‘Mutual help meetings’ requires patients to actively participate and thank other patients, and ‘Know each other’ requires patients to write something about their personal hobbies and interests. At the same time, patient responsiveness and the quality of staff delivery of the interventions are mutually reinforcing adherence modifiers, in which high quality delivery by staff enhances patient responsiveness, and engaged patients contribute to better delivery quality by staff [ 36 , 37 ].

The implementation fidelity of Safewards is often assessed by using the Safewards Fidelity Checklist (SFC), an instrument that mainly examines the number of interventions implemented by staff. In addition, there is an open text box in the SFC used for documenting the most significant staff responses to Safewards [ 38 ]. However, concerns have been raised about the SFC’s focus on objective and visible implementation evidence [ 29 , 39 , 40 ]. Moreover, the SFC does not include aspects of patient responsiveness, or patients’ perceptions of how Safewards interventions are implemented by staff [ 13 , 32 ]. This may reflect a general lack of the patient perspective in the research on Safewards [ 21 ]. In one study however, the open text box in the SFC was modified to collect responses from both staff and patients [ 25 ]. Fidelity evaluation development is vital for the Safewards evidence base, as high-quality fidelity assessments affect study validity and can provide a deeper understanding of why Safewards is effective or not [ 40 ]. In this development, it is necessary to include patient responsiveness as an important fidelity modifier. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the Safewards implementation fidelity on an acute psychiatric ward from the perspective of patient responsiveness.

Setting and sample

The study was conducted in a 13-bed acute psychiatric inpatient ward, mainly for patients with affective disorders. The ward was chosen because the ward manager and team there had reported the successful implementation of the Safewards intervention. Coercive measures decreased by 75% and short-term sick leave among staff by 30%. Common diagnoses/syndromes were mood disorders, anxiety disorders, crises, personality disorders and neuropsychiatric conditions. The duration of care episodes averaged 11 days. The professional categories at the ward included specialized psychiatric nurses, registered nurses, assistant nurses, a psychiatrist, an assistant physician and a social worker. On the ward, patients received acute psychiatric care including psychiatric nursing, medical treatment, one-to-one support, psychoeducation and basic Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Patients could also participate in activities such as walks, games and art. The psychiatric care at the ward focused on empowering people to take responsibility for their own abilities to deal with difficulties. Safewards supported the nursing staff in these efforts. The care was also moving towards a more person-centred approach during the implementation of Safewards.The ward manager was highly committed to the implementation of Safewards, and the team saw themselves as stable with positive group dynamics. At the time of our data collection they had implemented eight of the ten Safewards interventions over an almost three-year period in a co-creation process where they were divided into five groups. Each group was responsible for the implementation of two interventions.

Participants for the interviews were recruited by KC and GB, registered nurses at the ward at the time of the interviews and master students of psychiatric nursing, to become specialized psychiatric nurses. They wrote a master’s thesis in which they inductively analysed the interviews from a nursing perspective. The inclusion criteria were that the patient could speak Swedish, was able to provide informed consent to participate and should have been in the ward for at least five days in order to have experience of the care and interventions. First, general information about the study was presented by KC and GB to patients at a Mutual help meeting. No patient signed up for an interview after the information. The interviewers then recruited patients face-to-face at the ward after consultation with the ward manager to assess that the patients were capable to give their informed consent. Patients were provided with both verbal and written information regarding the study. This included details about the voluntary nature of participation, the purpose of the study, and the intended use of the data. Specifically, it was explained that the data would be utilized by students (the interviewers) for their master’s theses as well as by researchers for publications. The face-to-face recruitment resulted in ten people agreeing to participate, while three declined. No questions were posed about the reason for declining. We interviewed ten patients, one man and nine women, of whom four were aged 30 years or younger, four were between 31 and 40 and two 61–70 years.

Data collection

KC and GB collected the data. As a first step, a modified version of the SFC (see Supplementary Material 1 ) [ 38 ] was used in order to assess the general implementation fidelity of Safewards on the ward. The SFC was filled in along with a detailed ward walkthrough observation of visible signs of Safewards, which were documented and commented on separately.

Subsequently, patient interviews were conducted over a 20-day period based on an interview guide that contained questions about seven of the ten interventions. The Positive words intervention was excluded due to the focus on the quality of staff handover content, which cannot be observed by patients.

The Soft words and Reassurance interventions are not reported in this article because they were not implemented at the time of the interviews. The patients were asked about their observations of manifest signs of Safewards as well as quality aspects of the interventions. Each intervention was briefly explained, and the participants were asked: (1) what they thought of the intervention, (2) about positive and negative experiences and (3) how the intervention could be improved (see Supplementary Material 2 ). The interviewers were instructed to use prompting, for example asking the patient to clarify what they meant by a statement, to obtain in-depth information. The interview guide functioned as intended at the first interview and no changes were made to it.

Seven of the patients were interviewed on the ward during their stay, and three who had been discharged agreed to be interviewed in a separate room next to the ward. The interviews, which lasted 26–85 min, were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. They were performed in a single session, seven interviews were done by two interviewers and three interviews with only one interviewer present. Field notes were not taken as it was anticipated that the interviewers, who were actively working in the environment, would find it challenging to document these observations. The transcripts were not returned to the participants for comment. After ten interviews, patients gave similar information about how they perceived Safewards and enough of various kinds of events where Safewards had played a role.

Analysis and interpretation

The Safewards interventions were used as categories. Within these categories, a qualitative descriptive text was written about the SFC and the walkthrough, while a qualitative descriptive analysis of the interview content was conducted [ 41 , 42 , 43 ]. We used the qualitative descriptive analysis method, as we aimed to obtain a straightforward qualitative description of patients’ responsiveness to the Safewards interventions [ 42 ]. The analysis started with GB and VP reading the transcripts to gain an overview of the content of the interviews. GB summarized every patient’s view of the seven interventions based on the interview guide. VP merged these summaries into a single summary, which was discussed with AB and LK. VP read through all the interviews to add more relevant information and suitable quotations to the result section. All co-authors commented on the results section and which quotations were the most relevant. The names in the quotations were changed and the pronoun ”she” was used for all participants to protect their identity. The participants were not asked to provide feedback on the findings.

In general, the findings indicated that the patients had noted the implementation of Safewards and were positive about it. Some gave examples of improvements that had happened over time or of the ward being better than other wards. They expressed that staff now had a more positive attitude when interacting with patients. The ward and staff were perceived as welcoming, familiar, supportive and felt safer. The patients felt respected, less alone and more hopeful. All these perceptions seemed to contribute to the patients’ experiences of the ward as a safe environment. They also expressed taking responsibility for other patients and the ward climate in general.

In this section, we first provide a brief description of the Safewards implementation fidelity as revealed by the SFC and the walkthrough. Thereafter we present the patients’ responsiveness to Safewards. A summary of the findings is presented in Table 2 .

Discharge messages

Sfc/walkthrough.

There was a big tree painted on the wall with discharge messages in the corridor opposite the ward entrance. Patients were asked to leave a message in connection with their discharge. At the time of the fidelity check, there were 27 discharge messages and a brochure with information about the intervention.

Patient responsiveness

It was great, it’s the first thing you [as a patient] see, there were so many beautiful leaves, just being able to read it when you’re standing outside the nurses’ station waiting …. That was also something that I noticed right away when I walked in, literally the first thing… Pat. 7.

Most patients considered the location of the discharge tree to be appropriate, that it was aesthetically beautiful, and that they took the time to read the messages. A patient described how she “naturally” drawn towards the tree because of its location and often stood there waiting for medicine or staff. The tree gave comfort during bad days, as it was hopeful and invigorating to read that others had received help from staff and recovered, which created a sense of safety. It also sparked a curiosity about previous patients: What happened after discharge? Some gained a new perspective on how to approach their problems, while others just learned to accept the situation, trusting that it will improve and letting their recovery take time. It was important for patients that the messages were positive and encouraging. Sometimes they could think long and hard about what they wanted to convey when it was time for discharge.

Some felt that the environment around the discharge tree was often too noisy, a lot of people passing by all the time, which made it difficult to absorb the messages. One patient thought that her fellow patients should thank themselves and not the staff.

Know each other

There were two folders in the common area of the ward presenting each of the 23 staff members on a separate page. Patients had a small whiteboard with pre-defined suggested categories outside their rooms where they could write about themselves. However, there were no written know-each-other messages from patients at the time of the walkthrough. The reason for using a board instead of pages in a folder was that for most patients the care episodes were relatively short.

It gave more hope in a way …. That you [staff members] really show who you are and that you are passionate about your work. Yes, I really felt like I had come to the right ward when I read your folder [with presentations]. Pat. 3.

It felt welcoming that staff had made an effort to create the folder with information about their interests and other personal details. Knowing something about the staff members who were working at the ward contributed to safety. It also facilitated daily communication and made it easier to ask for help. The fact that the presentations were always available meant that patients could learn about staff members and fellow patients at their own pace. Some had read the staff presentations several times. The intervention reduced the power difference between staff and patients because staff members became persons and not “just their nursing scrubs”. A patient reported feeling touched by the fact that staff presented themselves. It felt familiar and positive.

At the time of the interviews, some patients had written about themselves on the whiteboard outside their room. They thought that it was especially fun and interesting to read about fellow patients. A patient who presented herself on the whiteboard felt respected and appreciated reading others’ presentations. Even those who wanted “to be a little anonymous” or did not consider it necessary to write about themselves appreciated the possibility. They thought it was good that patients could write about how they, for example, wanted to be treated by others. Some patients considered that it was difficult to expose oneself in a presentation when feeling unwell and could be reluctant to present themselves “fully” because of the risk of prejudice.

At times it felt a little less safe to be able to do it, there can be a lot of prejudice about me because …. I do this and I do that. I sometimes felt a little …. tingle in my stomach maybe, but then I thought – No, to hell with it, I can be myself and it may seem very crazy and all. I care less about that because I’m here to help as well, to improve this system. Pat. 6.

There were several similar statements where patients expressed that they wanted to take responsibility for the ward climate and safety. Patients had ideas about how to improve the intervention, for example by providing more information about the intervention and its purpose, that it had too many pre-defined suggested categories to choose from and that the folders should be updated with new information about and pictures of those staff members who were not yet included in the presentations. A patient thought that the staff only revealed “their good side” and should also inform about their weaknesses.

Clear mutual expectations

There were several posters in the ward pertaining to Clear mutual expectations. Before the implementation started, interviews were conducted by a Peer support person focusing on this topic with patients.

Patients had seen the poster and been informed about the intervention. They expressed that the expectations promoted mutual respect and taking responsibility for the ward environment without aggressive behaviour. Several patients mentioned that they could go to the poster when they lacked information and could also help their fellow patients to adhere to rules so as not to annoy staff. Some were of the opinion that everyone must take responsibility and that some people may need to be reminded of it. They thought that the mutual expectations contributed to a good and safe environment and appreciated that the staff had made an effort to create the expectations, which gave them hope.

I have both good and bad experiences of inpatient care and care in general, but it was hopeful because it has been difficult to be cared for as an inpatient, but this was like physical evidence that you [staff members] actively work to make it better, somehow. And it gave me hope …., it made me a bit calmer that “Okay, maybe this time it can be different” so …. to make changes in health care is quite (laughter) difficult and big, so just managing to get the posters printed and put them up means a hell of work. So .... that was helpful.

Patients also pointed out that it can be difficult to have clear mutual expectations in an environment where people are so sick, but that it is a good strategy to encourage everyone to take responsibility. The intervention reduced the power difference between staff members and patients.

Patients made some suggestions for improvement, for example keeping promises, as staff members sometimes made promises that were either fulfilled late or not at all. Other suggestions were using a different font to make the poster easier to read and making patients aware of the intervention by providing more information about it at the Mutual help meetings. 

You [staff] could show it differently, not just text. I don’t know what it could be but something, pictures, photographs …. Yes, a picture and text I think, because a picture can be associated with [something] and I will be more likely to remember it. Pat. 10.

Mutual help meetings

The staff arranged Mutual help meetings every weekday morning after breakfast in the dining room. There was a folder for staff use in which the structure of the meetings was described. Patient information was also displayed prominently in the ward.

A number of patients found the morning meetings beneficial and helpful, as they provided an overview of the day. At the meeting, everyone was given the opportunity to talk about issues that felt difficult but also to express positive feelings. It was a good forum for asking about something or gaining information about what would happen during the day. The opportunity to express gratitude at the meeting was considered a good start to the day.

…and it was great that the staff brought up, for example, “It was really hard to get to work because it was raining …. but I’m grateful that I’m here now”. And it felt great that they are grateful that they are here …. And I thought that was among the best things I experienced in the ward. Pat. 6.

The fact that the staff dared to bring up subjects that they thought were problematic and what they were grateful for made it easier for patients to become more communicative. It was difficult for patients to know what was appropriate and how much to open up and communicate about their personal life. Some of them stated that they wished to remain anonymous during their stay in the ward. Talking to other patients made it easier to be open, which could be especially difficult on days when they felt very unwell. They reported that they sat relatively quietly and just listened at the first few meetings, but later became more communicative. Patients thought that the meetings motivated them and made them feel less alone. It felt positive that everyone wished each other a good day. These meetings helped to create a social community in the ward.

Yes, often it is …. you [the chair, a staff member] present which day it is and the date and who has a name day …. And then there is a round where everyone gets to express what they think, that they wish everyone a good day, that they are grateful to be here …. or you can say that you would like help to withdraw money. And then it’s written down and …. it feels good that everyone wishes each other a good day, I think, it’s a nice little start to the day. Pat. 9.

Having the meeting early in the morning was experienced as both positive and negative. It was nice to sit and have breakfast in peace and quiet, hence attending the meeting was an effort but at the same time it was positive to obtain information about the day. As a patient, there was a risk of feeling pressurized into participating when the meeting started immediately after breakfast in the common dining room. There were patients who often overslept and therefore did not attend many meetings.

Patients had suggestions for improvements. They noted that each chairperson structured the meeting differently, which was frustrating. They wanted the structure of the meetings to remain more or less the same. Hearing about other people’s problems could be negative for their own well-being and therefore they stated that the meetings should mainly focus on positive aspects.

Bad news mitigation

One of the headings in the digital agenda for handover reports was Bad news mitigation aimed at routinely raising the question of whether any patients had received or might receive bad news. A laminated information sheet about how patients who had received bad news should be dealt with was on the table in the conference room where the handovers took place. There was also a box of “treats”, such as tea and biscuits, which could be used during Bad news mitigation meetings with patients.

Some patients reported receiving bad news that was difficult to handle, but that they had received good support from staff.

Well, when I was hospitalized last time, my grandfather was very, very ill and …. Then I got support from the staff when, when I was informed about that …. Yes, we sat and talked and so …. Yes, it was good. Pat. 10.

There were also patients who did not receive any bad news themselves but who observed others having done so. They stated that their fellow patients had received compassionate and empathetic care. Patients experienced that staff noticed when they needed to talk about something or required support in a tricky situation. Staff support made them feel safe, more communicative and less lonely.

I experienced that you [staff members] are present when, for instance, you speak in a way that the person really understands and that you are really there, also some minutes afterwards, so that the person calms down and really understands what has happened and you speak in a calm voice. Pat. 2.

According to the patients, an example of bad news was that relatives were not welcome at the ward during the Covid-19 pandemic. It was difficult for staff to explain why friends and family were not allowed to visit patients. In such a case, it would have been helpful to receive accurate information about the situation; otherwise, patients might think that it was their own fault and would develop “dark thoughts”.

Calm down methods

The ward had a sensory room and a calm down cabinet, with many different sensory items and equipment that could be used for calming purposes, like hug chair, weight vest and blanket, ice pack and a Star Projector. In addition, there was an “emotion-map” on the wall containing a description of emotions and their functions as well as suggestions for calming strategies that could be used to cope with various emotions.

I was stressed and then I was given a heated cushion, because it could help me handle anxiety, and it did, I never thought of that myself before. Pat. 5.

The calm down methods were appreciated by patients, many of whom perceived that the intervention worked well and created a feeling of safety. Patients expressed that they had been helped by the sensory room, a quiet place to calm down in, or by items from the calm down cabinet. They also reported that staff helped them to find strategies to deal with anxiety and emotions. Some patients also noticed that staff members helped fellow patients to calm down. They found it positive that staff noticed patients who were having a hard time and tried to find ways to help them calm down.

Patients considered the activities organized in the ward, including playing games, going for walks together and music quizzes, as very helpful ways to handle difficult emotions. The activities made patients feel seen, heard, and less alone in difficult situations. Patients described working on their crisis plan together with staff. Even before admission some had several strategies for independently managing to calm challenging emotions. They felt that staff respected them, listened, reminded them about their strategies and provided support for finding new strategies. In some situations, patients could find receiving help difficult and frustrating, although it was often perceived as valuable. Below is a quotation from a patient who received help from staff to write a list of strategies she could use when needing to calm down.

I thought it was very good that when I had a very severe anxiety attack, someone asked “Okay, but where are you on your list?” …. I had a copy by my bed so I could check it …. and it was very nice that, for instance, I was allowed to go out and smoke even though it wasn’t smoking time because a cigarette calms me down, like, that someone took the time to do it. I think that I was listened to and the staff reminded me of skills that I know work for me. Pat. 7.

One patient did not seem to know about the intervention. She said that patients must not show emotions in psychiatry because of the risk of being medicated, instead of being offered a chat or a hug. The need for social distancing during the pandemic was difficult for those who liked getting a hug. This patient used her own strategies without talking to staff. Another patient had sometimes wished to receive support more quickly but said that she understood that staff had a lot to do.

A Talk Down poster was visible to staff. Every two weeks staff members practised the talk down intervention in training sessions with role play.

So, I noticed that staff knew exactly what to do when it happened, … trying to punch or break free from a hold, when everyone joins up and helps, talks calmly and methodically to the person and then someone tells everyone else to go to their rooms while you [staff member] help to calm that person down. Pat. 2.

While the participants did not report being involved in a de-escalation process, they described how staff members managed aggressive behaviour from patients as well as an accident. Staff members did so calmly and efficiently to ensure that the situation would not escalate. Patients also observed that staff sometimes restricted patients in order to prevent them from creating trouble for other patients.

So, there are many situations all the time. It’s good that you [staff] try to be as flexible as possible so that it doesn’t create chain reactions …. That we kind of feel worse as a result. For instance, if someone has to be put in restraints, that it is not …. It may not be very dignified and therefore better that others don’t see it. Pat. 10.

The patients’ care episodes differed, for some it was chaotic, and they had seen events that were difficult or unpleasant, which created a feeling of lack of safety. Even if they themselves could handle their emotions, they found it difficult to witness when others felt unwell. Some patients described that the ward was calm during their own care episode, while others only experienced a single situation where a fellow patient was aggressive.

To summarize, the findings indicate high implementation fidelity, both in terms of the SFC and the patients’ responsiveness to Safewards. The seven interventions implemented were all clearly observable at the SFC/walkthrough. Evaluation of patient responsiveness to the implementation of Safewards may differ from that of patients’ experiences of Safewards in general. This is because responsiveness more specifically refers to patients’ enthusiasm and engagement, in addition to their perception of the acceptability, usefulness and relevance of Safewards. The results of the present study contain many examples of how patients describe responsiveness based on these attributes. For example, patients expressed that the discharge tree provided comfort during bad days, as it created hope (usefulness). The attached Know each other folder could also make them familiar with staff members at their own pace (acceptability) and one patient heard a staff member at a Mutual help meeting saying that she was grateful to be on the ward, which was described as one of the best things that particular patient had experienced on the ward (enthusiasm).

The patients described staff behaviour and the ward climate as positive, and that the interventions and other activities involving staff members created a feeling of safety and could distract from difficult thoughts and feelings. They felt respected, less alone, hopeful and safe. This is similar to the results of Maguire et al. [ 25 ] and Fletcher et al. [ 5 ], who described patients’ feelings of hope, safety, respectful relationships and sense of community on wards in which Safewards was implemented. In our study, the patients more clearly emphasized that they took responsibility for others and the ward environment than was the case in the aforementioned studies. Some patients were surprised that they were expected to take responsibility, while others considered it a matter of course. Although not fully clear, it is possible that the interventions involving Clear mutual expectations and Mutual help meetings could have encouraged patients to take a more active role in ward responsibilities and supporting others, or to realize that such behaviours were appreciated on the ward. There is a lack of research on assuming responsibility and naturally occurring peer support among patients [ 44 ]. However, our study indicates that patient engagement in Safewards may enhance opportunities for self-help and peer support, both within Safewards interventions (e.g., Calm Down methods and Mutual Help Meetings) and through spontaneous initiatives. In this way, active patient participation in the implementation of Safewards appears to encourage empowerment and support recovery processes which in turn may reduce conflict and containment [ 45 ].

Several participants experienced it as challenging being in a ward where so much communication between patients and staff as well as among the patients themselves was expected, for example through Mutual help meetings and Discharge messages. Patient engagement was demonstrated by several communication related improvement suggestions made about Safewards, such as more accessible information by means of simplified text or use of pictures. Similarly, an important factor in implementation is dosage, meaning patients’ level of exposure to the interventions [ 46 ]. A participant in this study had previously experienced that it was necessary to adapt to the ward rules and routines and not show negative emotions to avoid the risk of coercive measures. As this patient did not exhibit anxiety to staff members, no Calm down methods were used. Several studies indicate that many patients have similar thoughts [ 6 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 ]. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the interventions are sensitive to individual patient needs and that person centredness is not compromised.

The present study is a first attempt to examine implementation fidelity to Safewards interventions by focusing on patient responsiveness. Including participant responsiveness when measuring implementation fidelity is important especially in complex interventions. In a review of complex rehabilitation interventions that examined 43 studies from a theoretical implementation perspective, the responsiveness of the participants, both staff and patients, was the most frequently mentioned factor affecting fidelity [ 51 ]. In research on Safewards, the focus has often been on the general response of staff and sometimes patients, as opposed to their response to specific interventions. When focusing on the responsiveness to the different interventions, we also gained information about strategies to facilitate implementation, delivery quality and adherence [ 32 ]. It became clear that despite Safewards, staff occasionally seemed to have difficulties dealing with certain situations. Patients who observed this could perceive the ward as an unsafe environment.

According to the patients, inconsistencies in staff behaviour and different ways of implementing the interventions affected the quality of delivery; this was particularly obvious in the Mutual help meeting intervention. Hence, staff responsiveness to, and way of working with, the Safewards interventions had a direct impact on patients’ responsiveness to them and whether or not they perceived them as helpful. It has been suggested that participant responsiveness may have a major impact on fidelity, and the connection between staff and patient responsiveness has been described by Carroll et al. [ 32 ] as a key aspect of implementation. This connection may be of particular importance when implementing an intervention such as Safewards, which aims at reducing levels of conflict and containment. Providing a therapeutic ward environment, including therapeutic engagement by staff in collaboration with patients, have been described as central to the reduction of conflict and restrictive practices, as well as to the quality of mental health nursing practice [ 52 , 53 ]. Therefore, for staff to implement Safewards in a task-orientated and instrumental fashion without positive responsiveness is unlikely to be successful.

An important determinant of successful implementation of an intervention is local and organizational leadership [ 54 ]. Findings from our study suggest that leaders responsible for the implementation of Safewards, need to recognize the importance of facilitating for a positive patient and staff responsiveness. For example, they should be aware of any negative conclusions about the effectiveness of Safewards based solely on observations of staff performing Safewards activities without identifying a lack of positive responsiveness. Therefore, it is likely that the implementation of Safewards would benefit from leaders actively supporting this aspect in their implementation strategies.

Strengths and limitations

Our study adds to the sparse literature on patient experiences of the Safewards model. The results are relevant for clinical practice when implementing Safewards, as they provide insights into patient responsiveness to and suggestions about how to improve specific Safewards interventions. Possible pitfalls in the implementation process may thereby be avoided.

A main limitation is that the study was conducted at only one ward, mainly comprising patients treated for affective disorders. Interviews from other wards with different patient profiles may have contributed more knowledge about patient responsiveness and further suggestions for improvement. Another limitation is that observations, recruitment of participants and interviews were conducted by staff employed at the ward, possibly leading to bias in observations, selection of patients, and their responses to the interview questions. As the interviewers had been engaged in the implementation of Safewards at the ward, they may have reported more observations on the SFC than an independent researcher would have done and may also have selected favourably disposed patients for interview. Some patients were interviewed while still on the ward in a dependent situation. We handled this bias by giving clear instructions to the interviewers and the ward manager about which patients could be interviewed, how to use the SFC and the interview guide. Clear questions in the interview guide were posed to encourage patients to be critical and make suggestions for improvement. These were single session interviews. We did not contact the patients again, even though it could have provided valuable knowledge. We saw it as both ethically and practically problematic. Reminding people of their time on a psychiatric ward can arouse many emotions and it is often difficult to get in touch with former patients. On the other hand, it is a strength that the interviewers were very familiar with the work at the ward and had wide experience of communicating with patients, possibly leading to richer responses. After the information at the Help meeting no patient immediately signed up for an interview. Some patients may have a lack of energy, and some may not dare to speak or ask questions in front of others in a group. However, the interviewers noticed that all participating patients wanted to take part of the study and express their thoughts about their stay at the ward. Despite the shift in direction towards becoming a more patient-centred ward, many suggestions for improvement emerged that the staff had not previously received from patients. To increase trustworthiness all authors took part in the analysis. The authors possess diverse backgrounds, including mental health nursing, social work, and psychiatric health services research. The primary author also has personal experience with psychiatric inpatient care as a patient. These varied competencies and experiences enhance the potential for multiple perspectives in analysing the interview material.

This study confirms previous research that patient responsiveness is an important factor in the assessment of fidelity in prevention programs, such as Safewards. The patients’ descriptions of the acceptability, relevance and usefulness of the specific interventions, to a high degree reflected the objective visual observations made through the SFC and ward walkthrough. Patient engagement was demonstrated by several suggestions about how to adapt the interventions in order to make them more useful and accessible. This shows a potential to obtain valuable input from patients when implementing and adapting Safewards in a ward and to achieve high quality implementation and levels of fidelity. This study is also clinically relevant as it presents many examples of practical work with these interventions and their effects on patients’ experiences of care.

Data availability

The data are not available because it could compromise the individual privacy of participants. They are stored at the University Health Care Research Center, Region Örebro County, and may be requested by other researchers.

Abbreviations

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Acknowledgements

The authors extend their gratitude to all the patients who participated in this study, to the ward manager who made it possible to conduct the study and to Gullvi Nilsson who was the language proofreader of this script.

The study was funded by AFA Insurance (No. 190272) and Region Örebro County. The funding bodies have not influenced the research design, the procedure or work on the manuscript.

Open access funding provided by Örebro University.

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University Health Care Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden

Veikko Pelto-Piri & Lars Kjellin

Psychiatric outpatient clinic, Region Värmland, Kristinehamn, Sweden

Gabriella Backman

Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic, Västra Götalandsregionen, Alingsås, Sweden

Karoline Carlsson

Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

Anna Björkdahl

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Contributions

VP (male, PhD, social worker, investigator at organizational level in psychiatry and research supervisor), LK (male, PhD, psychiatric health services researcher and research supervisor) and AB (female, PhD, specialized psychiatric nurse, investigator at organizational level and researcher) designed and planned the study. GB (female, specialized psychiatric nurse) and KC (female, specialized psychiatric nurse) conducted the interviews. The analysis was performed by VP and GB with the support of all co-authors. VP wrote a first draft of the manuscript, after which all authors contributed to the various revisions and approved the final draft.

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Correspondence to Veikko Pelto-Piri .

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An assessment of factors affecting electronic waste management within university students’ environment, abdulaziz mahmoud raudha, allan msolla.

This study aimed at assessing factors affecting the awareness of electronic waste management at among University students. The study  was conducted at a University located in Dar Es Salaam-Tanzania; the case for study is not disclosed for security reasons. In particular, the  study focuses on factors such as user awareness, budgets and policy and their link to e-waste management. The study was  motivated by the fact that students in higher learning Institutions are faced by the challenge of e-waste accumulation, with a steady  increase. The study adopted the mixed research approach. In total, the study used 377 respondents in addressing its objective. In  addition, the study used probability sampling technique to obtain the sample for study. Further to this, the study cleaned data, and used  descriptive statistics (frequencies and percent) in responding to its objectives. The findings revealed that the University student  awareness of electronic waste management is low. Also, findings revealed that the University does not have budget allocated for  electronic waste management, and there is the lack of policy at the University to provide students on awareness of electronic waste  management. Students should be empowered with electronic wastes management knowledge.   

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Enhancing mutation detection in multiple myeloma with an error-corrected ultra-sensitive NGS assay without plasma cell enrichment

• Jin Ju Kim 1 ,
• Soo-Jeong Kim 2 ,
• Seoyoung Lim 3 ,
• Seung-Tae Lee 4 , 5 ,
• Jong Rak Choi 4 , 5 ,
• Saeam Shin 4 &
• Doh Yu Hwang 6  

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Risk stratification in multiple myeloma (MM) patients is crucial, and molecular genetic studies play a significant role in achieving this objective. Enrichment of plasma cells for next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis has been employed to enhance detection sensitivity. However, these methods often come with limitations, such as high costs and low throughput. In this study, we explore the use of an error-corrected ultrasensitive NGS assay called positional indexing sequencing (PiSeq-MM). This assay can detect somatic mutations in MM patients without relying on plasma cell enrichment.

Diagnostic bone marrow aspirates (BMAs) and blood samples from 14 MM patients were used for exploratory and validation sets.

PiSeq-MM successfully detected somatic mutations in all BMAs, outperforming conventional NGS using plasma cells. It also identified 38 low-frequency mutations that were missed by conventional NGS, enhancing detection sensitivity below the 5% analytical threshold. When tested in an actual clinical environment, plasma cell enrichment failed in most BMAs (14/16), but the PiSeq-MM enabled mutation detection in all BMAs. There was concordance between PiSeq-MM using BMAs and ctDNA analysis in paired blood samples.

This research provides valuable insights into the genetic landscape of MM and highlights the advantages of error-corrected NGS for detecting low-frequency mutations. Although the current standard method for mutation analysis is plasma cell-enriched BMAs, total BMA or ctDNA testing with error correction is a viable alternative when plasma cell enrichment is not feasible.

Introduction

Multiple myeloma (MM), is a plasma cell neoplasm that predominantly affects elderly individuals and accounts for 10% of hematologic neoplasms [ 1 ]. The initial choice of therapy for patients with plasma cell neoplasms is based on clinical criteria; however, identifying cytogenetic abnormalities in plasma cells is valuable for risk stratification [ 2 ]. Several somatic driver mutations, such as KRAS , NRAS , and TP53 , are related to MM [ 3 , 4 ]. Therefore, many molecular genetic studies, including chromosomal analysis, interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and next-generation sequencing (NGS), are performed on MM patients.

Bone marrow aspirates (BMAs) from MM patients are mixture of normal hematopoietic cells and malignant plasma cells. The composition fraction of plasma cells varies from 10% to > 80%, so it is crucial to detect the genetic abnormality of malignant plasma cells, which can be diluted by normal cells. To increase the analytical sensitivity of FISH or NGS to detect molecular abnormalities, plasma cell enrichment techniques such as fluorescence immunophenotyping and interphase cytogenetics as a tool for the investigation of neoplasms (FICTION), fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS), or magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) are used in laboratories [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. However, the plasma cell enrichment process has some disadvantages, such as the associated cost (for equipment, reagents, and labor), time (particularly for the cell sorting step), technician training, and the need for large amounts of fresh samples [ 7 ]. Due to these drawbacks, the application of enrichment techniques in routine clinical practice is limited.

There are frequent errors in NGS during processing due to DNA damage and sequencing steps. These errors create barriers to sensitive mutation detection. Therefore, several error correction strategies have recently emerged in the clinical NGS field to detect low-allele frequency mutations for circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) or measurable residual disease (MRD) analysis [ 8 , 9 ]. Error correction strategies, such as molecular barcoding or in silico error suppression, can increase the detection capability of NGS to below 1% of variant allele frequencies (VAF) [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. We developed a positional indexing sequencing (PiSeq) analysis method that tags the beginning and end parts of DNA molecules. By recognizing sequencing reads with the same start and end points as a group, the method is able to distinguish and correct errors in sequencing [ 14 , 15 ].

This study evaluated whether mutation detection sensitivity could be increased in MM patients using our error-corrected ultrasensitive NGS assay (PiSeq-MM) without plasma cell enrichment. We hypothesized that an error-corrected algorithm would enable us to detect somatic mutations in BMA without the need for plasma cell enrichment, similar to blood sample analysis. Using total cells for NGS can streamline the clinical workflow by eliminating the need for cell enrichment, and thereby reduce time and effort. Additionally, we conducted NGS on matched blood samples to investigate whether ctDNA analysis can infer somatic mutations in malignant plasma cells. An overview of this study is depicted in Fig.  1 .

Overview of the study design for validation of an ultrasensitive NGS assay An illustration of the study design

Materials and methods

Study samples.

Diagnostic BMAs and matching blood samples from 14 patients who visited the Yongin Severance Hospital between March 2020 and March 2023 were included. Six patients were included in the exploratory cohort and eight in the validation cohort. Patients in the exploratory cohort had NGS results from fresh BMAs with a plasma cell enrichment step performed using our institute diagnostic panels (conventional NGS using PC). The panel included 742 target genes with therapeutic, prognostic, and diagnostic properties in a variety of cancers, including lymphomas and myeloma (Supplementary Table S1 ). The plasma cell enrichment process was successful in five out of six patients’ samples and the samples are proceeded to NGS analysis. In the sample in which the enrichment step failed (P3), the total DNA from the BMA was used for NGS analysis. General NGS strategies were applied without error-corrected bioinformatics algorithms with a mean sequencing depth of 522×. In this case, an analytical sensitivity of 5% was assumed.

The patients were pathologically diagnosed with MM according to the 2014 International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) criteria [ 16 ]. The following clinical data were collected from the electronic medical records: age, sex, test results (including cytogenetics), bone marrow study, and clonality test results. The baseline clinical features of the 14 MM patients whose clinical samples were used in this validation are summarized in Table  1 .

Sample preparation

Fresh BMAs from exploratory cohorts collected in ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) tubes were used for conventional NGS using PC. Plasma cell enrichment was performed as follows: buffy coats were isolated from BMAs and diluted with erythrocyte lysis buffer. The mix was incubated at room temperature for 20 min, and then centrifuged at 2100 rpm for 5 min. The cell pellet was resuspended in phosphate-buffered saline. After three washing cycles, the concentration was adjusted to 1 × 10⁶ − 4 × 10⁷ cells/mL. Antibody staining was performed using anti-CD38-FITC and anti-CD138-PE (Beckman Coulter, CA, USA). Then, plasma cell sorting was conducted on a BD FACS Melody™ (BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA, USA) or S3e™ Cell Sorter (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, CA, USA).

For ctDNA analysis, blood samples were obtained from patients at the time of diagnosis. Twenty milliliters of whole blood in a DxTube (Dxome, Seoul, Republic of Korea) was used. The samples were processed within 4 h at a constant temperature of 4 °C. Plasma was isolated by double centrifugation (1900 × g for 15 min). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were transferred to fresh tubes in 1 ml aliquots. Supernatants were also separately aliquoted in fresh tubes. Frozen aliquots of plasma were stored at -80 °C until ctDNA extraction. The ctDNA was extracted from 4 mL of plasma using magnetic circulating DNA Maxi Reagent (Dxome) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

EDTA-BMAs from all 14 patients were also double centrifuged. Buffy coats were collected and then frozen in aliquots at -80 °C. Genomic DNA (gDNA) from PBMCs and BMA buffy coats was extracted using the QIAsymphony DNA Mini Kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Library preparation was performed using 2.5–30 ng of ctDNA and 110–200 ng of sheared gDNA using the DxSeq Library prep reagent (Dxome). For each sample, PBMCs were sequenced as germline-matched controls using identical panel and library kits targeting an average depth of > 2,500×. The pooled libraries were paired-end sequenced (2 × 150 bp) on the NovaSeq 6000 System (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). Bioinformatics pipelines used for the analysis of NGS data consist of multiple steps, such as demultiplexing, read alignment, deduplication, base calibration and variant calling. An additional variant calling step with our error-correction pipeline, the PiSeq algorithm (Dxome), was used to differentiate low-frequency mutations from amplification artifacts and sequencing errors by calculating the genomic positions of mapped reads [ 14 ]. Variants were annotated using DxSeq software (Dxome) with public database information. Identified variants were visually confirmed with Integrative Genome Viewer (Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA). Genic copy number variants (CNVs) and CNVs at the whole genome level were analyzed using DxSeq software (Dxome, Sungnam, South Korea). Germline variants were removed using parallel NGS data from PBMC-derived DNA.

Statistical analysis

Statistical analyses were performed using MedCalc version 18.2.1 (MedCalc Software; Mariakerke, Belgium). For continuous data, the Shapiro–Wilk test was used to detect departures from normality. Variables were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test. The Passing–Bablock regression was used to compare the VAF between samples. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient (r) was calculated. Statistical significance was defined as p  < 0.05.

Ultra-high depth ngs sequencing with the piseq algorithm: enhancing mutation detection in MM without plasma cell enrichment

Our primary objective was to determine whether ultrahigh-depth NGS sequencing with the Piseq algorithm could effectively detect meaningful variants in MM without the need for plasma cell enrichment (PiSeq-MM). To achieve this, we conducted NGS using BMA samples without performing the enrichment step. Our study cohort consisted of six MM patients who had previously undergone conventional NGS using PC.

For the analysis, we used the same targeted NGS panel of 742 genes. The median sequencing depth of PiSeq-MM using the six BMAs was 14,427×. In the comparison, mutations were detected in five out of six conventional NGS using PCs (83.3%), while all six PiSeq-MM using BMAs had detectable mutations (Supplemental Table S2 ).

The total number of somatic mutations detected in conventional NGS using PCs ranged from 0 to 7 mutations per patient, amounting to 23 mutations in total. In contrast, PiSeq-MM using BMAs identified 47 somatic mutations, with a range of 2 to 16 mutations per patient. Notably, 39.1% ( n  = 9/23) of the mutations detected in PiSeq-MM using BMAs also showed a median VAF of 46.8% in the plasma cell-enriched samples (Fig.  2 A and B). Mutations that were not discovered in PiSeq-MM using BMAs had a low representation in conventional NGS using PCs, with a median VAF of 28.8% (Fig.  2 B). None of the 14 non-overlapping mutations are known to impact the clinical diagnostic outcome.

Concordance analysis of SNV/indel mutations detected in samples from the exploratory cohort. (A) Venn diagram showing the number of mutations detected in PiSeq-MM using BMA and conventional NGS using PC. (B) VAF distribution of mutations identified by conventional NGS using PC specific, shared by both conventional NGS using PC and PiSeq-MM using BMA, and by PiSeq-MM using BMA specific. (C) Venn diagram of mutations shared by PiSeq-MM using BMA, conventional NGS using PC and ctPiSeq-MM. Only targeted genes shared between each NGS panels were considered. (D) Correlation of VAFs between the two NGS panels. * p  < 0.05 †Targeted genes shared by both NGS panels, 104 out of 742 genes are considered

PiSeq-MM using BMAs uncovered an additional 38 somatic mutations that were not detectable in conventional NGS using PCs. Among these, there were 7 variants affecting KRAS [ 17 , 18 ] and 6 variants affecting NRAS [ 18 ], both of which are known driver mutations in MM (Supplemental Table S2 ). The VAFs of these 38 somatic mutations ranged from 0.1 to 10.3% with a median VAF of 0.5% (Fig.  2 B), which is near or below the analytical sensitivity of general NGS, 5%.

Importantly, there was no correlation between the VAF of conventional NGS using PCs and PiSeq-MM using BMA ( r  = 0.367, p  = 0.3317). This finding indicates that the mutation detection with PiSeq-MM using BMA is not solely dependent on the VAF observed in plasma cell-enriched samples.

Exploring the potential of ctDNA analysis in MM: concordance and mutational landscape compared to conventional NGS

To investigate the potential of ctDNA in MM, we developed a targeted NGS panel comprising a smaller number of genes (112 genes) than were included in the comprehensive panel (742 genes) (Supplementary Table S1 ). The selected 112 genes were chosen based on the following criteria: (a) commonly found in myeloma patients tested with our institute’s conventional NGS panel (742 genes), (b) involved in important signaling pathways in multiple myeloma e.g. the MAPK, MYC, DNA repair and NFKB pathways, and (c) treatment targets or candidates for drug resistance in multiple myeloma (e.g. IKZF3 , BCL2 , PTEN and NFKB2 ) [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Additionally, to ensure that the ctDNA NGS panel can be used for patients with both myeloma and lymphoma, genes found in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (e.g., CD7 ) were also included. This selection of these genes was meticulously curated based on an extensive review of relevant literature, databases, and guidelines by a team of expert medical oncologists.

We conducted ctDNA analysis using the targeted NGS panel comprising 112 genes and employed the Piseq algorithm (ctPiSeq-MM) on matched blood samples from six patients in an exploratory cohort. The median sequencing depth of ctPiSeq-MM was 68,048×. A total of 19 somatic mutations were detected across the six ctPiSeq-MM samples, ranging from 0 to 6 mutations per patient.

Considering only the mutations present in the genes shared between the two NGS panels (Supplementary Table S1 ), we found that all mutations identified in conventional NGS using PC, specifically NRAS Q61R and NRAS G13D, were consistently detected in both Piseq-MM using BMAs and ctPiSeq-MM analyses. Almost all mutations (94.7%, 18/19) were detected in ctPiSeq-MM, except one mutation ( KRAS G12S) with a very low VAF of 0.24% (Fig.  2 C, Supplementary Table S2 ). Furthermore, there was a substantial correlation between the VAF of Piseq-MM using BMAs and ctPiSeq-MM ( r  = 0.794, p  = 0.0001; Fig.  2 D), indicating a strong concordance between the mutation profiles obtained from both methods.

Based on our initial observations in a small exploratory test cohort, we proceeded to validate our findings in a separate cohort of eight MM patients to assess the concordance of detected mutations between gDNA from BMA and ctDNA using the 112 gene NGS panel. For this validation cohort, the median sequencing depths of PiSeq-MM using BMAs and ctPiseq-MM were 60,444× and 78,862×, respectively.

We identified a total of 78 somatic mutations from PiSeq-MM using BMAs and 45 somatic mutations from ctPiseq-MM (Supplementary Table S3 ). The median VAF of somatic mutations detected in PiSeq-MM using BMAs was 0.15% (range: 0.04 − 9.58%), while the median VAF of mutations in ctPiSeq-MM was 0.96% (range: 0.09 − 21.19%).

Among the mutations detected, 25 mutations were shared in both PiSeq-MM using BMAs and ctPiSeq-MM of matched patients. There was a moderate degree of correlation between the VAF of PiSeq-MM using BMAs and ctPiSeq-MMs ( r  = 0.665, p  = 0.0003; Fig.  3 A). These results suggest a reasonable concordance in mutation detection between the two sample types, further supporting the potential utility of ctDNA analysis in MM.

(A) Correlation of SNV/indel allele frequency between PiSeq-MM using BMA and ctPiSeq-MM with a 112 gene targeted panel in the validation cohort. Mutation spectrum of (B) ctPiSeq-MM and  (C) Piseq-MM using BMAs in the validation cohort

In all eight patients, at least one mutation was detected in both the BMA and blood samples. On average, PiSeq-MM using BMAs identified 11 mutations (range: 2–16), whereas ctPiSeq-MMs detected 6 mutations (range: 1–11). Interestingly, the most frequently mutated gene in the blood samples was KMT2C (Fig.  3 B ) . In contrast, the most frequently mutated gene detected in PiSeq-MM using BMAs was DNMT3A , followed by KMT2C , TP53 , MGA , ATM , and KRAS (Fig.  3 C). These findings provide valuable insights into the mutational landscape of MM, and highlight differences in mutation frequencies between the two sample types.

In one patient (S4), a CNV was detected, specifically a partial KIT gene deletion involving deletion of exons 8–21. Notably, this CNV was detected only in PiSeq-MM using BMAs and not in ctPiSeq-MMs.

Chromosomal abnormalities and detection challenges in MM patients: insights from multiple NGS protocols

In the exploratory set, a majority of patients (83.3%, 5/6) exhibited chromosomal structural abnormalities as determined by cytogenetic analysis. Specifically, two patients (P1 and P6) showed hyperdiploidy, while three patients (P2, P3, and P5) had complex karyotypes. Notably, cases displaying hyperdiploidy in karyotyping also had identifiable chromosomal abnormalities in conventional NGS using PC, PiSeq-MM using BMA, and ctPiseq-MM. However, it is essential to acknowledge that the chromosomal abnormality results using NGS may not be entirely consistent with karyotyping (Fig.  4 ).

Chromosome analysis results by test method in patients with hyperdiploidy: (A) P1 and (B) P6

In contrast, patients with complex karyotypes or normal karyotypes sometimes exhibited abnormalities in conventional NGS using PC or Piseq-MM with BMA. However, interestingly, ctPiseq-MM did not show abnormalities in cases with normal karyotypes. This finding reveals the limitations of whole gene CNV analysis when using blood samples (Supplementary Fig.  1 ). Additionally, even when employing the Piseq algorithm in the samples from the validation cohort, it was challenging to detect chromosome abnormalities using whole gene CNV analysis (Supplementary Fig.  2 ).

Implementation of the Piseq Algorithm for NGS analysis in MM patients

Based on the insights gained from this study, we adopted the Piseq algorithm for BMAs from MM patients undergoing NGS, commencing in March 2022. NGS testing was initiated using plasma cell-enriched BMAs. In cases where enrichment was unsuccessful, the analysis was conducted on total BMAs. Between March 2022 and July 2023, 16 BMAs were subjected to NGS (Supplementary Table S4 ). The median arrival time at the laboratory was 41.0 h (range: 39.0–112.3 h), with plasma cell enrichment failing in the majority of cases (14/16, 87.5%).

Despite relying on total BMAs for most cases, mutations were identified in all samples, with potential driver mutations detected in 14 of 16 samples. The median VAF spanned from 0.1 to 46.6%, while the plasma cell burden in BMAs ranged from 10.8 to 99.6%. Notably, the median VAF of mutations and the plasma cell burden in BMAs showed no correlation ( p  = 0.793).

Genetic variants have been linked to drug resistance and prognosis in MM patients [ 23 , 24 , 25 ], and NGS tests, cytogenetic studies, and FISH analyses are crucial for comprehensive genetic analysis. Additionally, detecting residual cancer or low-fraction mutations requires very sensitive methods. Enriching plasma cells from bone marrow aspirations is a commonly employed technique to enhance detection sensitivity in FISH analysis and NGS [ 26 ]. However, this enrichment step adds labor and technical costs and necessitates timely sample delivery to prevent CD138 shedding [ 27 ], which can lead to false negative results. False negatives may also occur in cases where plasma cell neoplasms lack CD138 expression, although this is rare [ 26 ]. Other challenges of plasma enrichment in clinical laboratories include the need for relatively large sample amounts, and occasional failure. These limitations show the need for an alternate strategy for profiling unenriched cells (Table  2 ).

Error-corrected bioinformatics can help to overcome the limitations of the plasma cell enrichment step while still generating compatible mutation analysis data for plasma cell- unenriched total BMA samples. When utilizing samples collected within a 24-hour timeframe, the enrichment process using the MAC method has been reported to exhibit a failure rate ranging between 10 and 22% depending on the plasma cell burden in the bone marrow [ 28 ]. Moreover, enrichment failure was observed in 16.7% (1/6) of an exploratory set using fresh BMA samples in this study. However, in clinical samples from actual patients, the failure rate of the enrichment step exceeded expectations, likely due to the extended duration between bone marrow sample aspiration and the enrichment process.

Despite the predominant use of total BMAs, mutations were identified across all samples, with potential driver mutations identified in most cases. In clinical testing with patient specimens, enrichment often encounters failures, potentially exacerbated by prolonged transit time of specimens when samples are referred to other medical facilities. The VAF of mutations was notably low, considering the plasma cell fractions of BMAs. Some mutations were detected only in conventional NGS using PCs, and these mutations tended to have lower VAFs than those detected by PiSeq-MM using BMAs. This discrepancy could arise from reduced plasma cell fractions that include other hematopoietic cells or hemodilution when using total BMA.

Although the average VAF of these mutations was lower than that of mutations detected simultaneously in the total BMA, some mutations had VAFs exceeding 45% (e.g., IGLL5 M42T (P2) and, ZFHX4 P3154A (P6)). This difference is thought to be due to variations in clone composition caused by the degree of hemodilution in the BMAs used for the tests. Conventional NGS using PCs was conducted using fresh, first or second pulled BMAs obtained during the aspiration procedure. In cases of PiseqMM using BMAs, frozen aliquots likely included subsequently aspirated samples. As a result, differences in clone burden and composition might exist between the samples [ 29 ]. However, in our study, these 14 mutations were not clinically significantly different in terms of diagnostic outcomes. In contrast, the nine mutations detected by both methods had a higher average VAFs compared to those found only by conventional NGS using PCs, including clinically significant NRAS gene mutations. Therefore, mutations detected in both tests are likely crucial for the disease, regardless of VAF, and may represent founder mutations that occurred early in clonal evolution and are shared among various clones. In addition, working with total BMA instead of sorted PCs may have disadvantages related to clonality/subclonality determination, our method effectively detected variants with VAF as low as 5%, ensuring variant identification across all samples and detect key mutations in disease development.

However, due to the relatively low VAF and difficulties in CNV analysis at the whole genome level, plasma cell-enriched BMA samples remain optimal for genetic analysis. Therefore, the most accurate option for NGS analysis remains plasma cell-enriched BMA with error-corrected bioinformatics. Nevertheless, if plasma cell enrichment is not feasible due to limited sample size or technical issues, applying error-corrected bioinformatics alone can still detect some informative mutations for risk stratification.

Although BMA is the preferred sample for sequencing, its ability to detect MM clones may be hindered by an inhomogeneous infiltration pattern [ 30 ]. In recent years, ctDNA analysis has emerged as an alternative method for tissue genomic DNA analysis and monitoring residual cancers noninvasively in many solid cancers [ 8 , 14 ]. Our study demonstrated that ctDNA testing with error-corrected bioinformatics not only yielded similar results to bone marrow samples but also detected mutations with low variant frequency.

This study was conducted with a very small number of patient samples. Therefore, it is challenging to interpret the results as representative of the mutation prevalence in the MM patient population. However, the mutations with a high prevalence in larger existing MM cohorts with NGS data such as those in the KRAS , NRAS , and TP53 genes were identified in the total BMA (eight validation cohort and fourteen clinical patients whose plasma cell enrichment failed) and blood samples (eight validation cohort) of patients using Piseq algorithm (Supplementary Table S5 ). This suggests general concordance with the findings of existing studies [ 3 , 31 , 32 ]. However, DNMT3A and KMT2C mutations were observed at higher frequency in total BMA and blood samples compared to other studies. Kogure et al. [ 33 ]. reported the same pattern in ctDNA analysis in relapsed/refractory MM patients, in whom the majority of mutations in clonal hematopoietic (CH)-related genes, such as DNMT3A and TET2 were detected only by ctDNA, in line with our results. CH gene mutations might have originated from nonmalignant hematopoietic cells not only in blood, but also in BMA, resulting in greater detection of CH mutations with very low frequency when using our PiseqMM. However, this should be further researched with a larger cohort to determine whether the detection frequency is indeed higher when applying this method to the MM patient group.

By jointly analyzing and interpreting genetic results from both BMA and ctDNA analyses in MM patients, not only disease monitoring but also information on the mutation spectrum of myeloma burden from sites other than the biopsy can be obtained. This approach proves valuable even in challenging scenarios, such as plasmacytoma or a dry-tapped marrow [ 34 , 35 ]. Moreover, recent study suggesting risk stratification model using ctDNA mutations in relapsed/refractory patients highlights the possible clinical application of ctDNA in near future [ 33 ].

As this was a pilot study for method validation, further research involving a larger number of patients is required in the future. More extensive investigations are also necessary to confirm the association between the obtained results and prognosis. Prospective studies on MM patients, including those with plasmacytoma, will be essential to establish the ctDNA test method’s utility as a comprehensive genetic analysis tool.

This research provides valuable insights into the genetic landscape of MM and highlights the advantages of error-corrected NGS for detecting low-frequency mutations. The results suggest that PiSeq-MM can effectively detect somatic mutations in MM patients without the need for plasma cell enrichment. ctDNA analysis showed potential utility in identifying somatic mutations in malignant plasma cells. Although the current standard method for mutation analysis is still the use of plasma cell-enriched BMAs, total BMA or ctDNA testing with error correction is a viable alternative when plasma cell enrichment is not feasible.

Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, [SS], upon reasonable request.

Abbreviations

Multiple Myeloma

Next-Generation Sequencing

Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization

Fluorescence Immunophenotyping and Interphase Cytogenetics as a Tool for the Investigation of Neoplasms

Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorter

Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting

Circulating Tumor DNA

Measurable Residual Disease

Variant Allele Frequencies

Positional Indexing Sequencing

Bone Marrow Aspirate

Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Genomic DNA

Copy Number Variants

International Myeloma Working Group

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Medical Illustration & Design, part of the Medical Research Support Services of Yonsei University College of Medicine, for all artistic support related to this work.

This research was supported by faculty research grant of Yonsei University College of Medicine for 2022 (6-2022-0085) and a grant from the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF-2022R1I1A1A01068590).

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Soo-Jeong Kim

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Seoyoung Lim

Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Severance Hospital, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea

Seung-Tae Lee, Jong Rak Choi & Saeam Shin

Dxome, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Seung-Tae Lee & Jong Rak Choi

Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin Severance Hospital, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea

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DYH and SS conceived and designed the analysis; JJK and SJK managed specimen collection and collected the data; SL, STL and JRC contributed data and analysis tools, JJK performed the analysis; JJK wrote the manuscript, SS reviewed the manuscript.

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Kim, J.J., Kim, SJ., Lim, S. et al. Enhancing mutation detection in multiple myeloma with an error-corrected ultra-sensitive NGS assay without plasma cell enrichment. Cancer Cell Int 24 , 282 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12935-024-03470-7

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Resume Objective Examples With Tips and How-To Guide

What Is a Resume Objective?

Should i include a resume objective, are resume objectives helpful during a career change, should i use a resume objective to explain an employment gap, how to write a great resume objective, resume objective examples, resume objective examples by job title, frequently asked questions about resume objectives.

The opening section sets the tone for your resume. To generate interviews during the job search, it’s important to grab the hiring manager’s attention as quickly as possible. In the past, job seekers typically relied on a resume objective to introduce themselves to prospective employers. In recent years, however, the hiring process has evolved in a myriad of ways. This guide will explore the resume objective and assess its value within the contemporary job market.

A resume objective is a concise opening statement that explains your career goals and why you’re applying for a particular job. While resume objectives were widely used for many years, they’re now considered outdated by most resume writers and recruiters. In its place, job seekers in today’s market have adopted what is referred to as a professional summary, profile, or summary of qualifications.

The primary reason for this shift is that a resume objective focuses on the candidate’s goals, whereas a professional summary demonstrates why the candidate is qualified for the job they’re applying for. A resume’s main goal is to generate interviews, and the best way to make a positive impression on the hiring manager is to emphasize the potential value you can bring to their organization.

The short answer is no in most cases. Not only does the resume objective take the emphasis away from your qualifications, but it risks making you appear dated in the eyes of potential employers. Even when writing a resume for a grad school or internship application, you’ll be better served by simply building a strong summary that emphasizes your most impressive academic achievements and relevant skill sets.

At a cursory glance, one might think this is a situation where having a resume objective might be useful. It does present an opportunity to explain your desire to transition into a new field. However, once you look deeper, the same drawbacks continue to emerge.

The truth is hiring managers aren’t interested in learning about your long-term career goals when reviewing your resume. They understand that you’re interested in the job because you’ve applied for it. Rather than explaining your objectives, emphasize relevant experience and qualifications from your previous industry that will allow you to excel in the new position.

This is another unique circumstance where the idea of a resume objective appears more suitable. Employment gaps can be incredibly challenging to overcome in the competitive job market, and providing context for the hiring manager seems like a viable strategy. Unfortunately, this approach tends to make the gap even more glaring and diverts attention away from your qualifications. An employment gap is better addressed during the interview and, in some cases, even the cover letter. It should never be the first thing you draw attention to on your resume.

While we can’t recommend using a resume objective, if you do opt for this approach, there are ways to heighten its impact. Rather than only highlighting your career goals, create an objective that emphasizes how your unique background and skills can create value for potential employers. Also, mention something specific about the company and why you’re seeking this opportunity. This allows you to tell some of your story while also demonstrating how your qualifications align with the roles you’re targeting.

New graduate

A recent graduate with a degree in web design, specializing in user experience (UX) design, front-end development, and graphic design. Seeking a position with Pantheon Technologies to apply user-centered design principles in a forward-thinking work environment centered on innovation and real-world solutions.

A recent nursing graduate with entry-level work experience specializing in patient relations, post-anesthesia care, and process improvement. Seeking a registered nurse (RN) position with University of Pennsylvania Hospital to deliver exceptional patient-centered care and grow as a medical professional within one of the nation’s leading hospitals.

A recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree in economics, specializing in finance, financial modeling, accounting principles, and risk assessment. Seeking an internship position at Vanguard to forecast long-term business outlooks and identify financial risks for clients at one of the world’s largest investment firms.

Career or industry change

A military veteran with over 10 years of experience in supply chain management, logistics, fleet management, and procurement. Seeking a position at Olsen Manufacturing to transition from a military career to the private sector. A proven track record of overseeing multi-million-dollar supply chains to support military operations.

A server with seven years of professional experience specializing in upselling, client relations, customer service, and communication. Seeking a sales representative position with Morgan Electronics to transition from the hospitality industry to a sales career at an industry-leading technology company.

An event manager with eight years of experience advertising, planning, and executing virtual events. Seeking a marketing coordinator position with Cadence Inc. to transition from the events space to a digital marketing career. Adept at developing impactful marketing strategies to drive customer engagement.

Seeking advancement

A software developer with seven years of experience specializing in Agile software development, back-end development, Python, and web development. A strong history of developing innovative application features and software solutions to enhance the UX. Seeking a technical project manager position with Aiden Corporation to advance into a leadership role.

A construction worker with eight years of experience supporting commercial and residential projects, including construction, home renovations, and landscaping. Adept at coordinating with diverse teams to execute complex projects on-time and under budget. Seeking a construction manager position with Ajax Construction Co. to further leadership growth.

A principal with nine years of professional experience specializing in policy development, program management, educational leadership, and school administration. Seeking a superintendent position with the Swarthmore School District to drive the success of students and teachers at one of the state’s highest-performing districts.

Administrative assistant

A results-driven medical administrative assistant with five years of experience specializing in office administration, calendar management, and patient relations. Seeking a position with St. Mark’s Medical Center to apply administrative expertise in a fast-paced clinical setting at one of the state’s finest hospitals.

Office manager

A dynamic office manager with eight years of experience supporting daily operations and managing calendars for C-level executives. A proven track record of identifying opportunities to enhance client communications and administrative functions. Seeking an office manager position with Allied Marketing Corp. to transition into a leadership role.

Sales representative

A sales representative with four years of experience specializing in cross-selling, cold calling, lead generation, and client relations. A strong history of developing customer relationships and identifying appropriate products based on client needs. Seeking a sales representative position with State Farm to continue career growth at one of the best insurance providers in the U.S.

Account manager

An account manager with six years of experience within the technology industry, specializing in business-to-business (B2B) sales and Software as a service (SaaS). A proven track record of exceeding sales quotas and collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve the sales process. Seeking a position with Starlight Inc. to drive revenue growth in a fast-paced startup environment.

Software developer

A software developer with six years of experience specializing in Agile software development, back-end development, Python, and web development. A strong history of developing innovative application features to enhance the UX. Seeking a developer role with Cubix to provide valuable contributions to cutting-edge software solutions.

Software engineer

A lead software engineer with eight years of experience developing innovative software solutions for enterprise customers. A proven track record of executing multi-million-dollar technology projects. Seeking a software development manager position with Genetech Solutions to fuel leadership growth at one of the world’s best innovators in the technology space.

Digital marketing specialist

A digital marketing specialist with seven years of experience specializing in brand messaging, Google Analytics, and SEO strategy. A proven track record of executing digital campaigns to enhance user engagement and drive market penetration. Seeking a digital marketing manager position at Impossible Foods to drive brand awareness for a leading plant-based food company.

Marketing manager

An experienced leader and brand marketing professional with over 10 years in health care, specializing in content marketing, brand messaging, and ad campaigns. A strong history of guiding dynamic marketing teams to execute high-impact digital campaigns. Seeking a marketing manager position with Better Help to raise awareness of mental health resources.

A customer service manager with over 10 years of experience specializing in continuous improvement, client relations, and cross-functional leadership. A proven track record identifying opportunities to enhance the customer experience and improve satisfaction ratings. Seeking to advance into a customer service manager role with TD Bank.

Customer service representative

A customer service representative with six years of experience supporting sales teams and turning cancellations into satisfied customers. Seeking a customer service team lead position with Astound Broadband to enhance client retention for a premiere internet provider.

Registered nurse

A registered nurse (RN) with over seven years of clinical experience providing quality care to critically ill patients in intensive care unit (ICU), oncology, and surgical units. A strong history of identifying opportunities to drive patient-centered care and improve clinical operations. Seeking a position at Columbia University Hospital to grow as a health care professional at one of the nation’s leading hospitals.

Medical surgical nurse

A certified medical surgical nurse with eight years of experience specializing in surgical care and patient education. A strong background of collaborating with interdisciplinary health care teams to deliver patient-centered care within high-volume acute care environments. Seeking to advance into a nurse manager position at St. Mark’s Medical Center.

A senior immigration lawyer with seven years of experience managing and navigating complex immigration, citizenship, and asylum cases. A strong history of serving as a client advocate and consistently achieving high approval rates. Seeking a position with Rosenberg LLP to provide exceptional legal services to clients at a reputable immigration law firm.

An associate attorney with four years of experience specializing in regulatory compliance, court litigation, legal research, and environmental law. A proven track record of navigating complex legal landscapes to obtain favorable outcomes. Seeking a position at Nelson Legal Associates to manage high-value cases related to environmental regulatory violations.

Project manager

A construction project manager with eight years of experience overseeing large build-outs and commercial construction projects valued at up to $25 million. A strong history of leading diverse construction teams and identifying cost-saving opportunities. Seeking a superintendent position with Ranson Construction Inc. to advance at one of the state’s top firms.

Technical project manager

An information technology (IT) project manager with 10 years of professional experience managing and building cross-functional teams from the ground up to execute multimillion-dollar enterprise-level projects. Seeking an IT director position with Cadence Technologies to advance as an industry leader at a company centered on innovation and real-world solutions.

HR recruiter

A human resources (HR) recruiter with six years of experience specializing in talent acquisition, recruiting, sourcing strategies, and learning and development. A proven track record of running high-impact recruitment initiatives to drive the retention of top talent. Seeking an HR manager role at Deloitte to grow within one of the nation’s leading financial firms.

Human resources specialist

A results-driven HR specialist with eight years of experience coordinating and enhancing HR operations. A proven track record of developing HR programs to improve employee satisfaction and retention. Seeking an HR manager role at Accenture to support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) recruiting initiatives at an enterprise-level company.

Graphic designer

A senior graphic designer with over 10 years of experience specializing in brand messaging, digital marketing, project management, and UX design. A proven track record of defining high-impact visual solutions to drive brand awareness and sales growth. Seeking to advance into a digital design manager position with Arkline Inc.

UX designer

A UX designer with six years of experience specializing in UX research, design systems, user interface (UI) prototyping, and user-centered design. A proven track record of managing UX teams to develop design solutions for an unparalleled UX. Seeking a UX manager position at Ascension Inc. to drive innovation at one of the nation’s best web solution providers.

Should I use a resume objective instead of a summary? -

In most cases, it’s best to avoid using a resume objective in today’s job market. Career objectives have been largely phased out in favor of professional summaries, as they divert the focus of your resume away from your relevant qualifications and skills.

Why are resume objectives considered outdated? -

Resume objectives are considered outdated because they aren’t an effective way to grab the hiring manager’s attention quickly. Discussing your career goals is a topic much better suited for the interview, as your top priority should be marketing your skills and experience to potential employers.

How can I write a great resume objective? -

While it’s not advisable to clutter your resume with unnecessary details about your long-term career objectives, if you choose to include one, explain why you’re interested in this particular company and how you can provide value to their team.

Craft your perfect resume in minutes

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Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).