Research Objectives

Research Objectives are clear, concise, declarative statements that outline the specific outcomes or information that the researcher aims to obtain from a study. These objectives serve as a roadmap for the research design and methodologies, ensuring that the research stays on track and addresses the intended questions.

Purpose

The purpose of research objectives is to guide and focus a study, ensuring its relevance, manageability, and evaluability.

Format

ElementDescriptionImportance
Clear PurposeA precise statement that outlines what the research intends to discover, assess, or validate.Ensures that the research is focused and relevant, guiding the entire process towards a specific goal.
SpecificityDetailed identification of the research topic, including any specific features, behaviours, or phenomena to be studied.Prevents ambiguity, allowing researchers to design their studies more effectively and ensuring that the findings are actionable.
Measurable ObjectivesSetting objectives that can be quantified or measured, indicating what success looks like for the research.Enables the evaluation of research outcomes against predefined criteria, facilitating objective analysis of results.
Time FrameThe timeline within which the research is to be conducted and completed.Helps in planning and resource allocation, ensuring that the research is conducted efficiently without unnecessary delays.
Expected OutcomesA description of the anticipated results, insights, or data that the research is expected to generate.Guides the analysis and interpretation of data, focusing efforts on extracting meaningful conclusions that can inform decision-making.

Worked Examples

Example ObjectiveClear PurposeSpecificityMeasurable ObjectivesTime FrameExpected Outcomes
Improve Website NavigationTo assess and enhance the usability of the website navigation to increase user satisfaction.Evaluating current navigation structure and identifying areas for improvement.Increase in user satisfaction ratings by 20%.3 months.A redesigned navigation structure that is more intuitive and user-friendly.
Optimise Checkout ProcessTo identify and reduce friction points in the online checkout process to boost conversion rates.Analysis of checkout flow, from cart to completion, pinpointing dropout points.Reduction in cart abandonment rate by 15%.6 weeks.A streamlined checkout process with fewer steps and clearer instructions, leading to higher conversion rates.
Enhance Mobile App EngagementTo evaluate and improve user engagement with the mobile app through feature updates.Identification of underused features and reasons for low engagement.30% increase in daily active users.2 months.An updated app version with improved features that drive higher daily engagement.
Increase Software Trial Sign-upsTo determine and implement strategies for increasing the number of trial sign-ups for a software product.Analysis of current sign-up process and barriers to entry.25% increase in trial sign-ups.1 month.A more accessible sign-up process and targeted promotional strategies resulting in higher trial enrollment.

Anti-Patterns

  • Vagueness: Objectives that are too broad or vague can lead to unfocused research and ambiguous results.
  • Overcomplexity: Extremely detailed or too many objectives can overcomplicate the research, making it hard to manage and derive clear insights.
  • Lack of Alignment with Business Goals: Research objectives that don't align with overarching business or product goals might yield data that, while interesting, isn't actionable or relevant.
  • Static Approach: Assuming that once set, research objectives cannot be revised or refined. In an agile environment, it might be necessary to adjust objectives based on emerging data or changing circumstances.
  • Confirmation Bias: Setting objectives that only seek to confirm existing beliefs or assumptions rather than challenging or expanding upon them.

Was this page helpful?

Previous
Artifacts
© ZeroBlockers, 2024. All rights reserved.