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1.0 Introduction
knowledge. It is scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic. As
a matter of fact, research is an art of scientific investigation. According to Clarke and Clarke,
research is a careful, systematic and objective investigation conducted to obtain valid facts, draw
knowledge. To John .W. Best, research is a systematic and objective analysis and recording of
controlled observations that may lead to the development of generalizations, principles, theories
and concepts, resulting in prediction for seeing and possibly ultimate control of events.
In order to get the right solution, clearly defined objectives are very important. A clearly defined
objective directs a researcher in the right direction. They are important features of a good
research study. Without clear objectives, a researcher is aimless and directionless in conducting
the study, and without them no replicable scientific findings can be expected. The success or
failure of any work, idea, goal or project can be better measured with accurate knowledge of its
background. In other words, to discuss how objectives of the study can determine the success or
failure of a research project, there is need to understand the essence of the concept (objectives)
and how it can determine the success or failure of the research work.
Research objectives are clear, concise, declarative statements, which provide direction to
investigate the variables under the study. They focus on the ways to measure the variables, such
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as to identify or describe... The objectives of a research project summarize what is to be achieved
by the study.
1.2 Characteristics
- Research objectives are concrete statements describing what the research is trying to
achieve.
- A well-known objective will be SMART.
S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Attainable
R – Relevant
T – Time-Bound
Specific, answers the questions, "What is to be done?" "How will you know it is
done?" and describes the results (end product) of the work to be done. The description
is written in such a way that anyone reading the objective will most likely interpret it
the same way. To ensure that an objective is specific is to make sure that the way it is
described is observable. Observable means that somebody can see or hear (physically
defines the objective using assessable terms (quantity, quality, frequency, costs,
deadlines, etc). It refers to the extent to which something can be evaluated against
objective be achieved by the person?" "Does he/she have the experience, knowledge
impact?" Is the objective aligned with the S/C/D’s implementation plan and the
an objective has end points and check points built into it. Sometimes a task may only
have an end point or due date. Sometimes that end point or due date is the actual end
of the task, or sometimes the end point of one task is the start point of another.
Sometimes a task has several milestones or check points to help you or others assess
can be made as needed to make sure the end result meets expectations.
- Research objective should be RELEVANT, FEASIBLE, LOGICAL, OBSERVABLE,
by the study.
There are two types of research objectives. They are general objectives and specific
objectives.
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General objectives are broad goals to be achieved. They state what the researcher expects
to achieve by the study in general terms. The general objective is met through meeting
Specific objectives are short term and narrow in focus. General objectives are broken into
small logically connected parts to form specific objectives. Specific objectives clearly
specify what the researcher will do in the study, where and for what purpose the study is
done.
1.5.1 EXAMPLE
General Objective:
- To expose the concord errors that students make as they attempt to write essays.
Specific Objectives:
- To identify the effects of concord errors in the essays of SSII students in Kaduna
metropolis.
- To examine the possible causes of concord errors.
- To show prevalence of concord errors among SSII students of the various schools under
study.
- To highlight the implications of the findings of the study for the teaching of English in
1.5.2 Example
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Research title: A QUASI EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF
The general purpose or objective of this particular research is to study the effects of poverty on
education among the selected region. This captures the overview of the intended purpose of the
researcher.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
However, setting specific objectives simplifies the above identified general purpose of the
researcher.
1.5.3 Example
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Specific Objectives
preschoolers.
preschoolers’ performance.
1.5.4 Example
Research title: The Influence of Parental Involvement (and the absence of this) on the
The general purpose of this study is to assess of the influence of parental involvement (or the
lack of it) on the literacy development of upper primary school pupils in Obafemi Owode, Ogun
State, Nigeria.
- To identify how the literacy growth of upper primary school pupils can be influenced by
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- To evaluate the extent to which the literacy growth of upper primary school pupils can be
affected by the non-participation of their parents in their academic works. This literacy
growth enco
- mpasses their listening, speaking, reading and writing outcomes.
- To examine some factors that can cause the non-participation of some parents in the
literacy growth of their children or/and factors that can make the involvement passive.
- To determine all the parental involvement activities and identify the effects each has on
their parents in their literacy pursuits and pupils who lack this.
1.5.5 Example
Research title: An Analysis of Written Concord Errors among Grade 12 First Additional
Africa.
The general objective of this study is to investigate the errors made by Grade 12 English FAL
South Africa.
- To evaluate the causes of these errors among the Grade 12 English FAL learners in
1.6 The Contributions of the Above Research Objectives to their Respective Research Work
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The formulation of the research objectives above helped the researcher in many ways.
- These clearly defined research objectives helped the researchers to focus on the study.
- They also helped in narrowing down the research and provided a focal point.
- The formulation of research objectives helped in narrowing down the study to its
essentials.
- They helped the researchers to avoid unnecessary findings, which otherwise lead to
wastage of resources.
- The formulation of the research objectives helped the researchers to avoid unnecessary
accumulation of data that were not needed for the chosen problem. For example, when
the researchers were interested in identifying the presence or absence of chosen variables
- The formulation of the objectives organized the studies into a clearly defined parts or
phases.
- They guided the researchers in the literatures to review, the scope of the study, the choice
of research methodology and in deciding the analytical tools to use in data collection,
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A well formulated objective will facilitate the development of research methodology and will
The following guideline must be taken into account while stating the objective.
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1.9 CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, objectives serve as the life – wire of any research project from where it draws
strength in weakness. It is the tool for determining the tool for data collection: quantity and
quality, collation, analysis, choice of methodology as well as literatures to be reviewed. It is a
sure yard – stick for measuring progress, drawing insightful conclusions and making land marks
recommendation. In other words, a well formulated objective leads to the success of the research
work.
References
MAHESWARI, J. (2018). Research Objectives. Linkedin Learning.
https://www.slideshare.net/maheswarijaikumar/research-objectives-108090672
https://hr.wayne.edu/leads/phase1/smart-objectives
https://studymoose.com/meaning-of-research-according-to-different-authors-essay
Ndivhudzannyi, M. (2017).An analysis of written concord errors among grade 12 first
additional language learners in Vhembe district of Limpopo province, South Africa.
University of Venda.
ATINGA, L. (2015). Effects of concord errors in the essays of students in selected senior
secondary schools in Kaduna metropolis. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Badejo, S. (2017). The influence of parental involvement (and the absence of this) on the literacy
development of upper primary school pupils in Ogun state. University of Lagos.
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