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Aims and Objectives

The document discusses aims and objectives for research projects. It states that the aim is what you hope to achieve with broad terms, while the objectives are specific measurable actions to achieve the aim. Objectives should use strong verbs and be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-constrained). There is no set number of aims or objectives required, but they are used to measure progress toward meeting the overall aim. An example is provided of an aim to investigate the relationship between tectonic plates and planetary movement, supported by three objectives involving data extraction and synthesis.

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52 views2 pages

Aims and Objectives

The document discusses aims and objectives for research projects. It states that the aim is what you hope to achieve with broad terms, while the objectives are specific measurable actions to achieve the aim. Objectives should use strong verbs and be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-constrained). There is no set number of aims or objectives required, but they are used to measure progress toward meeting the overall aim. An example is provided of an aim to investigate the relationship between tectonic plates and planetary movement, supported by three objectives involving data extraction and synthesis.

Uploaded by

love, kenolla
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Aims and objectives

The primary focus of your research project is usually expressed in terms of aims and
objectives.

Many students find it difficult to understand the difference between aims and
objectives. However, in the academic context there is a clear distinction between
these terms.

Aim = what you hope to achieve.


Objective = the action(s) you will take in order to achieve the aim.

Aims are statements of intent. They are usually written in broad terms. They set out
what you hope to achieve at the end of the project.

Objectives, on the other hand, should be specific statements that define measurable
outcomes, e.g. what steps will be taken to achieve the desired outcome.
When writing your objectives try to use strong positive statements.

Strong verbs - collect, construct, classify, develop, devise, measure, produce, revise,
select, synthesise

Weak verbs - appreciate, consider, enquire, learn, know, understand, be aware of,
appreciate, listen, perceive

Objectives should also be S.M.A.R.T. - which means they should be:


Specific – be precise about what you are going to do
Measureable –you will know when you have reached your goal
Achievable – Don’t attempt too much – a less ambitious but completed objective is
better than an over-ambitious one that you cannot possible achieve.
Realistic – do you have the necessary resources to achieve the objective – time,
money, skills, etc.
Time constrained – determine when each stage needs to be completed. Is there time
in your schedule to allow for unexpected delays.

How many aims or objectives should there be?

Please check with your project supervisor. Some tutors are happy with one clear
strong aim, while others like to see a main aim supported by at least two subsidiary
aims.

Likewise, there is no fixed number of objectives but you will be required to produce
sufficient objectives to be able to measure progress towards meeting the aim/s.

Example of aim and objectives


Aim:
To investigate the relationship between tectonic-plate movement and the gravitational
effect of the alignment of the major planets.

Objectives:

 Data sets will be extracted from the known historical record of tectonic -plate
movement
 Data sets will be extracted from astronomical tables detailing the various
alignments of the major planets covering the same period as data from the
geological record.
 The data from both sets will be synthesised to establish if correlation points
exist between major geological events and planetary alignments.

https://learn.solent.ac.uk/mod/book/view.php?id=116233&chapterid=15294

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