Scientific Research Methods Dr. Engr.

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CHAPTER 4

BUILDING A RESEARCH SCAFFOLD

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The research objectives indicate what the researcher expects to achieve by doing the
study.

Usually, there are three research objectives, or can be two or more, but limit the number of
specific objectives. We often want to determine, test, assess, analyze, develop, identify,
estimate, compare, or ascertain something. The research process is not a research objective.
For example, “to review the literature” is not a research objective. Similarly, to recommend
is not a research objective. The review is what you need to do, not what you intend to achieve

➢ Research objectives describe what we expect to achieve by a project.

➢ Research objectives are usually expressed in lay terms and are directed as the
researcher. Research objectives may be linked with a hypothesis or used as a
statement of purpose in a study that does not have a hypothesis.
➢ Objectives should be closely related to the statement of the problem and final
research questions

The formulation of the research objectives will help you to:

➢ Focus on the study by narrowing it down to essentials;

➢ Avoid the collection of data that are not necessary for understanding and solving
the problem you have identified; and
➢ Organize the study in clearly defined parts or phases.
➢ Properly formulated, specific objectives will facilitate the development of
research methodology, research frame, and strategies
➢ Orient the collection, analysis, interpretation, and utilization of DATA.

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The technique of developing research objectives is an essential component in the overall design
of a study. The following steps will assist you in formulating precise and successul research
objectives:
➢ Identify your research topic: Define your study's subject precisely. Determine
which aspect you wish to examine or investigate.
➢ Review the relevant literature: Examine the pertinent existing literature on the
subject. Identify gaps, unanswered concerns, or areas requiring additional
investigation.
➢ Define the purpose: Determine your research's primary objective or purpose.
What are the intended outcomes or contributions of this research?
➢ Generate a list of precise objectives: Deconstruct the primary aim into more
manageable, precise, and feasible subgoals. It is SMART that these objectives
be specific, measurable, realizable, pertinent, and time-bound. It is advisable to
structure each objective using action verbs such as "identify," "analyze,"
"compare," and "evaluate," among others.
➢ Feasibility and resource considerations: It is imperative to determine whether
the objectives of your study are feasible in considering the available resources,
including but not limited to time, budget, availability of data, and other essential
materials.
➢ Establish a hierarchy of priorities: Organize the objectives in a rational order.
Determine which objectives are more fundamental or essential in attaining the
primary goal.
➢ Review and improvement: Assess the congruence between the research
objectives, topic, and purpose. If necessary, revise and refine them to increase
their coherence and precision.
➢ Obtain feedback: Discuss with peers, mentors, or experts in the respective
domain to solicit insights and feedback on enhancing the formulated objectives.
➢ Consolidate objectives: Following a comprehensive evaluation of every aspect
and gathering of feedback, finalize the research objectives by ensuring their
clarity, conciseness, and congruence with the primary goal of the study.
➢ Include objectives in the research proposal: Explain how you intend to
accomplish each objective and their contribution to resolving the research
problem or question while presenting these objectives in your research proposal.
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It is crucial that you keep in mind that clearly defined research objectives serve as a
compass for the study, providing direction and focus throughout the duration of the
research.

Variables

Generally, the research objective focuses on the ways to measure the variables, such as
to describe or identify them. Sometimes objectives are directed towards identifying the
relationship or difference between two variables. Researchers carefully analyze and interpret
each variable’s value(s) to understand how things relate to each other in a descriptive study or
what has happened in an experiment.

Definition: Variables are characteristics studied in research that can take on different
values (e.g., weight, height, exposure to a substance, demographics, i.e., where you live, your
ethnicity, how much income you have, medical background).

All research aims to describe and explain variance in the world. Variance is simply the
difference; that is, the variation that occurs naturally in the world or change that we create due
to manipulation. Variables are names that are given to the variance we wish to explain.

A variable is either a result of some force or is itself the force that causes a change in
another variable. In experiments, these are called dependent and independent variables,
respectively.

These two variables are called:

➢ Dependent variable
➢ independent variables

Sample Variables

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Sample Variables

Independent Variable:

The experimenter measures, manipulate, or selects the factor to determine its

relationship to an observed phenomenon.
• If a researcher is studying the relationship between two variables, X and Y. If
X is the independent variable, then it affects another variable Y

So, the characteristics of independent variables are:

• It is the cause of change in other variables.
• Independent variables are always interested only it affects another variable,
not in what affects it

Dependent Variable:

➢ The dependent variable is the response variable or output. It is that factor that is
observed and measured to determine the effect of the independent variables.
➢ It is the variable that will change as a result of variations in the independent variable
➢ It is considered dependent because its value depends upon the value of the independent
variable
➢ It represents the consequence of the change in the situation studied

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General Objectives
• The general objectives of the study state what the researcher expects to achieve
by the study in general terms
• General objectives are broad goals to achieve
• General objectives are usually less in number

Specific Objectives

 Specific objectives are breakdown of the general objective into smaller,

logically connected parts.
 The first specific objective usually focuses on quantifying or specifying the
problem
➢ This is necessary for many studies, primarily when a problem has been
defined (but not quantified) for which subsequently the significant
causes have to be identified.
 Accomplishing the specific objectives will meet the general objective

 The last objectives specify possible improvements expected and to whom the
study’s results and recommendations will be feedback.

➢ Using the diagram as a point of departure and checking whether the

objectives have covered the problem and all primary, directly
contributing factors (analytic study) or major components (descriptive
or evaluation research).

Formulation of Research Objectives

 How should we compose? Make sure that:
➢ A coverer different aspect of the problem and its contributing factors in a
coherent way and a logical sequence
➢ Are clearly expressed in measurable terms
➢ Are realistic considering local conditions
➢ Meet the purpose of the study

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 Use action verbs that are specific enough to be measured, such as determine, compare,
verify, calculate, describe, find out, establish, and others
 Avoid using vague non-action words such as appreciating, understanding, studying,
believing, and others.

The research Objectives can be stated as

 Question
The objectives of this study are to answer the following question…
 Positive Question
The objectives of this study are to find out determine….
 Hypothesis
The objectives of this study are to verify the following hypothesis.

Remember that the results will be compared to the objectives when the project is evaluated.
➢ If the objectives have not been spelled out clearly, the project cannot be
evaluated.
➢ limit the number of specific objectives

It should be noted that the methods, results, and discussion sections will be presented based on
these specific objectives.

General Objective – the aim of the study in general

Example: To investigate the effects of partial replacement of cement with

eucalyptus leaf ash on workability and compressive strength of concrete

Specific Objectives - Measurable statement on a particular question to be answered. They

indicate the variable to be examined and measured

 To determine the chemical oxide composition of eucalyptus leaf ash

 To determine the effects of eucalyptus leaf ash as a cement substitute on
the workability of concrete

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 To determine the effects of eucalyptus leaf ash as cement substitute on

concrete compressive strength
 To find out the optimum percentage of eucalyptus leaf ash as cement
replacement

Sample Objective: To verify the relationship between the shear performance of a beam with
the varying spacing of stirrups

RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

A hypothesis is a tentative formal statement of the expected relationship between two

or more variables under study. It implies that there is a systematic relationship between
dependent and independent variables. It helps to translate the research problem and objectives
into a clear explanation or prediction of the expected results or outcomes of the study. A clearly
stated hypothesis includes the variables to be manipulated or measured, identifies the
population to be examined, and indicates the proposed results of the study.

It enables the researcher to investigate new ideas of discovery objectively. It provides

a powerful tool for the advancement of knowledge. It provides direction to conduct research,
such as defining the sources and relevance of data. It offers clear and specific goals to the
researchers. These bright and specific goals provide the researcher with a basis for selecting
samples and research procedures to meet these goals.

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It also determines the most appropriate research design and techniques of data analysis.
It provides understanding to the researchers about what to expect from the study results. It
serves as a framework for concluding the study. Without a hypothesis, research would be like
aimless wandering.

Characteristics of a reasonable hypothesis

1. In agreement with the observed facts.

2. It does not conflict with any law of nature known to be true.
3. Is stated in the simplest possible term.
4. Permits the application of deductive reasoning.
5. Shows very clear verbalization.
6. Ensures that the verification methods are under the investigator's control.
7. Guarantees that available tools and techniques will be effectively used for
verification
8. Maintains a very apparent distinction with what is called theory law, facts,
assumption, and postulate

Sources of Hypothesis

1. Theoretical or Conceptual Frameworks

The most important sources of the hypothesis are theoretical or conceptual

frameworks developed for the study.

This usually shows the relationship between variables

2. Previous Research
Finding previous studies may be used for framing the hypothesis for another
study.
Example On researcher found that bamboo can be a possible
reinforcement if dried perfectly
Based on these, other researchers can say that drying under the sun is better than
drying at room temperature

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3. Real Life Experiences

Real-life experiences also contribute to the formulation of hypotheses for

research studies.
Example: Newton had a life-changing experience of falling off an
apple and formulated a hypothesis that the earth attracts
all the mass towards its center

4. Academic Literature

The academic literature is based on formal theories, empirical pieces of

evidence, experiences, observations, and conceptualizations of academicians

This literature may serve as an excellent source for formulating a hypothesis for
research studies

Types of Hypotheses

1. Simple and Complex Hypothesis

2. Associative and Causal Hypothesis
3. Directional and Non-directional Hypothesis
4. Null and Research Hypothesis

Simple and Complex Hypothesis

➢ Simple Hypothesis

• A statement that reflects the relationship between two variables

Example: The performance of the RC column lies on the grade of
concrete

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➢ Complex Hypothesis
• A statement that reflects the relationship between more than two variables
Example: The performance of the column lies on the grade of
concrete and the area of vertical reinforcement

Associative and Causal Hypothesis

➢ Associative Hypothesis
• It reflects the relationship between variables that occurs or exist in a natural
setting without manipulation. These are mostly used in correlation studies
Example Tendons and reinforcing bars give excellent
performance on prestressed concrete members

➢ Causal Hypothesis
• It predicts the cause and effect relationship between two or more dependent and
independent variables in an experimental and interventional setting where the
independent variables are manipulated by research to examine the effect on the
dependent variable
Example Initial crack of concrete is mostly affected by the water-
cement ratio rather than the time of curing

Directional and Non-directional Hypothesis

➢ Directional Hypothesis
• It specifies not only the existence but also the expected direction of the
relationship between variables
• It states the nature of the relationship between two or more variables
• To express the direction of the relationship between variables. The directional
terms are used to state the hypothesis, such as positive, negative, less, more,
increased, decreased, significant, higher, lower, etc.
Example There is a positive relationship between the depth of the
beam and its span

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➢ Non-directional Hypothesis
• It reflects the relationship between two or more variables, but it does not specify
the anticipated direction and nature of the relationship between the variables
Example There is a relationship between the strength of concrete
and curing time

Null and Research Hypothesis

➢ Null Hypothesis

• It is also known as the statistical hypothesis and is used for statistical testing
and interpretation of statistical outcomes
• It states the existence of no relationship between the independent and dependent
variables
Example There is no significant relationship between the strength
of concrete and the amount of cement

➢ Research Hypothesis

• It states the existence of a relationship between two or more variables

Example There is a relationship between the strength of concrete
and the quality of materials used

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DECIDING ON THE TITLE

Working on Title

 One of the questions the examiners will keep asking themselves of your research is,
'Does this research address the title?

• Perhaps the most typical cause of low marks is when a research project does not
address the title.
 Because of this, it is best to proceed with a working title, a provisional one, until you
get to the end, and then revise this to your final title.
 You can then make sure that the work addresses the title because you have decided
what the title will be.

The potential source of the title:

• Own personal/professional experiences
• Inference from theory and professional literature
• Senior researchers in the area
• Technological and social needs

The research title is written in 4-20 words. Others considered it to be less than
30 words
Reminders:
• How much choice do you have?
• Your motivation
• Regulations and expectations
• Your subject and field of study
• Previous examples of research projects
• Size of your topic
• Time and resources you have available
• Cost of the research
• Your need for support
• Methods for researching

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Indicative Type Title

➢ These are the most common type of research titles.

➢ They state the subject of the proposal rather than the expected output
Example Behavior of reinforced concrete column subjected to moving loads
➢ If a title written in indicative form becomes too long, it can be written in hanging form.

Hanging titles

➢ It has two parts: a general first part followed by a more specific second part separated
by a colon (:) or a hyphen (-)

Example Concrete Technology: A sustainable approach to construction

➢ It is easier to address your title if it is in two parts, with the first part giving the general
context and the second part specifying more precisely the focus of your interest
➢ Make sure that it is specific enough to tell the reader what your study is about
and where it will be calculated

Question Type Title:

 These are titles that are used less commonly than others.
 However, they are acceptable where it is possible to use a few words

Example How can be a building frame be best to analyze and design?

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ASSIGNMENT No. 2

1. Pick the title/topic that interests you the most

2. Compose the objective of your study
3. If possible, formulate the hypothesis
4. List the possible variables of the study
5. Select your research design

After formulating your objectives, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do the objectives deal with all aspects of the research problem logically and
coherently?
• Are the objectives phrased?
• Are the objectives defined in operational terms that can be measured? Are
they realistic?
• Do they indicate where the study will be conducted?
• Do they include the development of recommendations for how the research
results will be used to solve the problem?

It should be made clear that the design components

are in part mandatory and in part choices
made by the researcher

The question form of Hypotheses: Could well-formulated

research objectives will produce strong
pieces of evidence?

Association between variables is used to

answer research questions

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