Research Question:
* What: A specific, focused question that your research aims to answer.
* Purpose: To guide the direction of your research and provide a clear focus.
* Nature: Open-ended and exploratory, seeking to discover and understand.
* Example: "What are the effects of social media on teenagers' self-esteem?"
Research Objective:
* What: A specific, measurable goal that you want to achieve through your research.
* Purpose: To outline the specific outcomes and accomplishments of your research.
* Nature: Action-oriented and focused on achieving a particular result.
* Example: "To determine the correlation between time spent on social media and self-esteem levels in teenagers."
Here's a breakdown of key differences:
| Feature | Research Question | Research Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Guides the research direction | Outlines the research outcomes |
| Nature | Exploratory, open-ended | Action-oriented, specific |
| Focus | Seeking to understand | Achieving a measurable result |
| Phrasing | Often starts with "What," "How," or "Why" | Typically uses action verbs like "determine," "compare," or "evaluate" |
Relationship between the two:
* Research questions lead to research objectives.
* Research objectives are derived from research questions.
Example:
* Research Question: What is the relationship between exercise and stress levels?
* Research Objective: To compare the stress levels of individuals who exercise regularly to those who do not.
In summary:
* Research questions ask "what" you want to learn.
* Research objectives outline "how" you will achieve that learning.
They work together to provide a clear and focused framework for your research project.