1005P- PRESENTATION ON FORMULATION OF RESEARCH OBJECTIVES and HYPOTHESES

1.0  LEARNING OUTCOMES

1.1 State reasons for writing objectives

1.2 Define and describe differences between general and specific objectives

1.3 Define characteristics of research objectives

1.4 Prepare research objectives in an appropriate format

1.5 Develop further research questions, research hypotheses

2.0  RESEARCH OBJECTIVES: GENERAL AND SPECIFIC

2.1  Objectives summarize what is to be achieved by the study

2.2  Objectives should be related to the problem statement

2.3 General objectives state expected outcomes in general terms

2.4 Specific objectives are logical breakdowns of the general objectives defining: what, where, and what purpose

3.0  ADVANTAGES OF DEVELOPING OBJECTIVES

3.1 Focus the study on the essentials

3.2 Ensure collection of only strictly necessary data

3.3 Organize the study in parts or phases

4.0  CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD OBJECTIVES

4.1 Comprehensive covering aspects of the problem and its factors

4.2 Coherent and in a logical sequence

4.3 Clearly phrased in operational terms

4.4 Realistic in the local conditions

4.5 Use specific verbs that can be evaluated

5.0  HYPOTHESES

5.1 A hypothesis is a testable explanation of the problem

5.2 A hypothesis is a testable prediction of the relation the problem and its factors

5.3 Health services research unlike clinical research is not amenable to hypothesis formulation because of limited insight into complex interlinked problems