Dr. John V. Richardson, Professor UCLA GSE&IS DIS UCLA DIS 280 Social Science Research Methodology: Objective Statements Dr. John V. Richardson, Professor UCLA GSE&IS DIS

Topic 4-Objective Statements Some Definitions and Situations Mission, Goals, Objectives, and Activities Legal Concerns Three Functions: Proposing, Justifying, and Measuring

Some Definitions “Of or pertaining to an object of action...” Mission (overarching) Goals (long-term) Objectives (short-term; see above) Activities or tasks (work program)

Steps in Preparing Objectives The solution; find the answer to the question Solve the problem What are the tasks along the way? Use the word “to” followed by strong action verbs for your action (do not use try or attempt) followed by a single specific end result

Types of Studies Research Development Implementation Evaluation Each one wants you to think differently or do something differently

John Paul Sartre says... “There is no thought except in action.”

Types of Responses In response to those types of studies, you may wish to state one’s: Mission and Goals (Obj0) Objectives which Describe (Obj1) Objectives which Analyze (Obj2) Objectives which Compare/contrast (Obj3) Objectives which Test (Obj4)

Mission and Goals (Obj0) Examples: To understand To explore… (Star Date 1998) While laudable, these statements are too general to be useful in creating research objectives, questions, and theses...

First Order Objectives (Obj1) The purpose of this study is: to describe…(the unknown) Mark as Obj1

Second Order Objectives (Obj2) The purpose of this study is: to analyze... Mark as Obj2

Third Order Objectives (Obj3) This purpose of this study is: to compare (or contrast)... Mark as Obj3

Highest Level Objectives (Obj4) The purpose of this study is: to predict…(the unknown) or to test (the thesis or hypothesis) that… Mark as Obj4

Be Bold; Aspire to Highest Level Attempt big things and fail or Attempt small things and fail? Attempt big things and succeed or Attempt small things and succeed?

A Common Criticism The study lacks depth (i.e., the investigator lacks boldness or is lazy)

Functions of Objectives This section of the research process serves three functions: Proposing (to do something, a task) Justifying (the tasks) Measuring (providing clear evidence of how the task will be completed)

Proposing Function “To propose the goals or ends which the researcher or developer intends to achieve as a result of the proposed inquiry.” SOURCE: Clark and Guba

Justifying Function “To justify the selection of the objectives which are chosen by explicating the criteria employed in making the choice and by sowing how the objectives meet the criteria.” SOURCE: Clark and Guba

Measuring Function Some researchers would argue that objective statements must be measurable in the sense that “A good objective states the WHAT, WHEN and MAXIMUM COST, but avoids the HOW and the FEASIBILITY.” See Management by Objective (MBO).

A Legal Concern By submitting a winning proposal, you as the PI are entering into a contractual obligation with the organization (funder) or adviser.

California Administrative Code 1) Shall, will and must vs. 2) Should and may 1) Terms are used as “mandatory statements,” the only acceptable method 2) “Should” is commonly accepted methods, but allows effective alternative; “may” reflects acceptable method, but not necessarily preferred SOURCE: CAC, Title 22, Section 70733

Questions Are the objectives clearly proposed or stated? Does the P.I. propose different levels of objectives (i.e., to describe; to undertake analysis or compare/contrast; and to test a hypothesis)? Does the P.I. justify these specific objectives? Are they measurable and verifiable? “Are the aims original and innovative?”

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