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The Purpose of Research: Clarifying Aims, Goals, Objectives, and Targets
Parsa Ghasemi1, Khosrow Kashfi2, Asghar Ghasemi1
1Endocrine Physiology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Molecular Biology, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Introduction:
Research is a purpose-directed activity. Although aims, goals, objectives, and targets are interrelated statements of purpose, they differ in hierarchy, scope, measurability, timeframe, and significance. This brief review clarifies these terms and describes the characteristics of a good research objective.
Methods:
Relevant papers were analyzed to delineate the definitions, interrelations, and distinctions among aims, goals, objectives, and targets in research projects.
Results:
The apparent purpose of a study (objectives and goals) addresses specific research questions, whereas its deeper purpose (aim) represents the underlying reason for conducting the study. Aims express ideals and long-term direction; goals outline the primary intent and problem to be addressed; objectives link intention to action by specifying how the research question will be answered; and targets indicate desired values of outcome indicators. A strong objective should be SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound).
Conclusion:
Clear articulation of research purpose facilitates translation of findings into practice and enhances the overall quality of research.
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