master thesis research objectives

Aims and Objectives – A Guide for Academic Writing
Doing a PhD

One of the most important aspects of a thesis, dissertation or research paper is the correct formulation of the aims and objectives. This is because your aims and objectives will establish the scope, depth and direction that your research will ultimately take. An effective set of aims and objectives will give your research focus and your reader clarity, with your aims indicating what is to be achieved, and your objectives indicating how it will be achieved.

Introduction

There is no getting away from the importance of the aims and objectives in determining the success of your research project. Unfortunately, however, it is an aspect that many students struggle with, and ultimately end up doing poorly. Given their importance, if you suspect that there is even the smallest possibility that you belong to this group of students, we strongly recommend you read this page in full.

This page describes what research aims and objectives are, how they differ from each other, how to write them correctly, and the common mistakes students make and how to avoid them. An example of a good aim and objectives from a past thesis has also been deconstructed to help your understanding.

What Are Aims and Objectives?

Research aims.

A research aim describes the main goal or the overarching purpose of your research project.

In doing so, it acts as a focal point for your research and provides your readers with clarity as to what your study is all about. Because of this, research aims are almost always located within its own subsection under the introduction section of a research document, regardless of whether it’s a thesis , a dissertation, or a research paper .

A research aim is usually formulated as a broad statement of the main goal of the research and can range in length from a single sentence to a short paragraph. Although the exact format may vary according to preference, they should all describe why your research is needed (i.e. the context), what it sets out to accomplish (the actual aim) and, briefly, how it intends to accomplish it (overview of your objectives).

To give an example, we have extracted the following research aim from a real PhD thesis:

Example of a Research Aim

The role of diametrical cup deformation as a factor to unsatisfactory implant performance has not been widely reported. The aim of this thesis was to gain an understanding of the diametrical deformation behaviour of acetabular cups and shells following impaction into the reamed acetabulum. The influence of a range of factors on deformation was investigated to ascertain if cup and shell deformation may be high enough to potentially contribute to early failure and high wear rates in metal-on-metal implants.

Note: Extracted with permission from thesis titled “T he Impact And Deformation Of Press-Fit Metal Acetabular Components ” produced by Dr H Hothi of previously Queen Mary University of London.

Research Objectives

Where a research aim specifies what your study will answer, research objectives specify how your study will answer it.

They divide your research aim into several smaller parts, each of which represents a key section of your research project. As a result, almost all research objectives take the form of a numbered list, with each item usually receiving its own chapter in a dissertation or thesis.

Following the example of the research aim shared above, here are it’s real research objectives as an example:

Example of a Research Objective

Develop finite element models using explicit dynamics to mimic mallet blows during cup/shell insertion, initially using simplified experimentally validated foam models to represent the acetabulum.
Investigate the number, velocity and position of impacts needed to insert a cup.
Determine the relationship between the size of interference between the cup and cavity and deformation for different cup types.
Investigate the influence of non-uniform cup support and varying the orientation of the component in the cavity on deformation.
Examine the influence of errors during reaming of the acetabulum which introduce ovality to the cavity.
Determine the relationship between changes in the geometry of the component and deformation for different cup designs.
Develop three dimensional pelvis models with non-uniform bone material properties from a range of patients with varying bone quality.
Use the key parameters that influence deformation, as identified in the foam models to determine the range of deformations that may occur clinically using the anatomic models and if these deformations are clinically significant.

It’s worth noting that researchers sometimes use research questions instead of research objectives, or in other cases both. From a high-level perspective, research questions and research objectives make the same statements, but just in different formats.

Taking the first three research objectives as an example, they can be restructured into research questions as follows:

Restructuring Research Objectives as Research Questions

Can finite element models using simplified experimentally validated foam models to represent the acetabulum together with explicit dynamics be used to mimic mallet blows during cup/shell insertion?
What is the number, velocity and position of impacts needed to insert a cup?
What is the relationship between the size of interference between the cup and cavity and deformation for different cup types?

Difference Between Aims and Objectives

Hopefully the above explanations make clear the differences between aims and objectives, but to clarify:

The research aim focus on what the research project is intended to achieve; research objectives focus on how the aim will be achieved.
Research aims are relatively broad; research objectives are specific.
Research aims focus on a project’s long-term outcomes; research objectives focus on its immediate, short-term outcomes.
A research aim can be written in a single sentence or short paragraph; research objectives should be written as a numbered list.

How to Write Aims and Objectives

Before we discuss how to write a clear set of research aims and objectives, we should make it clear that there is no single way they must be written. Each researcher will approach their aims and objectives slightly differently, and often your supervisor will influence the formulation of yours on the basis of their own preferences.

Regardless, there are some basic principles that you should observe for good practice; these principles are described below.

Your aim should be made up of three parts that answer the below questions:

Why is this research required?
What is this research about?
How are you going to do it?

The easiest way to achieve this would be to address each question in its own sentence, although it does not matter whether you combine them or write multiple sentences for each, the key is to address each one.

The first question, why , provides context to your research project, the second question, what , describes the aim of your research, and the last question, how , acts as an introduction to your objectives which will immediately follow.

Scroll through the image set below to see the ‘why, what and how’ associated with our research aim example.

Note: Your research aims need not be limited to one. Some individuals per to define one broad ‘overarching aim’ of a project and then adopt two or three specific research aims for their thesis or dissertation. Remember, however, that in order for your assessors to consider your research project complete, you will need to prove you have fulfilled all of the aims you set out to achieve. Therefore, while having more than one research aim is not necessarily disadvantageous, consider whether a single overarching one will do.

Research Objectives

Each of your research objectives should be SMART :

Specific – is there any ambiguity in the action you are going to undertake, or is it focused and well-defined?
Measurable – how will you measure progress and determine when you have achieved the action?
Achievable – do you have the support, resources and facilities required to carry out the action?
Relevant – is the action essential to the achievement of your research aim?
Timebound – can you realistically complete the action in the available time alongside your other research tasks?

In addition to being SMART, your research objectives should start with a verb that helps communicate your intent. Common research verbs include:

Table of Research Verbs to Use in Aims and Objectives

Table showing common research verbs which should ideally be used at the start of a research aim or objective.
(Understanding and organising information)	(Solving problems using information)	(reaching conclusion from evidence)	(Breaking down into components)	(Judging merit)
Review Identify Explore Discover Discuss Summarise Describe	Interpret Apply Demonstrate Establish Determine Estimate Calculate Relate	Analyse Compare Inspect Examine Verify Select Test Arrange	Propose Design Formulate Collect Construct Prepare Undertake Assemble	Appraise Evaluate Compare Assess Recommend Conclude Select

Last, format your objectives into a numbered list. This is because when you write your thesis or dissertation, you will at times need to make reference to a specific research objective; structuring your research objectives in a numbered list will provide a clear way of doing this.

To bring all this together, let’s compare the first research objective in the previous example with the above guidance:

Checking Research Objective Example Against Recommended Approach

Research Objective:

1. Develop finite element models using explicit dynamics to mimic mallet blows during cup/shell insertion, initially using simplified experimentally validated foam models to represent the acetabulum.

Checking Against Recommended Approach:

Q: Is it specific? A: Yes, it is clear what the student intends to do (produce a finite element model), why they intend to do it (mimic cup/shell blows) and their parameters have been well-defined ( using simplified experimentally validated foam models to represent the acetabulum ).

Q: Is it measurable? A: Yes, it is clear that the research objective will be achieved once the finite element model is complete.

Q: Is it achievable? A: Yes, provided the student has access to a computer lab, modelling software and laboratory data.

Q: Is it relevant? A: Yes, mimicking impacts to a cup/shell is fundamental to the overall aim of understanding how they deform when impacted upon.

Q: Is it timebound? A: Yes, it is possible to create a limited-scope finite element model in a relatively short time, especially if you already have experience in modelling.

Q: Does it start with a verb? A: Yes, it starts with ‘develop’, which makes the intent of the objective immediately clear.

Q: Is it a numbered list? A: Yes, it is the first research objective in a list of eight.

Mistakes in Writing Research Aims and Objectives

1. making your research aim too broad.

Having a research aim too broad becomes very difficult to achieve. Normally, this occurs when a student develops their research aim before they have a good understanding of what they want to research. Remember that at the end of your project and during your viva defence , you will have to prove that you have achieved your research aims; if they are too broad, this will be an almost impossible task. In the early stages of your research project, your priority should be to narrow your study to a specific area. A good way to do this is to take the time to study existing literature, question their current approaches, findings and limitations, and consider whether there are any recurring gaps that could be investigated .

Note: Achieving a set of aims does not necessarily mean proving or disproving a theory or hypothesis, even if your research aim was to, but having done enough work to provide a useful and original insight into the principles that underlie your research aim.

2. Making Your Research Objectives Too Ambitious

Be realistic about what you can achieve in the time you have available. It is natural to want to set ambitious research objectives that require sophisticated data collection and analysis, but only completing this with six months before the end of your PhD registration period is not a worthwhile trade-off.

3. Formulating Repetitive Research Objectives

Each research objective should have its own purpose and distinct measurable outcome. To this effect, a common mistake is to form research objectives which have large amounts of overlap. This makes it difficult to determine when an objective is truly complete, and also presents challenges in estimating the duration of objectives when creating your project timeline. It also makes it difficult to structure your thesis into unique chapters, making it more challenging for you to write and for your audience to read.

Fortunately, this oversight can be easily avoided by using SMART objectives.

Hopefully, you now have a good idea of how to create an effective set of aims and objectives for your research project, whether it be a thesis, dissertation or research paper. While it may be tempting to dive directly into your research, spending time on getting your aims and objectives right will give your research clear direction. This won’t only reduce the likelihood of problems arising later down the line, but will also lead to a more thorough and coherent research project.

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What are you doing and how are you doing it? Articulating your aims and objectives.

Mar 6, 2019

Have you checked out the rest of The PhD Knowledge Base ? It’s home to hundreds more free resources and guides, written especially for PhD students.

How long does it take the person reading your thesis to understand what you’re doing and how you’re doing it? If the answer is anything other than ’in the opening paragraphs of the thesis’ then keep reading.

If you tell them as early as possible what you’re doing and how you’re doing it – and do so in clear and simple terms – whatever you write after will make much more sense. If you leave them guessing for ten pages, everything they read in those ten pages has no coherence. You’ll know where it is all leading, but they won’t.

Unless you tell them.

If you tell the reader what you’re doing as early as possible in clear and simple terms, whatever you write after will make much more sense.

What are aims & objectives?

If you build a house without foundations, it’s pretty obvious what will happen. It’ll collapse. Your thesis is the same; fail to build the foundations and your thesis just won’t work .

Your aims and objectives are those foundations. That’s why we’ve put them right at the top of our PhD Writing Template (if you haven’t already downloaded it, join the thousands who have by clicking here ).

If you write your aims and objectives clearly then you’ll make your reader’s life easier.

A lot of students fail to clearly articulate their aims and objectives because they aren’t sure themselves what they actually are.

Picture this: if there’s one thing that every PhD student hates it’s being asked by a stranger what their research is on.

Your PhD thesis. All on one page.

Use our free PhD structure template to quickly visualise every element of your thesis.

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Sounds good, doesn’t it? Be able to call yourself Doctor sooner with our five-star rated How to Write A PhD email-course. Learn everything your supervisor should have taught you about planning and completing a PhD.

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Research aims

Your research aims are the answer to the question, ‘What are you doing?’

1. You need to clearly describe what your intentions are and what you hope to achieve. These are your aims.

2. Your aims may be to test theory in a new empirical setting, derive new theory entirely, construct a new data-set, replicate an existing study, question existing orthodoxy, and so on. Whatever they are, clearly articulate them and do so early. Definitely include them in your introduction and, if you’re smart, you’ll write them in your abstract .

3. Be very explicit . In the opening paragraphs, say, in simple terms, ‘ the aim of this thesis is to …’

4. Think of your aims then as a statement of intent. They are a promise to the reader that you are going to do something. You use the next two hundred pages or so to follow through on that promise. If you don’t make the promise, the reader won’t understand your follow-through. Simple as that.

Because they serve as the starting point of the study, there needs to be a flow from your aims through your objectives (more on this below) to your research questions and contribution and then into the study itself. If you have completed your research and found that you answered a different question (not that uncommon), make sure your original aims are still valid. If they aren’t, refine them.

If you struggle to explain in simple terms what your research is about and why it matters, you may need to refine your aims and objectives to make them more concise.

When writing up your aims, there are a number of things to bear in mind.

1. Avoid listing too many. Your PhD isn’t as long as you think it is and you won’t have time or room for more than around two or three.

2. When you write them up, be very specific. Don’t leave things so vague that the reader is left unsure or unclear on what you aim to achieve.

3. Make sure there is a logical flow between each of your aims. They should make sense together and should each be separate components which, when added together, are bigger than the sum of their parts.

Research objectives

Your aims answer the question, ‘What are you doing?’ The objectives are the answer to the question, ‘How are you doing it?’

Research objectives refer to the goals or steps that you will take to achieve your aims.

When you write them, make sure they are SMART.

S pecific: talk in a precise and clear way about what you are going to do.
M easurable: how will you know when you have achieved your aim?
A chievable: make sure that you aren’t overly ambitious.
R ealistic: recognise the time and resource constraints that come with doing a PhD and don’t attempt to do too much.
T ime constrained: determine when each objective needs to be completed.

You need to be as explicit as possible here. Leave the reader in no doubt about what you will do to achieve your aims. Step by step. Leave no ambiguity. At the same time, be careful not to repeat your methods chapter here. Just hint at your methods by presenting the headlines. You’ll have plenty of space in your methods discussion to flesh out the detail.

Elsewhere in the thesis you will necessarily have to talk in a complex language and juggle complex ideas. Here you don’t. You can write in clear, plain sentences.

What is the difference between research aims and objectives?

The aims of a study describe what you hope to achieve. The objectives detail how you are going to achieve your aims.

Let’s use an example to illustrate.

To understand the contribution that local governments make to national level energy policy.

Objectives:

Conduct a survey of local politicians to solicit responses.
Conduct desk-research of local government websites to create a database of local energy policy.
Interview national level politicians to understand the impact these local policies have had.
Data will be coded using a code book derived from dominant theories of governance.

If you’re still struggling, Professor Pat Thompson’s great blog has a guide that will help.

Leave the reader in no doubt about what you will do to achieve your aims. Step by step. Leave no ambiguity.

I can’t articulate them clearly, my research is complicated!

Of course your research is complex. That’s the name of the game. But the sign of someone being able to master complexity is their ability to summarise it . Sure, you’re not looking to capture all the richness and detail in a short summary of aims and objectives, but you are looking to tell the reader what you’re doing and how you’re doing it.

If you’re struggling to clearly articulate your aims and objectives, then try the following task. At the top of a Post-it note write the sentence: ‘In this research I will…’. Then keep trying until you can fit an answer onto one single Post-it note. The answer should answer two questions: what are are you doing and how are you doing it?

Remember – whenever you write, make it as clear as possible. Pay attention to the words ‘as possible’ there. That means you should write as clearly as you can given the fact that your subject and research is necessarily complex. Think of it the other way: it’s about not making things more complicated and unclear than they need to be.

In other words, make your reader’s job as easy as you can. They’ll thank you for it.

If you’re still having trouble, get in touch to arrange a one-on-one coaching session and we can work through your aims and objectives together.

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What Are Research Objectives and How to Write Them (with Examples)

Table of Contents

Introduction

Research is at the center of everything researchers do, and setting clear, well-defined research objectives plays a pivotal role in guiding scholars toward their desired outcomes. Research papers are essential instruments for researchers to effectively communicate their work. Among the many sections that constitute a research paper, the introduction plays a key role in providing a background and setting the context. 1 Research objectives, which define the aims of the study, are usually stated in the introduction. Every study has a research question that the authors are trying to answer, and the objective is an active statement about how the study will answer this research question. These objectives help guide the development and design of the study and steer the research in the appropriate direction; if this is not clearly defined, a project can fail!

Research studies have a research question, research hypothesis, and one or more research objectives. A research question is what a study aims to answer, and a research hypothesis is a predictive statement about the relationship between two or more variables, which the study sets out to prove or disprove. Objectives are specific, measurable goals that the study aims to achieve. The difference between these three is illustrated by the following example:

Research question : How does low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) compare with a placebo device in managing the symptoms of skeletally mature patients with patellar tendinopathy?
Research hypothesis : Pain levels are reduced in patients who receive daily active-LIPUS (treatment) for 12 weeks compared with individuals who receive inactive-LIPUS (placebo).
Research objective : To investigate the clinical efficacy of LIPUS in the management of patellar tendinopathy symptoms.

This article discusses the importance of clear, well-thought out objectives and suggests methods to write them clearly.

What is the introduction in research papers?

Research objectives are usually included in the introduction section. This section is the first that the readers will read so it is essential that it conveys the subject matter appropriately and is well written to create a good first impression. A good introduction sets the tone of the paper and clearly outlines the contents so that the readers get a quick snapshot of what to expect.

A good introduction should aim to: 2,3

Indicate the main subject area, its importance, and cite previous literature on the subject
Define the gap(s) in existing research, ask a research question, and state the objectives
Announce the present research and outline its novelty and significance
Avoid repeating the Abstract, providing unnecessary information, and claiming novelty without accurate supporting information.

Why are research objectives important?

Objectives can help you stay focused and steer your research in the required direction. They help define and limit the scope of your research, which is important to efficiently manage your resources and time. The objectives help to create and maintain the overall structure, and specify two main things—the variables and the methods of quantifying the variables.

A good research objective:

defines the scope of the study
gives direction to the research
helps maintain focus and avoid diversions from the topic
minimizes wastage of resources like time, money, and energy

Types of research objectives

Research objectives can be broadly classified into general and specific objectives . 4 General objectives state what the research expects to achieve overall while specific objectives break this down into smaller, logically connected parts, each of which addresses various parts of the research problem. General objectives are the main goals of the study and are usually fewer in number while specific objectives are more in number because they address several aspects of the research problem.

Example (general objective): To investigate the factors influencing the financial performance of firms listed in the New York Stock Exchange market.

Example (specific objective): To assess the influence of firm size on the financial performance of firms listed in the New York Stock Exchange market.

In addition to this broad classification, research objectives can be grouped into several categories depending on the research problem, as given in Table 1.

Table 1: Types of research objectives


Exploratory	Explores a previously unstudied topic, issue, or phenomenon; aims to generate ideas or hypotheses
Descriptive	Describes the characteristics and features of a particular population or group
Explanatory	Explains the relationships between variables; seeks to identify cause-and-effect relationships
Predictive	Predicts future outcomes or events based on existing data samples or trends
Diagnostic	Identifies factors contributing to a particular problem
Comparative	Compares two or more groups or phenomena to identify similarities and differences
Historical	Examines past events and trends to understand their significance and impact
Methodological	Develops and improves research methods and techniques
Theoretical	Tests and refines existing theories or helps develop new theoretical perspectives

Characteristics of research objectives

Research objectives must start with the word “To” because this helps readers identify the objective in the absence of headings and appropriate sectioning in research papers. 5,6

A good objective is SMART (mostly applicable to specific objectives):
Specific—clear about the what, why, when, and how
Measurable—identifies the main variables of the study and quantifies the targets
Achievable—attainable using the available time and resources
Realistic—accurately addresses the scope of the problem
Time-bound—identifies the time in which each step will be completed
Research objectives clarify the purpose of research.
They help understand the relationship and dissimilarities between variables.
They provide a direction that helps the research to reach a definite conclusion.

How to write research objectives?

Research objectives can be written using the following steps: 7

State your main research question clearly and concisely.
Describe the ultimate goal of your study, which is similar to the research question but states the intended outcomes more definitively.
Divide this main goal into subcategories to develop your objectives.
Limit the number of objectives (1-2 general; 3-4 specific)
Assess each objective using the SMART
Start each objective with an action verb like assess, compare, determine, evaluate, etc., which makes the research appear more actionable.
Use specific language without making the sentence data heavy.
The most common section to add the objectives is the introduction and after the problem statement.
Add the objectives to the abstract (if there is one).
State the general objective first, followed by the specific objectives.

Formulating research objectives

Formulating research objectives has the following five steps, which could help researchers develop a clear objective: 8

Identify the research problem.
Review past studies on subjects similar to your problem statement, that is, studies that use similar methods, variables, etc.
Identify the research gaps the current study should cover based on your literature review. These gaps could be theoretical, methodological, or conceptual.
Define the research question(s) based on the gaps identified.
Revise/relate the research problem based on the defined research question and the gaps identified. This is to confirm that there is an actual need for a study on the subject based on the gaps in literature.
Identify and write the general and specific objectives.
Incorporate the objectives into the study.

Advantages of research objectives

Adding clear research objectives has the following advantages: 4,8

Maintains the focus and direction of the research
Optimizes allocation of resources with minimal wastage
Acts as a foundation for defining appropriate research questions and hypotheses
Provides measurable outcomes that can help evaluate the success of the research
Determines the feasibility of the research by helping to assess the availability of required resources
Ensures relevance of the study to the subject and its contribution to existing literature

Disadvantages of research objectives

Research objectives also have few disadvantages, as listed below: 8

Absence of clearly defined objectives can lead to ambiguity in the research process
Unintentional bias could affect the validity and accuracy of the research findings

Key takeaways

Research objectives are concise statements that describe what the research is aiming to achieve.
They define the scope and direction of the research and maintain focus.
The objectives should be SMART—specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound.
Clear research objectives help avoid collection of data or resources not required for the study.
Well-formulated specific objectives help develop the overall research methodology, including data collection, analysis, interpretation, and utilization.
Research objectives should cover all aspects of the problem statement in a coherent way.
They should be clearly stated using action verbs.

Frequently asked questions on research objectives

Q: what’s the difference between research objectives and aims 9.

A: Research aims are statements that reflect the broad goal(s) of the study and outline the general direction of the research. They are not specific but clearly define the focus of the study.

Example: This research aims to explore employee experiences of digital transformation in retail HR.

Research objectives focus on the action to be taken to achieve the aims. They make the aims more practical and should be specific and actionable.

Example: To observe the retail HR employees throughout the digital transformation.

Q: What are the examples of research objectives, both general and specific?

A: Here are a few examples of research objectives:

To identify the antiviral chemical constituents in Mumbukura gitoniensis (general)
To carry out solvent extraction of dried flowers of Mumbukura gitoniensis and isolate the constituents. (specific)
To determine the antiviral activity of each of the isolated compounds. (specific)
To examine the extent, range, and method of coral reef rehabilitation projects in five shallow reef areas adjacent to popular tourist destinations in the Philippines.
To investigate species richness of mammal communities in five protected areas over the past 20 years.
To evaluate the potential application of AI techniques for estimating best-corrected visual acuity from fundus photographs with and without ancillary information.
To investigate whether sport influences psychological parameters in the personality of asthmatic children.

Q: How do I develop research objectives?

A: Developing research objectives begins with defining the problem statement clearly, as illustrated by Figure 1. Objectives specify how the research question will be answered and they determine what is to be measured to test the hypothesis.

Q: Are research objectives measurable?

A: The word “measurable” implies that something is quantifiable. In terms of research objectives, this means that the source and method of collecting data are identified and that all these aspects are feasible for the research. Some metrics can be created to measure your progress toward achieving your objectives.

Q: Can research objectives change during the study?

A: Revising research objectives during the study is acceptable in situations when the selected methodology is not progressing toward achieving the objective, or if there are challenges pertaining to resources, etc. One thing to keep in mind is the time and resources you would have to complete your research after revising the objectives. Thus, as long as your problem statement and hypotheses are unchanged, minor revisions to the research objectives are acceptable.

Q: What is the difference between research questions and research objectives? 10


Broad statement; guide the overall direction of the research	Specific, measurable goals that the research aims to achieve
Identify the main problem	Define the specific outcomes the study aims to achieve
Used to generate hypotheses or identify gaps in existing knowledge	Used to establish clear and achievable targets for the research
Not mutually exclusive with research objectives	Should be directly related to the research question
Example:	Example:

Q: Are research objectives the same as hypotheses?

A: No, hypotheses are predictive theories that are expressed in general terms. Research objectives, which are more specific, are developed from hypotheses and aim to test them. A hypothesis can be tested using several methods and each method will have different objectives because the methodology to be used could be different. A hypothesis is developed based on observation and reasoning; it is a calculated prediction about why a particular phenomenon is occurring. To test this prediction, different research objectives are formulated. Here’s a simple example of both a research hypothesis and research objective.

Research hypothesis : Employees who arrive at work earlier are more productive.

Research objective : To assess whether employees who arrive at work earlier are more productive.

To summarize, research objectives are an important part of research studies and should be written clearly to effectively communicate your research. We hope this article has given you a brief insight into the importance of using clearly defined research objectives and how to formulate them.

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A Straightforward How-To Guide (With Examples)

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | August 2019 (Updated April 2023)

Writing up a strong research proposal for a dissertation or thesis is much like a marriage proposal. It’s a task that calls on you to win somebody over and persuade them that what you’re planning is a great idea. An idea they’re happy to say ‘yes’ to. This means that your dissertation proposal needs to be persuasive , attractive and well-planned. In this post, I’ll show you how to write a winning dissertation proposal, from scratch.

Before you start:

– Understand exactly what a research proposal is – Ask yourself these 4 questions

The 5 essential ingredients:

The title/topic
The introduction chapter
The scope/delimitations
Preliminary literature review
Design/ methodology
Practical considerations and risks

What Is A Research Proposal?

The research proposal is literally that: a written document that communicates what you propose to research, in a concise format. It’s where you put all that stuff that’s spinning around in your head down on to paper, in a logical, convincing fashion.

Convincing is the keyword here, as your research proposal needs to convince the assessor that your research is clearly articulated (i.e., a clear research question) , worth doing (i.e., is unique and valuable enough to justify the effort), and doable within the restrictions you’ll face (time limits, budget, skill limits, etc.). If your proposal does not address these three criteria, your research won’t be approved, no matter how “exciting” the research idea might be.

PS – if you’re completely new to proposal writing, we’ve got a detailed walkthrough video covering two successful research proposals here .

Free Webinar: How To Write A Research Proposal

How do I know I’m ready?

Before starting the writing process, you need to ask yourself 4 important questions . If you can’t answer them succinctly and confidently, you’re not ready – you need to go back and think more deeply about your dissertation topic .

You should be able to answer the following 4 questions before starting your dissertation or thesis research proposal:

WHAT is my main research question? (the topic)
WHO cares and why is this important? (the justification)
WHAT data would I need to answer this question, and how will I analyse it? (the research design)
HOW will I manage the completion of this research, within the given timelines? (project and risk management)

If you can’t answer these questions clearly and concisely, you’re not yet ready to write your research proposal – revisit our post on choosing a topic .

If you can, that’s great – it’s time to start writing up your dissertation proposal. Next, I’ll discuss what needs to go into your research proposal, and how to structure it all into an intuitive, convincing document with a linear narrative.

The 5 Essential Ingredients

Research proposals can vary in style between institutions and disciplines, but here I’ll share with you a handy 5-section structure you can use. These 5 sections directly address the core questions we spoke about earlier, ensuring that you present a convincing proposal. If your institution already provides a proposal template, there will likely be substantial overlap with this, so you’ll still get value from reading on.

For each section discussed below, make sure you use headers and sub-headers (ideally, numbered headers) to help the reader navigate through your document, and to support them when they need to revisit a previous section. Don’t just present an endless wall of text, paragraph after paragraph after paragraph…

Top Tip: Use MS Word Styles to format headings. This will allow you to be clear about whether a sub-heading is level 2, 3, or 4. Additionally, you can view your document in ‘outline view’ which will show you only your headings. This makes it much easier to check your structure, shift things around and make decisions about where a section needs to sit. You can also generate a 100% accurate table of contents using Word’s automatic functionality.

Ingredient #1 – Topic/Title Header

Your research proposal’s title should be your main research question in its simplest form, possibly with a sub-heading providing basic details on the specifics of the study. For example:

“Compliance with equality legislation in the charity sector: a study of the ‘reasonable adjustments’ made in three London care homes”

As you can see, this title provides a clear indication of what the research is about, in broad terms. It paints a high-level picture for the first-time reader, which gives them a taste of what to expect. Always aim for a clear, concise title . Don’t feel the need to capture every detail of your research in your title – your proposal will fill in the gaps.

Need a helping hand?

Ingredient #2 – Introduction

In this section of your research proposal, you’ll expand on what you’ve communicated in the title, by providing a few paragraphs which offer more detail about your research topic. Importantly, the focus here is the topic – what will you research and why is that worth researching? This is not the place to discuss methodology, practicalities, etc. – you’ll do that later.

You should cover the following:

An overview of the broad area you’ll be researching – introduce the reader to key concepts and language
An explanation of the specific (narrower) area you’ll be focusing, and why you’ll be focusing there
Your research aims and objectives
Your research question (s) and sub-questions (if applicable)

Importantly, you should aim to use short sentences and plain language – don’t babble on with extensive jargon, acronyms and complex language. Assume that the reader is an intelligent layman – not a subject area specialist (even if they are). Remember that the best writing is writing that can be easily understood and digested. Keep it simple.

The introduction section serves to expand on the research topic – what will you study and why is that worth dedicating time and effort to?

Note that some universities may want some extra bits and pieces in your introduction section. For example, personal development objectives, a structural outline, etc. Check your brief to see if there are any other details they expect in your proposal, and make sure you find a place for these.

Ingredient #3 – Scope

Next, you’ll need to specify what the scope of your research will be – this is also known as the delimitations . In other words, you need to make it clear what you will be covering and, more importantly, what you won’t be covering in your research. Simply put, this is about ring fencing your research topic so that you have a laser-sharp focus.

All too often, students feel the need to go broad and try to address as many issues as possible, in the interest of producing comprehensive research. Whilst this is admirable, it’s a mistake. By tightly refining your scope, you’ll enable yourself to go deep with your research, which is what you need to earn good marks. If your scope is too broad, you’re likely going to land up with superficial research (which won’t earn marks), so don’t be afraid to narrow things down.

Ingredient #4 – Literature Review

In this section of your research proposal, you need to provide a (relatively) brief discussion of the existing literature. Naturally, this will not be as comprehensive as the literature review in your actual dissertation, but it will lay the foundation for that. In fact, if you put in the effort at this stage, you’ll make your life a lot easier when it’s time to write your actual literature review chapter.

There are a few things you need to achieve in this section:

Demonstrate that you’ve done your reading and are familiar with the current state of the research in your topic area.
Show that there’s a clear gap for your specific research – i.e., show that your topic is sufficiently unique and will add value to the existing research.
Show how the existing research has shaped your thinking regarding research design . For example, you might use scales or questionnaires from previous studies.

When you write up your literature review, keep these three objectives front of mind, especially number two (revealing the gap in the literature), so that your literature review has a clear purpose and direction . Everything you write should be contributing towards one (or more) of these objectives in some way. If it doesn’t, you need to ask yourself whether it’s truly needed.

Top Tip: Don’t fall into the trap of just describing the main pieces of literature, for example, “A says this, B says that, C also says that…” and so on. Merely describing the literature provides no value. Instead, you need to synthesise it, and use it to address the three objectives above.

If you put in the effort at the proposal stage, you’ll make your life a lot easier when its time to write your actual literature review chapter.

Ingredient #5 – Research Methodology

Now that you’ve clearly explained both your intended research topic (in the introduction) and the existing research it will draw on (in the literature review section), it’s time to get practical and explain exactly how you’ll be carrying out your own research. In other words, your research methodology.

In this section, you’ll need to answer two critical questions :

How will you design your research? I.e., what research methodology will you adopt, what will your sample be, how will you collect data, etc.
Why have you chosen this design? I.e., why does this approach suit your specific research aims, objectives and questions?

In other words, this is not just about explaining WHAT you’ll be doing, it’s also about explaining WHY. In fact, the justification is the most important part , because that justification is how you demonstrate a good understanding of research design (which is what assessors want to see).

Some essential design choices you need to cover in your research proposal include:

Your intended research philosophy (e.g., positivism, interpretivism or pragmatism )
What methodological approach you’ll be taking (e.g., qualitative , quantitative or mixed )
The details of your sample (e.g., sample size, who they are, who they represent, etc.)
What data you plan to collect (i.e. data about what, in what form?)
How you plan to collect it (e.g., surveys , interviews , focus groups, etc.)
How you plan to analyse it (e.g., regression analysis, thematic analysis , etc.)
Ethical adherence (i.e., does this research satisfy all ethical requirements of your institution, or does it need further approval?)

This list is not exhaustive – these are just some core attributes of research design. Check with your institution what level of detail they expect. The “ research onion ” by Saunders et al (2009) provides a good summary of the various design choices you ultimately need to make – you can read more about that here .

Don’t forget the practicalities…

In addition to the technical aspects, you will need to address the practical side of the project. In other words, you need to explain what resources you’ll need (e.g., time, money, access to equipment or software, etc.) and how you intend to secure these resources. You need to show that your project is feasible, so any “make or break” type resources need to already be secured. The success or failure of your project cannot depend on some resource which you’re not yet sure you have access to.

Another part of the practicalities discussion is project and risk management . In other words, you need to show that you have a clear project plan to tackle your research with. Some key questions to address:

What are the timelines for each phase of your project?
Are the time allocations reasonable?
What happens if something takes longer than anticipated (risk management)?
What happens if you don’t get the response rate you expect?

A good way to demonstrate that you’ve thought this through is to include a Gantt chart and a risk register (in the appendix if word count is a problem). With these two tools, you can show that you’ve got a clear, feasible plan, and you’ve thought about and accounted for the potential risks.

Tip – Be honest about the potential difficulties – but show that you are anticipating solutions and workarounds. This is much more impressive to an assessor than an unrealistically optimistic proposal which does not anticipate any challenges whatsoever.

Final Touches: Read And Simplify

The final step is to edit and proofread your proposal – very carefully. It sounds obvious, but all too often poor editing and proofreading ruin a good proposal. Nothing is more off-putting for an assessor than a poorly edited, typo-strewn document. It sends the message that you either do not pay attention to detail, or just don’t care. Neither of these are good messages. Put the effort into editing and proofreading your proposal (or pay someone to do it for you) – it will pay dividends.

When you’re editing, watch out for ‘academese’. Many students can speak simply, passionately and clearly about their dissertation topic – but become incomprehensible the moment they turn the laptop on. You are not required to write in any kind of special, formal, complex language when you write academic work. Sure, there may be technical terms, jargon specific to your discipline, shorthand terms and so on. But, apart from those, keep your written language very close to natural spoken language – just as you would speak in the classroom. Imagine that you are explaining your project plans to your classmates or a family member. Remember, write for the intelligent layman, not the subject matter experts. Plain-language, concise writing is what wins hearts and minds – and marks!

Let’s Recap: Research Proposal 101

And there you have it – how to write your dissertation or thesis research proposal, from the title page to the final proof. Here’s a quick recap of the key takeaways:

The purpose of the research proposal is to convince – therefore, you need to make a clear, concise argument of why your research is both worth doing and doable.
Make sure you can ask the critical what, who, and how questions of your research before you put pen to paper.
Title – provides the first taste of your research, in broad terms
Introduction – explains what you’ll be researching in more detail
Scope – explains the boundaries of your research
Literature review – explains how your research fits into the existing research and why it’s unique and valuable
Research methodology – explains and justifies how you will carry out your own research

Hopefully, this post has helped you better understand how to write up a winning research proposal. If you enjoyed it, be sure to check out the rest of the Grad Coach Blog . If your university doesn’t provide any template for your proposal, you might want to try out our free research proposal template .

Psst… there’s more!

This post is an extract from our bestselling short course, Research Proposal Bootcamp . If you want to work smart, you don't want to miss this .

30 Comments

Thank you so much for the valuable insight that you have given, especially on the research proposal. That is what I have managed to cover. I still need to go back to the other parts as I got disturbed while still listening to Derek’s audio on you-tube. I am inspired. I will definitely continue with Grad-coach guidance on You-tube.

Thanks for the kind words :). All the best with your proposal.

First of all, thanks a lot for making such a wonderful presentation. The video was really useful and gave me a very clear insight of how a research proposal has to be written. I shall try implementing these ideas in my RP.

Once again, I thank you for this content.

I found reading your outline on writing research proposal very beneficial. I wish there was a way of submitting my draft proposal to you guys for critiquing before I submit to the institution.

Hi Bonginkosi

Thank you for the kind words. Yes, we do provide a review service. The best starting point is to have a chat with one of our coaches here: https://gradcoach.com/book/new/ .

Hello team GRADCOACH, may God bless you so much. I was totally green in research. Am so happy for your free superb tutorials and resources. Once again thank you so much Derek and his team.

You’re welcome, Erick. Good luck with your research proposal 🙂

thank you for the information. its precise and on point.

Really a remarkable piece of writing and great source of guidance for the researchers. GOD BLESS YOU for your guidance. Regards

Thanks so much for your guidance. It is easy and comprehensive the way you explain the steps for a winning research proposal.

Thank you guys so much for the rich post. I enjoyed and learn from every word in it. My problem now is how to get into your platform wherein I can always seek help on things related to my research work ? Secondly, I wish to find out if there is a way I can send my tentative proposal to you guys for examination before I take to my supervisor Once again thanks very much for the insights

Thanks for your kind words, Desire.

If you are based in a country where Grad Coach’s paid services are available, you can book a consultation by clicking the “Book” button in the top right.

Best of luck with your studies.

May God bless you team for the wonderful work you are doing,

If I have a topic, Can I submit it to you so that you can draft a proposal for me?? As I am expecting to go for masters degree in the near future.

Thanks for your comment. We definitely cannot draft a proposal for you, as that would constitute academic misconduct. The proposal needs to be your own work. We can coach you through the process, but it needs to be your own work and your own writing.

Best of luck with your research!

I found a lot of many essential concepts from your material. it is real a road map to write a research proposal. so thanks a lot. If there is any update material on your hand on MBA please forward to me.

GradCoach is a professional website that presents support and helps for MBA student like me through the useful online information on the page and with my 1-on-1 online coaching with the amazing and professional PhD Kerryen.

Thank you Kerryen so much for the support and help 🙂

I really recommend dealing with such a reliable services provider like Gradcoah and a coach like Kerryen.

Hi, Am happy for your service and effort to help students and researchers, Please, i have been given an assignment on research for strategic development, the task one is to formulate a research proposal to support the strategic development of a business area, my issue here is how to go about it, especially the topic or title and introduction. Please, i would like to know if you could help me and how much is the charge.

This content is practical, valuable, and just great!

Thank you very much!

Hi Derek, Thank you for the valuable presentation. It is very helpful especially for beginners like me. I am just starting my PhD.

This is quite instructive and research proposal made simple. Can I have a research proposal template?

Great! Thanks for rescuing me, because I had no former knowledge in this topic. But with this piece of information, I am now secured. Thank you once more.

I enjoyed listening to your video on how to write a proposal. I think I will be able to write a winning proposal with your advice. I wish you were to be my supervisor.

Dear Derek Jansen,

Thank you for your great content. I couldn’t learn these topics in MBA, but now I learned from GradCoach. Really appreciate your efforts….

From Afghanistan!

I have got very essential inputs for startup of my dissertation proposal. Well organized properly communicated with video presentation. Thank you for the presentation.

Wow, this is absolutely amazing guys. Thank you so much for the fruitful presentation, you’ve made my research much easier.

this helps me a lot. thank you all so much for impacting in us. may god richly bless you all

How I wish I’d learn about Grad Coach earlier. I’ve been stumbling around writing and rewriting! Now I have concise clear directions on how to put this thing together. Thank you!

Fantastic!! Thank You for this very concise yet comprehensive guidance.

Even if I am poor in English I would like to thank you very much.

Thank you very much, this is very insightful.

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Writing Tips

How to Write Research Objectives

3-minute read
22nd November 2021

Writing a research paper, thesis, or dissertation ? If so, you’ll want to state your research objectives in the introduction of your paper to make it clear to your readers what you’re trying to accomplish. But how do you write effective research objectives? In this post, we’ll look at two key topics to help you do this:

How to use your research aims as a basis for developing objectives.
How to use SMART criteria to refine your research objectives.

For more advice on how to write strong research objectives, see below.

Research Aims and Objectives

There is an important difference between research aims and research objectives:

A research aim defines the main purpose of your research. As such, you can think of your research aim as answering the question “What are you doing?”
Research objectives (as most studies will have more than one) are the steps you will take to fulfil your aims. As such, your objectives should answer the question “How are you conducting your research?”

For instance, an example research aim could be:

This study will investigate the link between dehydration and the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in intensive care patients in Australia.

To develop a set of research objectives, you would then break down the various steps involved in meeting said aim. For example:

This study will investigate the link between dehydration and the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in intensive care patients in Australia. To achieve this, the study objectives w ill include:

Replicat ing a small Singaporean study into the role of dehydration in UTIs in hospital patients (Sepe, 2018) in a larger Australian cohort.
Trialing the use of intravenous fluids for intensive care patients to prevent dehydration.
Assessing the relationship between the age of patients and quantities of intravenous fluids needed to counter dehydration.

Find this useful?

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Note that the objectives don’t go into any great detail here. The key is to briefly summarize each component of your study. You can save details for how you will conduct the research for the methodology section of your paper.

Make Your Research Objectives SMART

A great way to refine your research objectives is to use SMART criteria . Borrowed from the world of project management, there are many versions of this system. However, we’re going to focus on developing specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timebound objectives.

In other words, a good research objective should be all of the following:

S pecific – Is the objective clear and well-defined?
M easurable – How will you know when the objective has been achieved? Is there a way to measure the thing you’re seeking to do?
A chievable – Do you have the support and resources necessary to undertake this action? Are you being overly ambitious with this objective?
R elevant – Is this objective vital for fulfilling your research aim?
T imebound – Can this action be realistically undertaken in the time you have?

If you follow this system, your research objectives will be much stronger.

Expert Research Proofreading

Whatever your research aims and objectives, make sure to have your academic writing proofread by the experts!

Our academic editors can help you with research papers and proposals , as well as any other scholarly document you need checking. And this will help to ensure that your academic writing is always clear, concise, and precise.

Submit a free sample document today to trial our services and find out more.

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Aims and Objectives for Master’s Dissertations

Aims and Objectives for Master’s Dissertations. This blog will look at writing an ‘Aim’ statement and ‘Objectives’ for a Master’s thesis. It should also be helpful for final year projects at undergraduate level.

I have done 2 previous blogs on ‘Topic Selection’ and ‘Dissertation Title Writing’ that may also be of interest.

Here is a short video clip on writing the Aims and Objectives.

Where should the Aims and Objectives be?

The Aims and Objectives for your Master’s Dissertations need to be in chapter 1, the introduction to the research project. Chapter 1 should be an introduction to the project, and not an introduction to the topic. The topic is covered in the Literature Review, usually chapter 2. However, there needs to be a few pages of background introduction to set the scene and the reasons for the research. Therefore, the Aims and Objectives should be around page 2, 3, or 4.

Tips for Writing the AIM Statement

There will be one overall AIM statement as described here. Sometimes a research project may contain several distinct aims. However, they need to fit together to an overall research AIM.

The AIM is really just a longer and more explanatory version of the research title. The AIM can be an expansion of the title to 3 to 6 sentences. Make sure you cover these three elements:

Why is this research necessary – some background showing a problem.
What is this research about – an expansion of the title.
How is the research to be performed – a brief statement of the intended research methods.

Initially aim for 1 sentence for each item. Expanding to two sentences for each will be OK. The AIM statement should not exceed a paragraph or a quarter to a third of a page.

Example of an Aim Statement

Example: I will take a project title: “An investigation into Project Management Life-Cycles in the Automotive Industry: Honda as a case study.”

The AIM will need to include:

Why: Oversupply and unfilled manufacturing capacity, and increasing innovation in the industry are causing all automotive companies problems. This states the problem.
What: This project seeks to examine how Project Life Cycles are implemented in the Honda Motor Company.
How: By case study analysis and comparison with other automotive companies.

Put those three sentences together and the AIM statement becomes:

Aim Statement: Oversupply and unfilled manufacturing capacity is leading to increasing innovation in the automotive industry. This requires all automotive companies to reduce their project life cycles to remain competitive. This project seeks to examine how Project Life Cycles are implemented in the Honda Motor Company. The research will use case study analysis and comparison of Honda Project Life Cycles implementation with that of other automotive companies.

The first part of the aim statement – the problem – is what needs to be covered in the first 2 or 3 pages of the introduction chapter. Some researchers may then introduce a secondary aim statement to complement the first. In this example there may be a secondary AIM to distribute or publish the research findings.

Writing Objectives for a Master’s Dissertation

Nine Objectives

I suggest that 6-9 Objectives is an initial target. There are often comments that 9 may be too many. However, as a Project Manager my natural inclination is to break a project into manageable chunks of work. Also, if there are 9 objectives and one objective is not met, then there are still 8 objectives that are met.

The objectives when read alone should tell a story through the dissertation. This can be done by ensuring:

2 or 3 Objectives apply to the Literature Review – Demonstrating knowledge. Verbs such as Research, Examine, Study, and Investigate are suitable.
1 Objectives apply to the Research Methodology – How the research is performed. These might include: Collect data, Select interviewees, Analyse results as examples.
2 or 3 Objectives focus on the Critical Evaluation or Discussion chapters. Verbs such as Analyse, Compare, Discuss, and Evaluate would be appropriate.
There may be one or two final objectives. To Conclude, and/or To Recommend.

I have already issued blogs about the requirements of a Master’s Dissertation from the QAA perspective and the three elements of a Master’s Dissertation . Using the above approach to write the objectives will demonstrate that these requirements have been met.

When writing objectives, keep to just one verb, and avoid the use of ‘and’. If you are using ‘and’ then perhaps this objective should be broken into two separate objectives.

Don’t forget that the objectives will need to be repeated and commented on in the conclusion chapter of the dissertation.

Examples of Research Objectives

For the example AIM from earlier, here are some suggested project objectives. Note how they start broad, and become more specific:

To examine the current status of the Automotive Industry
Study Project Management as it applies to the Automotive Industry
To research Project Life Cycles specifically as used within the Automotive Industry
Identify suitable case studies concerning Automotive Project Life Cycles for evaluation
To analyse the case studies
Compare Project Life Cycles as demonstrated b the case study companies
To critical evaluate the use of Project Life Cycles at Honda Motor Company
Recommend improvements to the Honda Motor Company in their use of Project Life Cycles

Just reading the verbs tells a story through the dissertation. To examine, to study, to research, to identify, to analyse, to compare, to evaluate and to recommend.

Honda Motor Car

Higher Level Verbs

Don’t forget to use Blooms Higher level verbs when looking at the critical evaluation section. It is also important not to duplicate a verb. There are around 40-50 different verbs that you could use to write your objectives, and therefore it looks lazy to use the same verb more than once.

The Project Aim is an expansion of the title covering Why, What and How. The objectives should cover the whole dissertation from the Literature Review, through the Research Methodology, and to the Critical Evaluation and Conclusions.

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FindAMasters
Researching and Writing a Masters Dissertation

Written by Mark Bennett

All Masters programmes include some form of extended individual project. Research-focussed programmes, such as an MRes , may include multiple independent research components. Taught courses usually culminate with a substantial research task, referred to as the Masters dissertation or thesis.

This article talks about how long a Masters dissertation is and the structure it follows.Before you get started on your dissertation, you'll usually need to write a proposal. Read our full guide to Masters dissertation proposals for more information on what this should include!

Masters dissertation - key facts
Length	15,000 - 20,000 words
Structure	Abstract (300 words) Introduction (1,000 words) Literature review (1,000 words) Research methodology (1,500 words) Results Discussion (12,000 words) Conclusion (1,500 words) References/Bibliography Appendices
Supervision	Yes, you’ll be paired with an academic from your own university
Assessment	External examiner along with additional members of faculty. There is not usually a viva at Masters level.

To answer your overall research question comprehensively, you’ll be expected to identify and examine specific areas of your topic. This can be like producing a series of shorter pieces of work, similar to those required by individual modules. However, there’s the additional requirement that they collectively support a broader set of conclusions.

This more involved Masters dissertation structure will:

Give you the scope to investigate your subject in greater detail than is possible at undergraduate level
Challenge you to be effective at organising your work so that its individual components function as stages in a coherent and persuasive overall argument
Allow you to develop and hone a suitable research methodology (for example, choosing between qualitative and quantitative methods)

If the individual topics within your overall project require you to access separate sources or datasets, this may also have an impact on your research process.

As a postgraduate, you’ll be expected to establish and assert your own critical voice as a member of the academic community associated with your field .

During your Masters thesis you’ll need to show that you are not just capable of analysing and critiquing original data or primary source material. You should also demonstrate awareness of the existing body of scholarship relating to your topic .

So, if you’ll excuse the pun, a ‘Masters’ degree really is about achieving ‘mastery’ of your particular specialism and the dissertation is where you’ll demonstrate this: showing off the scholarly expertise and research skills that you’ve developed across your programme.

What’s the difference between a dissertation and a thesis?

A dissertation is a long piece of (usually) written work on the same topic. A thesis is a little more specific: it usually means something that presents an original argument based on the interpretation of data, statistics or content.

So, a thesis is almost always presented as a dissertation, but not all dissertations present a thesis.

Masters dissertation structure

As you can probably imagine, no two dissertations follow the exact same structure, especially given the differences found between Masters programmes from university to university and country to country .

That said, there are several key components that make up the structure of a typical Masters dissertation

How long is a Masters dissertation?

Most dissertations will typically be between 15,000 and 20,000 words long, although this can vary significantly depending on the nature of the programme.

You should also check with your university exactly which sections of the dissertation count towards the final word count (the abstract, bibliography and appendices won’t usually be included in the total).

Usually around 300 words long, the abstract is meant to be a concise summary of your dissertation. It should briefly cover the question(s) you aim to answer, your primary argument and your conclusion.

Introduction

The purpose of the introduction is to provide context for the rest of the dissertation, setting out your aims and the scope of what you want to achieve with your research. The introduction should give a clear overview of the dissertation’s chapters and will usually be around 1,000 words long.

Literature review

This part of the dissertation should examine the scholarship that has already been published in your field, presenting various arguments and counter-arguments while situating your own research within this wider body of work.

You should analyse and evaluate other publications and explain how your dissertation will contribute to the existing literature in your subject area. The literature review sometimes forms part of the introduction or follows immediately on from it. Most literature reviews are up to 1,000 words long.

Research methodology

Not all dissertations will require a section covering research methodology (Arts and Humanities dissertations won’t normally undertake the kind of research that involves a set methodology). However, if you are using a particular method to collect information for your dissertation, you should make sure to explain the rationale behind your choice of methodology. The word count for this part of the dissertation is usually around the 1,500 mark.

Those in the Arts and Humanities will usually outline their theoretical perspectives and approaches as part of the introduction, rather than requiring a detailed explanation of the methodology for their data collection and analysis.

Results / findings

If your research involves some form of survey or experiment, this is where you’ll present the results of your work. Depending on the nature of the study, this might be in the form of graphs, tables or charts – or even just a written description of what the research entailed and what the findings were.

This section forms the bulk of your dissertation and should be carefully structured using a series of related chapters (and sub-chapters). There should be a logical progression from one chapter to the next, with each part building on the arguments of its predecessor.

It can be helpful to think of your Masters dissertation as a series of closely interlinked essays, rather than one overwhelming paper. The size of this section will depend on the overall word count for your dissertation. However, to give you a rough idea for a 15,000-word dissertation, the discussion part will generally be about 12,000 words long.

Here you should draw together the threads of the previous discussion chapters and make your final concluding statements, drawing on evidence and arguments that you’ve already explored over the course of the dissertation. Explain the significance of your findings and point towards directions that future research could follow. This section of the Masters thesis will be around 1,500 words long.

References / bibliography

While planning and writing your dissertation, you should keep an extensive, organised record of any papers, sources or books you’ve quoted (or referred to). This will be a lot easier than leaving all of it until the end and struggling to work out where a particular quotation is from!

Appendices won’t be necessary in many dissertations, but you may need to include supplementary material to support your argument. This could be interview transcripts or questionnaires. If including such content within the body of the dissertation won’t be feasible – i.e. there wouldn’t be enough space or it would break the flow of your writing – you should consult with your supervisor and consider attaching it in an appendix.

It’s worth bearing in mind that these sections won’t always be discretely labelled in every dissertation. For example, everything up to ‘discussion’ might be covered in introductory chapter (rather than as distinct sections). If you’re unsure about the structure of your Masters dissertation, your supervisor will be able to help you map it out.

How does supervision work for a Masters dissertation?

As a Masters student at the dissertation stage you’ll usually be matched with an academic within your institution who will be tasked with guiding your work. This might be someone who has already taught you, or it may be another scholar whose research interests and expertise align well with what you want to do. You may be able to request a particular supervisor, but taught postgraduates are more likely to be assigned them by their department.

Specific arrangements with your supervisor will vary depending on your institution and subject area. They will usually meet with you at the beginning of the dissertation period to discuss your project and agree a suitable schedule for its undertaking. This timetable will probably set dates for:

Subsequent discussions and progress checks
The submission of draft chapters or sections
Feedback appointments

Though your supervisor is there to help and advise you, it is important to remember that your dissertation is a personal research project with associated expectations of you as an independent scholar.

As a rule of thumb, you can expect your supervisor to read each part of your dissertation once at the draft stage and to offer feedback. Most will not have time to look at lots of subsequent revisions, but may respond favourably to polite requests for exceptions (provided their own workload permits it).

Inundating your supervisor with emails or multiple iterations of draft material is best avoided; they will have their own research to manage (as well as other supervision assignments) and will be able to offer better quality feedback if you stick to an agreed schedule.

How is a Masters dissertation assessed and examined?

On most courses your dissertation will be assessed by an external examiner (as well as additional members of faculty within your university who haven’t been responsible for supervising you), but these will read and critique the work you submit without personally questioning and testing you on it.

Though this examination process is not as challenging as the oral defence or ‘ viva voce ’ required for a PhD thesis, the grading of your Masters dissertation is still a fundamental component of your degree.

On some programmes the result awarded to a student’s dissertation may determine the upper grade-band that can be awarded to their degree.

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How to Write Master Thesis: Strategies for Effective Writing

Writing a master’s thesis shouldn’t be daunting. Learn the essentials with our guide on how to write master thesis and achieve your goals!

Knowing how to write a master’s thesis is a significant undertaking that requires meticulous planning, rigorous research, and effective communication skills. It can be both an exciting and daunting endeavor, but with the right approach and guidance, you can successfully navigate the process. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to write a master’s thesis. From how to choose a topic to conduct thorough research, organizing your ideas, and presenting coherent arguments. By following our tips and strategies, you can confidently embark on your master’s thesis journey and produce a high-quality piece of academic work that showcases your expertise and scholarly growth.

What Is A Master Thesis?

A master thesis is a comprehensive research project undertaken by graduate students to demonstrate their mastery of a specific subject area within their field of study. It serves as a culmination of their academic journey and is a requirement for completing a master’s degree.

Purpose Of A Master Thesis

The primary purpose of a master’s thesis is to provide students with an opportunity to engage in in-depth research, critical analysis, and original contribution to their chosen field. It allows students to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their academic program, showcasing their ability to conduct independent research, think critically, and present findings in a scholarly manner.

Types Of Master Thesis

There are different types of master theses, depending on the field of study and program requirements. Some common include two types: qualitative and quantitative.

A qualitative or creative thesis involves conducting research that explores topics in a descriptive, exploratory, analytical, or creative manner. This type of thesis is commonly pursued by graduate students in departments that encompass the arts and humanities. It allows students to delve into their subjects of interest through methods such as literature reviews, case studies, interviews, observations, or artistic creations. The focus is on gaining a deeper understanding of the subject matter by examining its nuances, context, and subjective interpretations. Qualitative theses often emphasize the subjective experiences, perspectives, and narratives of individuals or communities. The findings are typically presented through detailed descriptions, narratives, quotes, and artistic representations, providing a rich and contextualized understanding of the research topic.

A quantitative thesis involves the collection and analysis of numerical data obtained through scientific devices or instruments. This type of thesis relies on objective measurements recorded on a scale. The findings of a quantitative master’s thesis are typically presented through quantitative data representations, such as graphs, tables, and statistical measures, allowing for objective interpretations and generalizations. Examples of quantitative master’s theses can include studies on the effects of interventions on outcomes, analyzing relationships between variables, investigating patterns or trends in data, or examining the impact of factors on a particular phenomenon.

It is important to note that the specific types and requirements of a master’s thesis may vary across institutions and academic programs, so students should consult their program guidelines for more detailed information.

Choosing A Topic For The Master Thesis

Choosing a topic for a master’s thesis involves a deliberate process that revolves around finding a research gap and developing relevant research questions. Firstly, it is crucial to explore the existing literature in your field of study to identify areas where knowledge is lacking or conflicting. This helps you pinpoint research gaps that can be addressed in your thesis. Next, consult with advisors and professors who can offer guidance and insights based on their expertise. Brainstorm and formulate focused research questions that contribute to advancing knowledge in your field. Ensure that the chosen topic is feasible in terms of available resources and time constraints, and consider the practical implications and relevance of the topic to assess its potential impact on the field.

Finding A Research Gap

Identifying a research gap is essential when the student is choosing the topic for the master thesis to ensure the thesis contributes to the existing body of knowledge. Students need to conduct a thorough literature review to identify areas where research is lacking or where further investigation is needed. This ensures that the master’s thesis adds value and fills a void in the current understanding of the subject matter.

Developing Research Questions

Formulating clear and focused research questions is crucial for guiding the master thesis. Research questions should be specific, measurable, achievable, and relevant. They should address the research gap identified and guide the entire research process. Students can refine and develop their research questions in consultation with their advisors and by considering the research objectives and scope of their master thesis.

Research Methodology For Master Thesis

The research methodology section of a master thesis outlines the strategies, approaches, and techniques employed to gather and analyze data. It provides a framework for conducting the research study, ensuring its validity and reliability. The research methodology encompasses various components, such as the research design, data collection methods, data analysis techniques, and ethical considerations.

Data Collection Methods

Data collection methods involve the systematic gathering of relevant information to address the research questions. Common data collection methods include surveys, interviews, observations, experiments, archival research, and document analysis. Students should select appropriate methods based on their research objectives, sample size, resources available, and the nature of the research topic. It is important to ensure data collection methods are reliable, valid, and ethical.

Data Analysis Techniques

Data analysis techniques in a master’s thesis refer to the methods and procedures used to analyze and interpret the data collected during the research process. These techniques help researchers make sense of the data, uncover patterns, draw conclusions, and address their research questions or hypotheses. The choice of data analysis techniques will depend on the nature of the research questions, the type of data collected, and the objectives of the study. Researchers need to select the appropriate techniques that align with their research goals and ensure the accuracy and validity of their findings.

Writing The Master Thesis

Writing a master thesis requires careful planning, organization, and effective communication of research findings. It involves synthesizing research data, analyzing results, and presenting arguments coherently and logically. Writing the master thesis is an opportunity to showcase academic writing skills and demonstrate mastery of the subject matter.

Structure Of A Master Thesis

The structure of a master thesis typically includes several key sections. While the specific organization may vary by discipline, empirical dissertations typically follow a common format. Here’s a breakdown of the key sections:

Abstract: A concise summary of the thesis, providing an overview of the research question, methods, findings, and conclusions.

Table of Contents: A list of the main sections and subsections in the thesis, enabling easy navigation.

List of Tables/Figures: A compilation of tables and figures used in the thesis, with corresponding page numbers.

Introduction : An introductory section that sets the context, states the research problem or objective and outlines the scope and significance of the study.

Literature Review : A comprehensive review of existing research and scholarly works related to the thesis topic, demonstrating the gap or need for further investigation.

Methodology : A detailed explanation of the research design, methods, data collection procedures, and any statistical or analytical techniques employed.

Findings: Presentation and analysis of the research findings, often supported by tables, charts, or graphs.

Discussion : Interpretation and evaluation of the findings, comparing them to previous research, addressing limitations, and offering insights and implications.

Conclusion: A concise summary of the research, restating the main findings and their significance, along with suggestions for future research. For more details about the thesis conclusion, read our content “ Thesis Conclusion: Making Your Research Paper Outstanding “.

References: A list of all the sources cited in the thesis, following a specific citation style.

Appendices: Additional materials such as raw data, interview transcripts, or questionnaires that provide supplementary information to support the thesis.

Writing Style And Formatting Requirements

When writing a master’s thesis, it is important to adhere to the specific writing style and formatting requirements set by the academic institution or program. This may include guidelines on font type and size, margins, line spacing, citation style (such as APA , MLA, or Harvard), and referencing conventions. Following these requirements ensures consistency and professionalism in the presentation of the thesis. Maintaining a clear, concise, and formal writing style is essential to effectively convey ideas and arguments in a scholarly manner.

Proofreading And Editing The Master Thesis

Proofreading and editing a master thesis is a crucial step to ensure its quality and coherence. Start by scheduling a meeting with your advisor to discuss the revision and editing process. Check for consistency in formatting, citation style, and numbering. Review grammar, punctuation, and spelling manually, while also using automated tools. Improve sentence structure and logical flow, ensuring arguments connect smoothly. Verify citations and references for accuracy and proper formatting. Seek feedback from trusted peers or advisors and incorporate their suggestions. Make necessary revisions and conduct a final proofread, paying attention to details.

Submitting The Master Thesis

Submitting the master thesis is the final step in the process, marking the culmination of extensive research and writing. Before submission, ensure that the thesis adheres to the prescribed guidelines and formatting requirements set by the academic institution or program. Review the document for any errors, inconsistencies, or formatting issues, ensuring that all sections, citations, and references are accurate and properly cited. Include any required supporting materials or appendices as specified. Create a comprehensive checklist to verify that all necessary components, such as the title page, abstract, acknowledgments, and table of contents, are present and correctly formatted. Finally, submit the master thesis by the designated deadline, following the specific submission instructions provided by the institution or program.

Defending The Master Thesis

Defending the thesis is an essential step in the completion of a master’s degree. Here are some tips to help prepare a successful thesis defense:

Preparation: Thoroughly review and understand the thesis, including the research question, methodology, findings, and conclusions. Familiarize with the relevant literature and anticipate potential questions or criticisms.

Structure the presentation: Create a clear and logical structure for the presentation. Include an introduction, background information, research objectives, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. Use visual aids such as slides to illustrate key points effectively.

Explain methodology: Describe the research methodology, including data collection techniques, tools, and analysis methods. Justify choices and explain how they align with the research objectives.

Present results: Present the research findings and highlight the key outcomes. Clearly explain any statistical analyses or experiments conducted and discuss the implications of the results.

Discuss limitations: Acknowledge the limitations of the research. Explain any constraints or factors that may have influenced the outcomes or impacted the validity of the results. Demonstrate awareness of these limitations and discuss potential areas for future research.

Be open to feedback: View the defense as an opportunity to receive valuable feedback. Show receptiveness to suggestions for improvement and engage in constructive discussions.

Remember that these steps are general guidelines, and the specific requirements and expectations for defending a master’s thesis may vary among institutions. It is advisable to consult the advisor or program guidelines for additional information and recommendations tailored to this particular situation.

Learn more about how to Approach Thesis Defense Questions: https://mindthegraph.com/blog/thesis-defense-questions/

Common Mistakes To Avoid In Writing A Master Thesis

When writing a master’s thesis, it is important to be aware of common mistakes and take steps to avoid them. Some common mistakes to avoid include:

Lack of clarity in research objectives: Clearly define the research objectives and ensure they are specific, measurable, achievable, and relevant. Unclear objectives can lead to a lack of focus and coherence in the thesis.

Poor organization and structure: Plan thesis structure carefully, ensuring a logical flow of ideas and smooth transitions between sections. Poor organization can make it difficult for readers to follow the arguments and understand the research.

Insufficient literature review: Conduct a comprehensive literature review to provide context and establish the theoretical framework for the research. Failing to adequately review existing research can result in a weak foundation for the thesis and overlook essential contributions to the field.

Inadequate data analysis: Ensure that the data analysis is robust and appropriate for the research questions. Use suitable data analysis techniques and provide clear interpretations of findings.

Inconsistent referencing and citation: Follow the required citation style consistently throughout the thesis. Accurately cite all sources and provide a comprehensive reference list or bibliography. Inconsistent referencing can lead to accusations of plagiarism and undermine the academic integrity of your work.

Lack of proofreading and editing: Thoroughly proofread and edit the thesis to correct grammatical errors, improve sentence structure, and ensure clarity. Neglecting this step can result in a lack of professionalism and diminish the overall quality of your work.

Tips For Writing An Effective Master Thesis

Here are some tips for writing an effective master thesis:

Start early: Begin the thesis writing process as early as possible to allow ample time for research, analysis, and writing. Procrastination can lead to unnecessary stress and compromise the work’s quality.

Develop a clear research question: Define a focused and well-defined research question that aligns with the interests and contributes to the existing body of knowledge in the specific field. A clear research question will guide the research and provide a strong foundation for the thesis.

Plan and outline: Create a detailed outline or a roadmap for the thesis, including the main sections, subtopics, and key arguments. This will help to stay organized and maintain a logical flow throughout the writing.

Conduct thorough research: Invest time in conducting comprehensive research, including literature reviews, data collection, and analysis. Use credible sources and critically evaluate the information to support the arguments effectively.

Maintain academic writing style: Write in a formal, concise, and clear style appropriate for academic writing. Avoid excessive jargon and ensure that ideas are communicated effectively to the target audience.

Structure the thesis effectively: Follow a logical structure with well-defined sections, such as an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. Each section should contribute to the overall coherence and flow of the thesis.

Seek feedback and revisions: Share the work with the advisor, peers, or mentors to get feedback and constructive criticism. Incorporate their suggestions and revise the thesis accordingly to strengthen the arguments and improve the overall quality.

Stay organized and manage time effectively: Create a realistic timeline, set deadlines, and manage time effectively throughout the writing process. Break down the tasks into smaller manageable parts to avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensure steady progress.

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21 Research Objectives Examples (Copy and Paste)

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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research aim and research objectives, explained below

Research objectives refer to the definitive statements made by researchers at the beginning of a research project detailing exactly what a research project aims to achieve.

These objectives are explicit goals clearly and concisely projected by the researcher to present a clear intention or course of action for his or her qualitative or quantitative study.

Research objectives are typically nested under one overarching research aim. The objectives are the steps you’ll need to take in order to achieve the aim (see the examples below, for example, which demonstrate an aim followed by 3 objectives, which is what I recommend to my research students).

Research Objectives vs Research Aims

Research aim and research objectives are fundamental constituents of any study, fitting together like two pieces of the same puzzle.

The ‘research aim’ describes the overarching goal or purpose of the study (Kumar, 2019). This is usually a broad, high-level purpose statement, summing up the central question that the research intends to answer.

Example of an Overarching Research Aim:

“The aim of this study is to explore the impact of climate change on crop productivity.”

Comparatively, ‘research objectives’ are concrete goals that underpin the research aim, providing stepwise actions to achieve the aim.

Objectives break the primary aim into manageable, focused pieces, and are usually characterized as being more specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

Examples of Specific Research Objectives:

1. “To examine the effects of rising temperatures on the yield of rice crops during the upcoming growth season.” 2. “To assess changes in rainfall patterns in major agricultural regions over the first decade of the twenty-first century (2000-2010).” 3. “To analyze the impact of changing weather patterns on crop diseases within the same timeframe.”

The distinction between these two terms, though subtle, is significant for successfully conducting a study. The research aim provides the study with direction, while the research objectives set the path to achieving this aim, thereby ensuring the study’s efficiency and effectiveness.

How to Write Research Objectives

I usually recommend to my students that they use the SMART framework to create their research objectives.

SMART is an acronym standing for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It provides a clear method of defining solid research objectives and helps students know where to start in writing their objectives (Locke & Latham, 2013).

Each element of this acronym adds a distinct dimension to the framework, aiding in the creation of comprehensive, well-delineated objectives.

Here is each step:

Specific : We need to avoid ambiguity in our objectives. They need to be clear and precise (Doran, 1981). For instance, rather than stating the objective as “to study the effects of social media,” a more focused detail would be “to examine the effects of social media use (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) on the academic performance of college students.”
Measurable: The measurable attribute provides a clear criterion to determine if the objective has been met (Locke & Latham, 2013). A quantifiable element, such as a percentage or a number, adds a measurable quality. For example, “to increase response rate to the annual customer survey by 10%,” makes it easier to ascertain achievement.
Achievable: The achievable aspect encourages researchers to craft realistic objectives, resembling a self-check mechanism to ensure the objectives align with the scope and resources at disposal (Doran, 1981). For example, “to interview 25 participants selected randomly from a population of 100” is an attainable objective as long as the researcher has access to these participants.
Relevance : Relevance, the fourth element, compels the researcher to tailor the objectives in alignment with overarching goals of the study (Locke & Latham, 2013). This is extremely important – each objective must help you meet your overall one-sentence ‘aim’ in your study.
Time-Bound: Lastly, the time-bound element fosters a sense of urgency and prioritization, preventing procrastination and enhancing productivity (Doran, 1981). “To analyze the effect of laptop use in lectures on student engagement over the course of two semesters this year” expresses a clear deadline, thus serving as a motivator for timely completion.

You’re not expected to fit every single element of the SMART framework in one objective, but across your objectives, try to touch on each of the five components.

Research Objectives Examples

1. Field: Psychology

Aim: To explore the impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance in college students.

Objective 1: To compare cognitive test scores of students with less than six hours of sleep and those with 8 or more hours of sleep.
Objective 2: To investigate the relationship between class grades and reported sleep duration.
Objective 3: To survey student perceptions and experiences on how sleep deprivation affects their cognitive capabilities.

2. Field: Environmental Science

Aim: To understand the effects of urban green spaces on human well-being in a metropolitan city.

Objective 1: To assess the physical and mental health benefits of regular exposure to urban green spaces.
Objective 2: To evaluate the social impacts of urban green spaces on community interactions.
Objective 3: To examine patterns of use for different types of urban green spaces.

3. Field: Technology

Aim: To investigate the influence of using social media on productivity in the workplace.

Objective 1: To measure the amount of time spent on social media during work hours.
Objective 2: To evaluate the perceived impact of social media use on task completion and work efficiency.
Objective 3: To explore whether company policies on social media usage correlate with different patterns of productivity.

4. Field: Education

Aim: To examine the effectiveness of online vs traditional face-to-face learning on student engagement and achievement.

Objective 1: To compare student grades between the groups exposed to online and traditional face-to-face learning.
Objective 2: To assess student engagement levels in both learning environments.
Objective 3: To collate student perceptions and preferences regarding both learning methods.

5. Field: Health

Aim: To determine the impact of a Mediterranean diet on cardiac health among adults over 50.

Objective 1: To assess changes in cardiovascular health metrics after following a Mediterranean diet for six months.
Objective 2: To compare these health metrics with a similar group who follow their regular diet.
Objective 3: To document participants’ experiences and adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

6. Field: Environmental Science

Aim: To analyze the impact of urban farming on community sustainability.

Objective 1: To document the types and quantity of food produced through urban farming initiatives.
Objective 2: To assess the effect of urban farming on local communities’ access to fresh produce.
Objective 3: To examine the social dynamics and cooperative relationships in the creating and maintaining of urban farms.

7. Field: Sociology

Aim: To investigate the influence of home offices on work-life balance during remote work.

Objective 1: To survey remote workers on their perceptions of work-life balance since setting up home offices.
Objective 2: To conduct an observational study of daily work routines and family interactions in a home office setting.
Objective 3: To assess the correlation, if any, between physical boundaries of workspaces and mental boundaries for work in the home setting.

8. Field: Economics

Aim: To evaluate the effects of minimum wage increases on small businesses.

Objective 1: To analyze cost structures, pricing changes, and profitability of small businesses before and after minimum wage increases.
Objective 2: To survey small business owners on the strategies they employ to navigate minimum wage increases.
Objective 3: To examine employment trends in small businesses in response to wage increase legislation.

9. Field: Education

Aim: To explore the role of extracurricular activities in promoting soft skills among high school students.

Objective 1: To assess the variety of soft skills developed through different types of extracurricular activities.
Objective 2: To compare self-reported soft skills between students who participate in extracurricular activities and those who do not.
Objective 3: To investigate the teachers’ perspectives on the contribution of extracurricular activities to students’ skill development.

10. Field: Technology

Aim: To assess the impact of virtual reality (VR) technology on the tourism industry.

Objective 1: To document the types and popularity of VR experiences available in the tourism market.
Objective 2: To survey tourists on their interest levels and satisfaction rates with VR tourism experiences.
Objective 3: To determine whether VR tourism experiences correlate with increased interest in real-life travel to the simulated destinations.

11. Field: Biochemistry

Aim: To examine the role of antioxidants in preventing cellular damage.

Objective 1: To identify the types and quantities of antioxidants in common fruits and vegetables.
Objective 2: To determine the effects of various antioxidants on free radical neutralization in controlled lab tests.
Objective 3: To investigate potential beneficial impacts of antioxidant-rich diets on long-term cellular health.

12. Field: Linguistics

Aim: To determine the influence of early exposure to multiple languages on cognitive development in children.

Objective 1: To assess cognitive development milestones in monolingual and multilingual children.
Objective 2: To document the number and intensity of language exposures for each group in the study.
Objective 3: To investigate the specific cognitive advantages, if any, enjoyed by multilingual children.

13. Field: Art History

Aim: To explore the impact of the Renaissance period on modern-day art trends.

Objective 1: To identify key characteristics and styles of Renaissance art.
Objective 2: To analyze modern art pieces for the influence of the Renaissance style.
Objective 3: To survey modern-day artists for their inspirations and the influence of historical art movements on their work.

14. Field: Cybersecurity

Aim: To assess the effectiveness of two-factor authentication (2FA) in preventing unauthorized system access.

Objective 1: To measure the frequency of unauthorized access attempts before and after the introduction of 2FA.
Objective 2: To survey users about their experiences and challenges with 2FA implementation.
Objective 3: To evaluate the efficacy of different types of 2FA (SMS-based, authenticator apps, biometrics, etc.).

15. Field: Cultural Studies

Aim: To analyze the role of music in cultural identity formation among ethnic minorities.

Objective 1: To document the types and frequency of traditional music practices within selected ethnic minority communities.
Objective 2: To survey community members on the role of music in their personal and communal identity.
Objective 3: To explore the resilience and transmission of traditional music practices in contemporary society.

16. Field: Astronomy

Aim: To explore the impact of solar activity on satellite communication.

Objective 1: To categorize different types of solar activities and their frequencies of occurrence.
Objective 2: To ascertain how variations in solar activity may influence satellite communication.
Objective 3: To investigate preventative and damage-control measures currently in place during periods of high solar activity.

17. Field: Literature

Aim: To examine narrative techniques in contemporary graphic novels.

Objective 1: To identify a range of narrative techniques employed in this genre.
Objective 2: To analyze the ways in which these narrative techniques engage readers and affect story interpretation.
Objective 3: To compare narrative techniques in graphic novels to those found in traditional printed novels.

18. Field: Renewable Energy

Aim: To investigate the feasibility of solar energy as a primary renewable resource within urban areas.

Objective 1: To quantify the average sunlight hours across urban areas in different climatic zones.
Objective 2: To calculate the potential solar energy that could be harnessed within these areas.
Objective 3: To identify barriers or challenges to widespread solar energy implementation in urban settings and potential solutions.

19. Field: Sports Science

Aim: To evaluate the role of pre-game rituals in athlete performance.

Objective 1: To identify the variety and frequency of pre-game rituals among professional athletes in several sports.
Objective 2: To measure the impact of pre-game rituals on individual athletes’ performance metrics.
Objective 3: To examine the psychological mechanisms that might explain the effects (if any) of pre-game ritual on performance.

20. Field: Ecology

Aim: To investigate the effects of urban noise pollution on bird populations.

Objective 1: To record and quantify urban noise levels in various bird habitats.
Objective 2: To measure bird population densities in relation to noise levels.
Objective 3: To determine any changes in bird behavior or vocalization linked to noise levels.

21. Field: Food Science

Aim: To examine the influence of cooking methods on the nutritional value of vegetables.

Objective 1: To identify the nutrient content of various vegetables both raw and after different cooking processes.
Objective 2: To compare the effect of various cooking methods on the nutrient retention of these vegetables.
Objective 3: To propose cooking strategies that optimize nutrient retention.

The Importance of Research Objectives

The importance of research objectives cannot be overstated. In essence, these guideposts articulate what the researcher aims to discover, understand, or examine (Kothari, 2014).

When drafting research objectives, it’s essential to make them simple and comprehensible, specific to the point of being quantifiable where possible, achievable in a practical sense, relevant to the chosen research question, and time-constrained to ensure efficient progress (Kumar, 2019).

Remember that a good research objective is integral to the success of your project, offering a clear path forward for setting out a research design , and serving as the bedrock of your study plan. Each objective must distinctly address a different dimension of your research question or problem (Kothari, 2014). Always bear in mind that the ultimate purpose of your research objectives is to succinctly encapsulate your aims in the clearest way possible, facilitating a coherent, comprehensive and rational approach to your planned study, and furnishing a scientific roadmap for your journey into the depths of knowledge and research (Kumar, 2019).

Kothari, C.R (2014). Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques . New Delhi: New Age International.

Kumar, R. (2019). Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners .New York: SAGE Publications.

Doran, G. T. (1981). There’s a S.M.A.R.T. way to write management’s goals and objectives. Management review, 70 (11), 35-36.

Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2013). New Developments in Goal Setting and Task Performance . New York: Routledge.

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Objectives of the Master's thesis

Formulating research questions in scientifically correct language and developing a research design in consultation with the supervisor and/or research group.
Independently gathering information and evaluating it for its relevance in answering the research questions.
Acquiring the attitudes necessary to collaborate in teams on scientific research (with fellow master's students, doctoral candidates, etc.).
Learning to communicate in scientifically correct language through collaboration with fellow students and researchers.
Mastering a specific subfield of one's own discipline through intensive training and engagement with current research.
Utilising appropriate experimental or theoretical methods and techniques.
Critically analysing the obtained results and their interpretation.
Reporting and presenting the original results coherently. Placing open questions in the correct perspective during the presentation. Establishing connections with techniques and results from the literature and with current research and future research avenues is an integral part of this process.

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Fast-Track Your Neuroscience Career

The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Delaware affords exceptional neuroscience majors an opportunity to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in neuroscience (30 graduate credits) in just five years of study. Students save about 50 percent in expenses and time required for a traditional master of science degree.

In addition to coursework and lab research, students in the accelerated 4+1 B.S./M.S. degree program must complete a research-based master's thesis. Students would normally begin working in a research lab at least one year prior to applying.

Applications are due in December of the applicant’s senior year. Upon being admitted to the program, a student would then complete a graduate summer research internship (6 credits) and thesis proposal; a fifth-year curriculum of graduate studies in neuroscience; and submit their master’s thesis research and defend it orally.

Learning Objectives

The program is designed to train scientists in the biological foundations of behavior, with research foci including learning and memory, development, neural plasticity, social behavior, and animal models of developmental and affective disorders. The program reflects the multidisciplinary nature of the neurosciences and training involves a wide range of modern neuroanatomical, neurophysiological, neuropharmacological, and behavioral techniques. By the end of the program, graduates will be able to:

Demonstrate expertise in select domains of neuroscience and their implications for interdisciplinary research through fluent scientific discussion, writing, and presentation.
Think critically and programmatically. Synthesize knowledge into novel scientific insights. Constructively critique scientific theories, hypotheses, experimental procedures, data-analytic approaches, and results. Generate empirically or theoretically grounded hypotheses and experimental designs.
Learn and apply the statistical and quantitative methods in service of their own research as well as their ability to critically evaluate research in the literature. This includes descriptive procedures for summarizing data, statistical procedures for performing inferential tests, and development of appropriate data visualizations.
Effectively implement rigorous experimental designs. Learn technical skills necessary to collect and manage data. Analyze and report outcomes.

Check UD Catalog for Requirements

Applying to the Program

Requirements.

Applicants to this program are recommended to have at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA.

The first step is to identify a faculty member who agrees to serve as the applicant's 4+1 research mentor. We recommend that the applicant work in that faculty member's lab for at least the first semester of your junior year to establish a basis for that faculty member's decision to become your 4+1 research mentor.

Once a faculty member has agreed to mentor the applicant's 4+1 research, the applicant should construct an application packet and submit it, by the free add-drop deadline of the second semester of the applicant's junior year (usually the end of the second week of classes) to Dr. Eric Roth, director of the 4+1 Program in Neuroscience.

The application packet should include two letters of recommendation from faculty at the University of Delaware, one of which must be from your 4+1 research mentor. The applicant's application packet should also include a University of Delaware transcript , and a two-page statement of purpose . This statement should discuss anything that might be relevant to an admissions decision and address: a) why the applicant wishes to be admitted to the 4+1 B.A./M.S. Program in Neuroscience, b) the applicant's preparation for the program, c) a brief summary of the research project the applicant expects to complete, and d) plans after receiving the Master's Degree.

Admission Procedure

Neuroscience majors who properly submit their application materials for the 4+1 Program in Neuroscience will have their application materials reviewed by the neuroscience admissions committee comprised of the behavioral neuroscience faculty who, in turn, make a recommendation to the director of graduate education in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences for final approval of admission.

Applicants are generally notified of their admission status within 30 days of their application. One should note however that: a) admission is competitive, so meeting the minimal requirements for admission will not guarantee admission, and b) junior-year admission to the 4+1 Program in Neuroscience is provisional until the applicant satisfies his or her senior year evaluation as per below.

The GRE is not required for admission to the 4+1 Program in Neuroscience. However, applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 550 or higher on the paper-based test or 79 or higher on the Internet-based test. Previous education, training, or residence in the U.S. does not exempt foreign nationals from these requirements. Applicants who need further training in English prior to attending graduate school may apply for admission through the University of Delaware English Language Institute's Conditional Admission Program.

Senior Year Evaluation

Students provisionally enrolled in the 4+1 Program in Neuroscience must maintain at least a 3.25 GPA in their neuroscience courses through the first semester of their senior year, and must be reevaluated by the admissions committee the beginning of the second semester of their senior year . This evaluation, which is based on GPA and level of senior year research engagement, is conducted by the director of the 4+1 Program in Neuroscience in consultation with the student's 4+1 mentor, and is subject to final approval by the director of graduate studies in the Department of Psychological and Brain Studies.

Students who are permitted to continue in the 4+1 Program must be eligible to receive their B.S. degree in neuroscience from the University of Delaware at the end of their senior year, and must immediately complete an online application to UD's Graduate College .

The latter is necessary to allow one to be promoted to graduate student status so one can register for the required Summer Research Residency and Fifth Year of Graduate Studies . For students who are granted permission to continue, this final application procedure, albeit required, is largely a formality.

Academic Requirements

Senior year research.

In addition to completing the requirements for the B.S. degree in neuroscience, students provisionally accepted into the 4+1 Program in Neuroscience must register for three credits of undergraduate research per semester (NSCI368) during their senior year. This undergraduate neuroscience research must be conducted in your 4+1 research mentor's laboratory, and is usually technique-focused and exploratory in nature. However, it is often used also to satisfy the requirements for a Senior Thesis if the student so chooses, and is the foundational "pilot work" that the 4+1 neuroscience student exploits to set up a successful 4+1 master's degree thesis proposal and research project , as per below.

Summer Research Residency

Upon completing the Bachelor's Degree in Neuroscience and achieving graduate student status, students admitted into the 4+1 Program in Neuroscience transition immediately into their summer research residency , for which they must register for six credits of graduate research in neuroscience (NSCI868-Graduate Research). This step is particularly important since summer is a time when graduate students and their faculty mentors can devote the greatest amount of undistracted time and attention to research, particularly to the gathering and analysis of data for one's master's thesis research. During their summer research residency, 4+1 students must write and defend their master's degree proposal , (deadline August 25) described below, and initiate their master's thesis research.

Master's Degree Proposal

Students will present a concisely written thesis proposal to their master's thesis committee and defend it orally. The thesis committee shall consist of the student's faculty mentor and at least two other members of the faculty from the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. Faculty from other departments or colleges within or outside the University may also serve as a research mentor and serve on the student's thesis committee, by mutual agreement of all parties involved and subject to approval by the director of graduate education in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences.

Fifth Year of Graduate Studies & Research

Students in the 4+1 Neuroscience Program complete graduate course work in neuroscience, attend area and departmental colloquia each semester ( NSCI 866: Neuroscience Colloquium ), and complete graduate research in neuroscience ( NSCI 868: Graduate Research and NSCI 869: Master's Thesis ). Colloquia and seminars are an important forum for faculty, graduate students, and invited guests to present and discuss recent research.

Hence, upon graduation, students in the 4+1 Neuroscience Program will have completed a total of 30 graduate credits beyond the Bachelor's Degree in Neuroscience. Please note that neuroscience courses that were taken as an undergraduate cannot be taken again or credited toward graduate work.

Neuroscience Colloquia

Students in the 4+1 Neuroscience Program are required to register for one credit of NSCI866 each fall and spring semester, and regularly attend the Neuroscience "Brown Bag" Colloquia and Seminar Series that meet for one hour each week. These colloquia and seminars are an important forum for faculty, graduate students, and invited guests to present and discuss recent research.

Master's Thesis Completion

The culmination of a successful master's thesis research project results in a written master's thesis. Expectations for the master's thesis research are established by a student's faculty mentor with oversight by the student's thesis committee and must be approved by the director of graduate education. To allow for final revision and submission of the document in time to apply for the June graduation, the neuroscience master's thesis must be submitted to, and orally defended in front of, the students master's thesis committee by April 15 of the second semester of the fifth year.

Advisement & Financial Aid

Primary advising for students enrolled in the 4+1 Program in Neuroscience will be the responsibility of the student's faculty research mentor.

Financial Aid

Neuroscience majors who are receiving scholarships or other forms of financial aid as undergraduates are advised that such aid applies only toward the completion of the bachelor's degree or to the first four years of their undergraduate studies (which may nonetheless include taking some graduate courses during their senior year). Thus, students who pursue the 4+1 Program in Neuroscience may want to seek support for their summer research residency and fifth year of graduate study through student loans and other financial aid. A limited amount of support is sometimes available to 4+1 program students through the research support of their faculty mentor, or on a competitive basis from other sources.

Neuroscience 4+1 Curriculum

The following is a suggested program plan. Please check UD's Graduate Academic Catalog for current degree requirements of the accelerated B.A./M.S. program in neuroscience.

Visit UD Catalog for Requirements

Requirements

NSCI868, Graduate Research
Master's Thesis Proposal

Neuroscience Core Course
NSCI868, Neuroscience Research
NSCI869, Master's Thesis
NSCI866, Neuroscience Colloquium

Neuroscience Core or Elective Course
NSCI868 Neuroscience Research
NSCI866 Neuroscience Colloquium
NSCI869 Master's Thesis

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Research Assistant / Master's thesis worker on compound semiconductor device design & fabrication within a research project targeting cryogenic optoelectronics for quantum data-links

Posted on Aug 30, 2024
Ref: R40655
Aalto University
Helsinki, Finland

Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 13 000 students, 400 professors and close to 4 500 other faculty and staff working on our dynamic campus in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

Engineeed Nanosystems group at Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering at Aalto University School of Science is looking for

Master’s Thesis worker / Research Assistant on compound semiconductor device design & fabrication within a research project targeting cryogenic optoelectronics for quantum data-links

We are looking for a highly motivated master student with an interest to continue with doctoral studies after graduation. Our research is focused on energy transfer in III-V compound semiconductors and is funded by the European commission within Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and the Academy of Finland.

The master thesis project will be aimed at studying the properties of LED’s components below room temperature and down to cryogenic temperatures . The work will be done in a close collaboration with a team of experimentalists and theoreticians from both Aalto University and VTT. A successful candidate will have an important role in co-designing the experimental work of our research team aiming to demonstrate the next break-throughs in energy conversion between light, heat and electricity.

Selected publications of our team related to the topic of master's thesis

Sadi, T., Radevici, I. & Oksanen, J. Thermophotonic cooling with light-emitting diodes. Nat. Photonics 14 , 205–214 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41566-020-0600-6
A. Casado, et al. On the temperature dependence of the efficiency of electroluminescence J. Appl. Phys. 126 , 173102 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5124566

Our wish list for the selected candidate includes:

interest/experience on experimental data acquisition and manipulation;
knowledge of semiconductor physics and/or related materials;
team working skills and sociable character;
aptitude for creative, open minded and independent thinking.

We’ll consider as a strong benefit:

experience on fabricating and processing compound semiconductor light emitting/solar cell devices (emphasis on GaAs);
previous experience in scripting (python, MATLAB, etc.) and electronics (Arduino, ESP32, etc.)

What we offer

The research takes place at Aalto University , School of Science, and Micronova , located at Otaniemi, Espoo, Finland, offering a great environment both for research and recreation. Micronova is the largest clean room facility in the Nordic countries and offers a state-of-the-art ecosystem for micro- and nanoelectronics research and small-scale manufacturing. We also have a vivid national and international collaboration with research groups from Finland and EU.

The salary is determined according to the salary system of Finnish universities. At the Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, setting the salary of a master’s thesis worker to 2378,62 €/month. The duration of master thesis worker contract is 6 months.

As an employer, Aalto University provides excellent learning and development opportunities as well as occupational health care services, commuter ticket benefit and sport activities offered by Unisport. The contract includes occupational health benefits and Finland has a comprehensive social security system.

Ready to apply?

The deadline for applications is September 22, 2024. Note, however, that the position may be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. We will go through applications, and we may invite suitable candidates to interview already during the application period.

Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period, reopen the application process, and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.

To apply, please share the following application materials with us through our recruitment site ("Apply now!”).

Please submit the following application material in pdf-form:

- Motivation letter (including names, position and contact information of possible referees)

- Resumé of your studies/experience

Please note: Aalto University’s employees should apply for the position via our internal HR system Workday (Internal Jobs) by using their existing Workday user account (not via the external webpage for open positions). Aalto University’s students and visitors should apply as external candidates with personal (not aalto) email.

If you want more information about the open position, please contact Ivan Radevici or Jani Oksanen (emails of the form firstname.surname(at)aalto.fi).

Questions related to the recruitment process can be sent to HR services at hr-nbe(at)aalto.fi.

Want to know more about us and your future colleagues ? You can watch these videos: Aalto University – Towards a better world , Aalto People , and Shaping a Sustainable Future .

Read more about working at Aalto: https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto

Check out our new virtual campus experience: https://virtualtour.aalto.fi/

More about Aalto University:

Aalto.fi youtube.com/user/aaltouniversity linkedin.com/school/aalto-university/ www.facebook.com/aaltouniversity instagram.com/aaltouniversity twitter.com/aaltouniversity

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Dissertation

How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation Introduction

Published on September 7, 2022 by Tegan George and Shona McCombes. Revised on November 21, 2023.

The introduction is the first section of your thesis or dissertation , appearing right after the table of contents . Your introduction draws your reader in, setting the stage for your research with a clear focus, purpose, and direction on a relevant topic .

Your introduction should include:

Your topic, in context: what does your reader need to know to understand your thesis dissertation?
Your focus and scope: what specific aspect of the topic will you address?
The relevance of your research: how does your work fit into existing studies on your topic?
Your questions and objectives: what does your research aim to find out, and how?
An overview of your structure: what does each section contribute to the overall aim?

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How to start your introduction, topic and context, focus and scope, relevance and importance, questions and objectives, overview of the structure, thesis introduction example, introduction checklist, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about introductions.

Although your introduction kicks off your dissertation, it doesn’t have to be the first thing you write — in fact, it’s often one of the very last parts to be completed (just before your abstract ).

It’s a good idea to write a rough draft of your introduction as you begin your research, to help guide you. If you wrote a research proposal , consider using this as a template, as it contains many of the same elements. However, be sure to revise your introduction throughout the writing process, making sure it matches the content of your ensuing sections.

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Begin by introducing your dissertation topic and giving any necessary background information. It’s important to contextualize your research and generate interest. Aim to show why your topic is timely or important. You may want to mention a relevant news item, academic debate, or practical problem.

After a brief introduction to your general area of interest, narrow your focus and define the scope of your research.

You can narrow this down in many ways, such as by:

Geographical area
Time period
Demographics or communities
Themes or aspects of the topic

It’s essential to share your motivation for doing this research, as well as how it relates to existing work on your topic. Further, you should also mention what new insights you expect it will contribute.

Start by giving a brief overview of the current state of research. You should definitely cite the most relevant literature, but remember that you will conduct a more in-depth survey of relevant sources in the literature review section, so there’s no need to go too in-depth in the introduction.

Depending on your field, the importance of your research might focus on its practical application (e.g., in policy or management) or on advancing scholarly understanding of the topic (e.g., by developing theories or adding new empirical data). In many cases, it will do both.

Ultimately, your introduction should explain how your thesis or dissertation:

Helps solve a practical or theoretical problem
Addresses a gap in the literature
Builds on existing research
Proposes a new understanding of your topic

Perhaps the most important part of your introduction is your questions and objectives, as it sets up the expectations for the rest of your thesis or dissertation. How you formulate your research questions and research objectives will depend on your discipline, topic, and focus, but you should always clearly state the central aim of your research.

If your research aims to test hypotheses , you can formulate them here. Your introduction is also a good place for a conceptual framework that suggests relationships between variables .

Conduct surveys to collect data on students’ levels of knowledge, understanding, and positive/negative perceptions of government policy.
Determine whether attitudes to climate policy are associated with variables such as age, gender, region, and social class.
Conduct interviews to gain qualitative insights into students’ perspectives and actions in relation to climate policy.

To help guide your reader, end your introduction with an outline of the structure of the thesis or dissertation to follow. Share a brief summary of each chapter, clearly showing how each contributes to your central aims. However, be careful to keep this overview concise: 1-2 sentences should be enough.

I. Introduction

Human language consists of a set of vowels and consonants which are combined to form words. During the speech production process, thoughts are converted into spoken utterances to convey a message. The appropriate words and their meanings are selected in the mental lexicon (Dell & Burger, 1997). This pre-verbal message is then grammatically coded, during which a syntactic representation of the utterance is built.

Speech, language, and voice disorders affect the vocal cords, nerves, muscles, and brain structures, which result in a distorted language reception or speech production (Sataloff & Hawkshaw, 2014). The symptoms vary from adding superfluous words and taking pauses to hoarseness of the voice, depending on the type of disorder (Dodd, 2005). However, distortions of the speech may also occur as a result of a disease that seems unrelated to speech, such as multiple sclerosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

This study aims to determine which acoustic parameters are suitable for the automatic detection of exacerbations in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by investigating which aspects of speech differ between COPD patients and healthy speakers and which aspects differ between COPD patients in exacerbation and stable COPD patients.

Checklist: Introduction

I have introduced my research topic in an engaging way.

I have provided necessary context to help the reader understand my topic.

I have clearly specified the focus of my research.

I have shown the relevance and importance of the dissertation topic .

I have clearly stated the problem or question that my research addresses.

I have outlined the specific objectives of the research .

I have provided an overview of the dissertation’s structure .

You've written a strong introduction for your thesis or dissertation. Use the other checklists to continue improving your dissertation.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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The introduction of a research paper includes several key elements:

A hook to catch the reader’s interest
Relevant background on the topic
Details of your research problem

and your problem statement

A thesis statement or research question
Sometimes an overview of the paper

Don’t feel that you have to write the introduction first. The introduction is often one of the last parts of the research paper you’ll write, along with the conclusion.

This is because it can be easier to introduce your paper once you’ve already written the body ; you may not have the clearest idea of your arguments until you’ve written them, and things can change during the writing process .

Research objectives describe what you intend your research project to accomplish.

They summarize the approach and purpose of the project and help to focus your research.

Your objectives should appear in the introduction of your research paper , at the end of your problem statement .

Scope of research is determined at the beginning of your research process , prior to the data collection stage. Sometimes called “scope of study,” your scope delineates what will and will not be covered in your project. It helps you focus your work and your time, ensuring that you’ll be able to achieve your goals and outcomes.

Defining a scope can be very useful in any research project, from a research proposal to a thesis or dissertation . A scope is needed for all types of research: quantitative , qualitative , and mixed methods .

To define your scope of research, consider the following:

Budget constraints or any specifics of grant funding
Your proposed timeline and duration
Specifics about your population of study, your proposed sample size , and the research methodology you’ll pursue
Any inclusion and exclusion criteria
Any anticipated control , extraneous , or confounding variables that could bias your research if not accounted for properly.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

George, T. & McCombes, S. (2023, November 21). How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation Introduction. Scribbr. Retrieved September 16, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/introduction-structure/

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Aims and Objectives
Summary. One of the most important aspects of a thesis, dissertation or research paper is the correct formulation of the aims and objectives. This is because your aims and objectives will establish the scope, depth and direction that your research will ultimately take. An effective set of aims and objectives will give your research focus and ...
Research Objectives
Example: Research aim. To examine contributory factors to muscle retention in a group of elderly people. Example: Research objectives. To assess the relationship between sedentary habits and muscle atrophy among the participants. To determine the impact of dietary factors, particularly protein consumption, on the muscular health of the ...
Research Questions, Objectives & Aims (+ Examples)
The research aims, objectives and research questions (collectively called the "golden thread") are arguably the most important thing you need to get right when you're crafting a research proposal, dissertation or thesis.We receive questions almost every day about this "holy trinity" of research and there's certainly a lot of confusion out there, so we've crafted this post to help ...
Writing your research aims and objectives
Research objectives refer to the goals or steps that you will take to achieve your aims. ... Thanks so much this piece. I have written both bachelor's and master's thesis but haven't read this made me feel like I didn't know anything about research at all. I gained more insight into aims and objectives of academic researches.
What Are Research Objectives and How to Write Them (with Examples)
Formulating research objectives has the following five steps, which could help researchers develop a clear objective: 8. Identify the research problem. Review past studies on subjects similar to your problem statement, that is, studies that use similar methods, variables, etc.
How To Write A Research Proposal (With Examples)
Make sure you can ask the critical what, who, and how questions of your research before you put pen to paper. Your research proposal should include (at least) 5 essential components: Title - provides the first taste of your research, in broad terms. Introduction - explains what you'll be researching in more detail.
What Is a Thesis?
Revised on April 16, 2024. A thesis is a type of research paper based on your original research. It is usually submitted as the final step of a master's program or a capstone to a bachelor's degree. Writing a thesis can be a daunting experience. Other than a dissertation, it is one of the longest pieces of writing students typically complete.
How to Write a Research Proposal
The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor's or master's thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. ... Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you ...
How to Write Research Objectives
To develop a set of research objectives, you would then break down the various steps involved in meeting said aim. For example: This study will investigate the link between dehydration and the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in intensive care patients in Australia. To achieve this, the study objectives w ill include:
Aims and Objectives for Master's Dissertations
The Aims and Objectives for your Master's Dissertations need to be in chapter 1, the introduction to the research project. Chapter 1 should be an introduction to the project, and not an introduction to the topic. The topic is covered in the Literature Review, usually chapter 2. However, there needs to be a few pages of background introduction ...
PDF MASTER DEGREE THESIS: A COMPREHENSIVE WRITING GUIDE
1. Introduction. 1.1. Objectives. The purpose of a master degree thesis is to demonstrate your understanding. and mastery of a particular subject area and your ability to develop new. scientific knowledge independently. For these reasons, writing a thesis is. different from studying for exams.
Your Guide to Writing a Successful Masters Dissertation
A Masters dissertation will be longer than the undergraduate equivalent - usually it'll be somewhere between 15,000 and 20,000 words, but this can vary widely between courses, institutions and countries. To answer your overall research question comprehensively, you'll be expected to identify and examine specific areas of your topic.
HOW TO WRITE YOUR MASTER THESIS: THE EASY HANDBOOK
minimum of ten days for all members of the thesis committee to review the thesis. Step 1: Prepare the content of your presentation. The content of your presentation is the mirror of your thesis ...
PDF Master Thesis Manual
The master thesis and research methods course together count for up to 20 EC and form an integral and important part of all MSc pro grammes. This manual gives detailed ... • describe the research objective: what will the research contribute to theory and management practice? In practice-oriented research, is the contribution aimed at finding ...
How to Write Master Thesis: Strategies for Effective Writing
A clear research question will guide the research and provide a strong foundation for the thesis. Plan and outline: Create a detailed outline or a roadmap for the thesis, including the main sections, subtopics, and key arguments. This will help to stay organized and maintain a logical flow throughout the writing.
Writing Strong Research Questions
A good research question is essential to guide your research paper, dissertation, or thesis. All research questions should be: Focused on a single problem or issue. Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources. Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints. Specific enough to answer thoroughly.
PDF Guidelines for the Preparation of Your Master's Thesis
Paper and Printing. The original thesis must be printed on watermarked paper of at least 25 percent cotton and at least 20 pound weight; duplicate copies may be printed on 16 pound paper. Page size must be eight and one-half inches by eleven inches. Except for the original, duplicate copies may be photocopied.
21 Research Objectives Examples (Copy and Paste)
Examples of Specific Research Objectives: 1. "To examine the effects of rising temperatures on the yield of rice crops during the upcoming growth season.". 2. "To assess changes in rainfall patterns in major agricultural regions over the first decade of the twenty-first century (2000-2010).". 3.
How to Write a Thesis: A Guide for Master's Students
Typically, these students must write a thesis statement that consists of at least one compelling sentence and at least 50 pages of content, then turn it in within 16 weeks. I have taught graduate students, primarily from the U.S. Intelligence Community, how to conduct research for over eight years.
Objectives of the Master's thesis
At the Faculty of Science, the following specific objectives are pursued and evaluated within the framework of the master's thesis: Formulating research questions in scientifically correct language and developing a research design in consultation with the supervisor and/or research group. Independently gathering information and evaluating it ...
Dissertation & Thesis Outline
Example 1: Passive construction. The passive voice is a common choice for outlines and overviews because the context makes it clear who is carrying out the action (e.g., you are conducting the research). However, overuse of the passive voice can make your text vague and imprecise. Example: Passive construction.
PDF Guideline for writing your Master thesis
the research question and sub -questions consistent throughout the research. Be aware of the fact that "what" and "how" question are usually better suited for a Master Thesis than (over)ambitious "why" questions. Significance of the study Show why your topic is important and explain the importance of providing answers to the
Neuroscience 4+1 (B.S./M.S.)
Learning Objectives. The program is designed to train scientists in the biological foundations of behavior, with research foci including learning and memory, development, neural plasticity, social behavior, and animal models of developmental and affective disorders. ... Expectations for the master's thesis research are established by a student ...
Research Assistant / Master'S Thesis Worker on Compound Semiconductor
The master thesis project will be aimed at studying the properties of LED's components below room temperature and down to cryogenic temperatures. The work will be done in a close collaboration ...
How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation Introduction
How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation Introduction. Published on September 7, 2022 by Tegan George and Shona McCombes. Revised on November 21, 2023. The introduction is the first section of your thesis or dissertation, appearing right after the table of contents.Your introduction draws your reader in, setting the stage for your research with a clear focus, purpose, and direction on a relevant ...

Introduction

What Are Aims and Objectives?

Example of a Research Aim

Research Objectives

Example of a Research Objective

Restructuring Research Objectives as Research Questions

Difference Between Aims and Objectives

How to Write Aims and Objectives

Research Objectives

Table of Research Verbs to Use in Aims and Objectives

Checking Research Objective Example Against Recommended Approach

Mistakes in Writing Research Aims and Objectives

2. Making Your Research Objectives Too Ambitious

3. Formulating Repetitive Research Objectives

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What Are Research Objectives and How to Write Them (with Examples)

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The 5 Essential Ingredients

Ingredient #1 – Topic/Title Header

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Ingredient #2 – Introduction

Ingredient #3 – Scope

Ingredient #4 – Literature Review

Ingredient #5 – Research Methodology

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Aims and Objectives for Master’s Dissertations

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