Microsoft Word research method fm doc

CHAPTER FIVE 
OBJECTIVES 
 
5.1 Learning objectives 
After completing this chapter, the student should be able to
: 
1. Describe the need for the development of research objectives 
2. Differentiate between general and specific objectives 
3. Formulate specific objectives and hypotheses 
5.2 Introduction 
Having decided what to study, and knowing why s/he wants to study it, the investigator 
can now formulate his study objectives. Objectives should be closely related to the 
statement of the problem. For example, if the problem identified is low utilization of health 
stations in a rural district, the general objective of the study could be to assess the 
reasons for this low utilization. If we break down this general objective into smaller and 
logically connected parts, then we get specific objectives.
 
 
5.3 Definitions 
 General objectives
: aim of the study in general terms 
Example: In a study on missed opportunities for EPI in Addis Ababa the general objective 
was: “to assess missed opportunities for EPI in Addis Ababa”. 
 
Specific objectives:
measurable statements on the specific questions to be answered. 
Unlike the general objectives, the specific objectives are more specific and are related to the 
research problem situation. They indicate the variable to be examined and measured. 
 
Example: In the study of missed opportunity for EPI in Addis Ababa the specific objectives 
could be: 

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Research methodology 
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To find out the magnitude of missed opportunities for children who attend OPD, MCH, 
CDD, etc. in Addis Ababa,
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To examine the reasons for children not being immunized while attending the OPD, 
MCH, CDD, etc. services.