The objective statement is an important component of any research paper that outlines the overall goal of the work. Crafting a clear and compelling objective statement requires understanding what must be included as well as following best practices for structure and style. This article will explore in detail how to write an effective objective statement for a research paper through examining key elements, examples, and guidelines.
What should be included in an objective statement? At minimum, an objective statement should clearly articulate two main points – the research topic being investigated and the overall goal or purpose of the study. Stating both the topic and goal provides necessary context while directing the focus of the paper. Beyond these essential elements, additional context such as background on the issue, why it matters, and how the study aims to address gaps can strengthen the statement.
For the research topic, aim to be as specific as possible by including relevant concepts, populations, locations, variables, or timeframes under examination. Avoid vague or broad topics that do not give readers a firm grasp of the paper’s subject matter. For example, stating that the topic is “climate change” is too general whereas “The impact of increased carbon emissions on global temperatures from 1980 to 2020” provides much more definable bounds.
Clearly outlining the research goal provides direction on how the topic will be explored and establishes expectations for findings or conclusions. Common goals include seeking to answer a question, test a hypothesis, identify relationships, make comparisons, or fill observable gaps. For example, an objective statement may read “The purpose of this study is to determine if a relationship exists between social media use and rates of loneliness in college students.” Both the topic and goal are directly stated.
Beyond the core elements, additional context can strengthen an objective statement. Providing brief background on why the research topic warrants investigation allows readers to grasp the significance and relevance of the study. Citing literature that indicates gaps, debates, or inconclusive prior work establishes a need for the study. Similarly, explaining how the research will address open questions or fill observable gaps adds purpose. Incorporating context gives objective statements more depth while better situating the overall goals.
How should an objective statement be structured? Following a standard structure and using clear, direct language helps objective statements effectively convey their messages. A basic structure includes an introductory sentence followed by specifically stating the research topic and goal. Concluding with a brief re-emphasis of the goal provides coherence. It is also beneficial to use the active rather than passive voice for a more engaging tone.
An ideal objective statement structure is as follows:
introductory sentence + specifically stated topic + goal statement + re-emphasis of goal
For example:
“This study aims to investigate the relationship between social media usage levels and rates of loneliness in college students. Specifically, it seeks to determine if students who spend more time on social networking sites exhibit higher levels of loneliness compared to their peers based on standardized assessment measures. The overarching purpose is to understand how social media use may impact feelings of loneliness.”
Following this clear structure allows all key elements to be addressed concisely while engaging the reader from start to finish. Using the active voice as in this example also imbues the statement with a more direct, confident tone.
What styles should be used? Objective statements must use precise, academic language suitable for research. Avoid inflational language, slang, personal views or opinions which could undermine credibility. Refer to “the study” or “this research” rather than employing first-person pronouns. Stick to concrete verbs like “investigate,” “determine,” and “examine” rather than vague alternatives. Quantify topics whenever applicable by including relevant variables, groups, or measurements.
For example, rather than stating one seeks to “learn about loneliness on social media,” specify the goal as “to determine if a relationship exists between levels of social media usage and rates of loneliness.” Be direct yet maintain an objective, impartial style without embellishment. Employ a formal, third-person tone appropriate for addressing an academic audience. Check for consistency in verb tense, typically the present or future tense to denote proposed work.
How long should it be? An effective objective statement is concise yet comprehensive. As a general guideline, objective statements for standard undergraduate or graduate research papers range from one to three sentences, or approximately 50-150 words. This allows the key components to be efficiently communicated while retaining focus and engagement. Lengthier statements risk losing cohesion or venturing into unrelated areas. For large, comprehensive studies more detail and context may warrant an objective in the 150-250 word range. The components should only be expanded upon as needed for the specific work.
Are there best practices for revision? Even well-constructed objective statements often benefit from revision. An important best practice is having objective statements reviewed by fellow students, advisors, or writing tutors for clarity, flow, and impact. Feedback highlighting vagueness, redundancies, or ways to better situate the study goals aids improvement. It’s also wise to check objective statements against related components like the introduction and literature review for consistency in articulating the topic, questions, and approaches. Edit repeatedly for concision, precisely phrasing goals and maintaining objectivity of style and language. Final approval from supervising faculty ensures the statement meets expectations and standards.
Objective statements are a research paper staple that warrant due attention to craft impactfully. By following guidelines on key inclusion elements, maintaining a clear structure using academic style and an optimized length, researchers can develop objective statements that set an engaging yet credible direction for their work. Obtaining reviews and revision based on feedback optimizes statements to effectively orient readers and maintain coherence across related sections. With practice and effort, researchers gain mastery of this important foundational element.
Andrew Stroud