Elite Research Statistical Consulting - Research Questions, Aims, and Goals

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH PLANNING

A strong foundation for a research study is based on careful planning, including defining what, where, when, why, and how. Research planning comes before collecting and analyzing data. You need to identify what you are trying to understand, the reasons why you want to undertake the project, and the resources needed for it.

Research Questions, Aims, and Goals

What is it? Research questions, aims, and goals provide a starting point for your research, as well as boundaries by which to focus your study. A project that begins with sound research questions, aims, and goals is more likely to be successful and yield results that address a specific problem, need, or objective.

Your research questions guide your research, as well as clarify the specific directions your study will take, such as research design, data collection, and analysis approach. They should always be filling a knowledge “gap” — regardless of your field of work. They should be clear, focused, appropriately complex, and worded in a way that aligns properly with the nature of your inquiry.

It is invaluable to discuss your ideas with those who understand the data collection and analysis needs of your study, as well as the end goal. Our consultants can help you craft your FINER (feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, and relevant) research questions, with the end goal in mind.

Depending on your research interest, you may be required to create research aims and/or goals. In some instances, aims or goals fill the place of your research questions. A research aim or goal is also referred to as a research objective. It is a statement about the specific actions that will be taken in a research study, or a statement giving details on actions taken to answer a research question. Our consultants can help you define your research questions, aims, and goals so that the steps required to move forward are clear.