Research Problem and

Objectives
Methods of Research for Mechanical Engineering

1st Sem, SY 2023 - 2024

 The purpose of research is to enhance society by advancing knowledge
through the development of scientific theories, concepts and ideas.

A research purpose is met through forming hypotheses, collecting data,

analysing results, forming conclusions, implementing findings into real-life
applications and forming new research questions.

Purpose of From weather forecasts to the discovery of antibiotics, researchers are

constantly trying to find new ways to understand the world and how things

Research work – with the ultimate goal of improving our lives.

The purpose of research is therefore to find out what is known, what is not
and what we can develop further. In this way, scientists can develop new
theories, ideas and products that shape our society and our everyday lives.

The purpose of research is to further understand the world and to learn how
this knowledge can be applied to better everyday life. It is an integral part of
problem solving.
 Main purposes of research

Exploratory: Descriptive: Explanatory:

Exploratory research is the first research to be conducted around a problem that has not yet been clearly defined. Descriptive research expands knowledge of a research problem or phenomenon by describing it according to its Explanatory research, also referred to as casual research, is conducted to determine how variables interact, i.e. to
Exploration research therefore aims to gain a better understanding of the exact nature of the problem and not to characteristics and population. Descriptive research focuses on the ‘how’ and ‘what’, but not on the ‘why’. identify cause-and-effect relationships. Explanatory research deals with the ‘why’ of research questions and is therefore
provide a conclusive answer to the problem itself. This enables us to conduct more in-depth research later on. often based on experiments.
 • Research objectives should be closely related to
the statement of the problem and summarize
what you hope will be achieved by the study.
Research • Objectives can be general or specific.
• The general objective of your study states
Objectives what you expect to achieve in general terms.
• Specific objectives break down the general
objective into smaller, logically connected
parts that systematically address the various
aspects of the problem. Your specific
objectives should specify exactly what you
will do in each phase of your study, how,
where, when and for what purpose.
 A critical component of a successful
research engagement is a set of clearly
defined and meaningful objectives. Having
well-defined objectives narrows and
Developing focuses the research and ensures that the
findings are relevant to decision-makers.
Research
Objectives The research objectives drive all aspects of
the methodology, including instrument
design, data collection, analysis, and
ultimately the recommendations.
 • They should be presented briefly and concisely
• They should be presented in logical sequence
• They should be realistic (e.g., achieved within the
Guidelines expected timeframe, achieved within the available
when resources)
• They should be phrased in operational terms (i.e., in
developing a way that brings the organization closer to its
business objectives)
research • They should use action verbs that are specific
objectives enough to be evaluated or measured (e.g., assess,
determine, compare, verify, calculate, describe).
• They should be static once the study work begins
(i.e., objectives should not be moving targets)
How should your
objectives be
stated?

• Your objectives should be stated using

action verbs that are specific enough
to be measured
• For example: to compare, to calculate,
to assess, to determine, to verify, to
calculate, to describe, to explain, etc.
Avoid the use of vague non-active
verbs such as: to appreciate, to
understand, to believe, to study, etc.,
because it is difficult to evaluate
whether they have been achieved.
 A research study designed to assess the accessibility and acceptability
of the Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) Services for HIV
infection in kebele X had the following general and specific objectives:
• General objective:
• To identify factors that affects the acceptability of VCT services
Example and to assess community attitudes towards comprehensive
care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS.

(Objective) • Specific objectives:

• To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of the
community towards HIV/AIDS and VCT services.
• To identify barriers and concerns related to VCT and its uptake.
• To assess the awareness and perception of the study
community regarding comprehensive care and support for
people living with HIV/AIDS.
 Based on the discussions and example,
please prepare the following:

Activity No. 3: Broad (General) Statement of the

Problem

Research
Objectives General Objectives

Specific Objectives