Zoo212 - The Scientific Method L9 - Formulating project Aims and Objectives

The Scientific Method

Lecture Overview

  • Date: 21 Apr 2021

  • Course: Zoo212

  • Lecture Topic: Formulating Project Aims and Objectives

  • Presenter: Professor Niall Vine

Importance of Aims and Objectives

  • Research aims and objectives define the scope and direction of research.

  • They provide answers to the research question and break down the aim into manageable parts.

  • Aims specify what to study; objectives outline steps to achieve the aim.

Definitions

  • Research Question: Central question to be answered through research findings.

  • Aim: What you want to know.

  • Objectives: Specific steps taken to achieve the aim.

  • Summary: Aim = what to achieve, Objective = how to achieve it.

Formulating Aims

  • Aims are typically written as infinitive verbs (e.g. "to map," "to develop").

  • Example introductory phrasing: "My aim in this project is to..."

Formulating Objectives

Characteristics

  • Objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-constrained (S.M.A.R.T).

  • Specific: Clear about what will be done.

  • Measurable: Clearly define success metrics.

  • Achievable: Set realistic targets.

  • Realistic: Assess available resources.

  • Time-constrained: Set timelines for completion.

Presentation

  • Objectives can be presented as numbered lists for clarity on project steps.

Common Mistakes in Aims and Objectives

  1. Avoid too many aims; stick to one or two.

  2. Ensure clarity; avoid vague or confusing statements.

  3. Aims and objectives must connect meaningfully.

  4. Differentiate clearly between aims and objectives; they should not be redundant.

  5. Objectives should not resemble a laundry list but outline a logical sequence.

  6. Ensure objectives link to research methods to confirm feasibility.

Examples of Aims and Objectives

Example 1: Large Mammal Interactions

  • Aim: Investigate the relationship between buffalo and lions in Addo Elephant Park.

  • Objectives:

    1. Measure habitat usage of buffalo in the presence/absence of lions.

    2. Determine daily movement patterns of buffalo and lions.

    3. Investigate buffalo's contribution to lions' diet over six months.

Example 2: Aquaculture Research

  • Aim: Investigate effects of microalgae diets on the EFA profile and growth of copepod Psuedodiaptomus hessei.

  • Objectives:

    1. Measure amounts of EPA, DHA, and AA in copepods fed two different microalgal species.

    2. Model daily growth of copepods under varying diets over three weeks.

Exercise

  • Formulate aims and objectives for the following topics:

    • The Turnitin practice

    • This page’s list of exercises

    • The search for life on Mars

    • Efficacy of J&J, Moderna, and Pfizer vaccines against the XYZ Covid strain.