What are the differences between General Objectives and Specific Objectives?

Answer 1

a) Differentiating between specific and general objectives:

Specific Objectives: Specific objectives are narrow and precise statements that outline the specific outcomes or results that a researcher intends to achieve through a study. These objectives focus on particular aspects or components of the research topic and provide clear direction for the research process. They are often derived from the broader, general objectives.

Example: "To determine the impact of social media marketing on consumer purchasing behavior in the age group of 18-25 years in urban areas of XYZ city."

General Objectives: General objectives, on the other hand, are broader statements that describe the overall purpose or aim of the research. They provide a more overarching view of what the researcher intends to achieve. General objectives set the overall direction for the study, and specific objectives are derived from them to provide more detailed focus.

Example: "To examine the relationship between social media marketing and consumer behavior in urban areas."

In summary, specific objectives are narrow, precise statements that outline specific outcomes or results, while general objectives are broader statements that describe the overall purpose or aim of the research.

B) The research objective refers to the specific goal or aim of a research study. It outlines what the researcher intends to achieve through the research project. The research objective provides direction, focus, and purpose to the study.

The following are Characteristics of a well-defined research objective include :

Clarity: A well-defined research objective should be clear and unambiguous. It should clearly state what the researcher intends to achieve, leaving no room for confusion or misinterpretation.

Example: "To assess the impact of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program on reducing anxiety levels among university students."

Specificity: The objective should be specific and focused, addressing a particular aspect or dimension of the research topic. It should clearly outline the variables, phenomena, or populations of interest.

Example: "To examine the effect of different dosage levels of a new drug on blood pressure reduction in hypertensive patients aged 50-65 years."

Measurability: A well-defined research objective should be measurable, meaning that it should allow for the collection of empirical data to assess its achievement. It should be formulated in a way that allows for the identification of relevant indicators or measures.

Relevance: The objective should be relevant and aligned with the research topic, research questions, and overall aims of the study. It should contribute to filling gaps in knowledge, addressing a research problem, or advancing understanding in the field.

Example: "To investigate the factors influencing consumer purchasing decisions in the organic food market to provide insights for marketing strategies

Feasibility: The objective should be realistic and achievable within the available resources, time constraints, and scope of the research. It should take into account practical considerations and limitations.

Example: "To conduct a qualitative exploration of the lived experiences of individuals with chronic illness, using semi-structured interviews with a manageable sample size."

Coherence: The research objective should be coherent with the research design and methodology. It should align with the chosen approach and methods for data collection and analysis, ensuring that the objective can be effectively addressed through the research process.

Example: "To explore the relationship between employee job satisfaction and organizational commitment, utilizing a mixed-methods approach combining surveys and in-depth interviews."

Time-bound: The objective should have a specific time frame or timeline for its accomplishment. It should be formulated in a way that allows for a clear understanding of when the objective is expected to be achieved.

Example: "To assess the long-term impact of an early childhood intervention program on cognitive development and academic performance in children, tracking them until high school graduation

Answer 2

General objectives provide an overall direction or purpose of a project or task, while specific objectives outline the detailed steps or outcomes needed to achieve the general objectives. General objectives are broader and more high-level, whereas specific objectives are more focused and measurable.

Answer 3

Well lets say your general objective it to be a nicer person, they you can break this down (achieve this) into more specific things such as smiling, greeting people, being helpful etc. So you could set you self specific objectives of smiling at someone 10 times a day, greeting all people you meet before 10 am in the morning and doing one good deed a day. These measurable, specific objectives build towards achieving the General objective.

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General objectives are broad and long-term. Specific objectives are short term and narrow in focus.

The general objective is met through accomplishing each of the specific objectives.

Example : General Objective: Tom will increase profits in the lawn care division from ten thousand dollars annually to ten thousand , five hundred dollars by 1/15/2010.

specific objectives:

• John will increase his monthly customer contacts for 40 to 65 or more by 5/1/08.
• John will circulate 100 promotional flyers in at least 5 new counties by 2/2/09.
• John will make follow up calls to at least 90% of the counties targeted above by 4/1/09.
• John will increase his work hours from 20 to 25 or better beginning 4/1/09.