Objectives and Research Questions – UGC NET Question

Research objectives translate the general research problem into specific, achievable targets. They indicate what variables or issues will be examined and at what level of detail. Clearly stated objectives help in choosing suitable methods, tools and analytical techniques. Thus they give direction and boundaries to the entire study, preventing it from becoming diffuse.

Option A:
Option A correctly asserts that objectives provide focus and specify intended outcomes. They act as a roadmap, guiding decisions on data collection and analysis. When objectives are well formulated, they also make it easier to evaluate whether the study has been successful.

Option B:
Option B suggests making the study as open ended as possible without focus, which is opposite to the purpose of objectives. Without clear objectives, the study can become diffuse and unfocused, making interpretation of findings difficult.

Option C:
Option C assumes that having objectives removes the need for literature review, which is incorrect. Review of literature is necessary to situate objectives in existing knowledge and to justify their relevance.

Option D:
Option D connects objectives only to large sample size, which is not their primary role. Sample size depends on design and statistical requirements rather than directly on the wording of objectives.