This week, we continued focusing on research methodologies, specifically the importance of maintaining a clear and logical connection—often called the “Golden Thread”—between the research aim, objectives, and goals. This alignment is key to ensuring the study is coherent and consistent.
The research aim is a broad statement explaining the overall purpose of the study. Research objectives break this down into specific, actionable steps that guide the methodology and analysis. These objectives should be focused, clear, and achievable within the scope of the project.
We also discussed the SMART framework for setting research goals, which means goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This helps keep the project practical and on track.
A useful tip shared was about note-taking: it’s important to clearly mark whether something is a direct quote or a paraphrase when gathering information. This helps prevent confusion later and ensures accurate referencing, avoiding accidental plagiarism.