Chapter 4

Focusing the Research Question

FIGURE 4- 1 Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Research

FIGURE 4- 2 Key Considerations

Study Goals & Specific Objectives

The literature review and consideration of a study approach should lead to the selection of one very specific study topic that can be stated in terms of a single overarching study goal or study question.

A study goal often includes the specific exposure, disease, and population that will be the focus of the study

FIGURE 4-3 Examples of Study Goals

Study Goals & Specific Objectives

After finalizing the overarching study goal, the researcher should identify three or more specific objectives (also called specific aims or specific hypotheses) that stem from the main study goal.

•Each of these specific objectives should take the form of a measurable question or a “to” statement.•Each should represent a logical step toward answering the main study question.

Example

• Study goal: “to assess the impact of lead poisoning on school performance in kindergarten students in southeast Michigan.”

• Specific objective #1:

1. To measure the prevalence of high blood lead levels in a random sample of kindergarten students in southeast Michigan.

Example

• Study goal: “to assess the impact of lead poisoning on school performance in kindergarten students in southeast Michigan.”

• Specific objective #2:

2. To determine whether children in that sample with high blood lead levels have lower scores on academic tests than children with lower blood lead levels.

Example

• Study goal: “to assess the impact of lead poisoning on school performance in kindergarten students in southeast Michigan.”

• Specific objective #3:

3. To estimate the total impact of high blood lead levels on kindergarten performance in southeast Michigan by applying the rates in the sample population to the total population of the region.

Example

• Study goal: “to assess the impact of lead poisoning on school performance in kindergarten students in southeast Michigan.”

• Note that all three of these specific objectives relate to the overall study goal and provide a clear pathway for achieving the main goal.

FIGURE 4- 4 Questions Essential to the Success of the Project

FIGURE 4- 4 Questions Essential to the Success of the Project