Research

Research Objective Setting

Unfocused research wastes time. This 60-minute exercise defines what you need to learn *before* you start. It helps create clear research objectives and prevents scope creep.

Duration
1 hour
Group Size
6-10
Category
Research
Difficulty
Easy
Energy
Medium

Objectives

Participants will identify key unknowns, prioritize questions, frame research objectives, and determine success criteria.

Outcomes

Participants will establish clear research objectives, define focused research questions, and build a foundation for research planning.

Step-by-Step Instructions


  1. Question Generation (20 min): What do we need to know? Brainstorm all relevant questions.

  2. Prioritization (20 min): Which questions matter most? Use a matrix to rank questions by importance and urgency.

  3. Objective Framing (15 min): Write clear research objectives. Use a template to guide the process.

  4. Success Criteria (5 min): How will we know research succeeded? Define measurable success criteria.

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Facilitator Tips

Push participants for specific questions. Challenge any assumption-based questions. Sometimes teams struggle to define success criteria – be prepared to offer examples.

Pre-Work

For Facilitators

  • Review participant profiles and expectations
  • Prepare all materials and supplies
  • Test technology and room setup

For Participants

  • Complete pre-session survey
  • Review background materials
  • Prepare examples or case studies

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Materials Required


  • Question brainstorm space

  • Prioritization matrix

  • Objective template

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Resources & Templates

How to Write Effective Research Objectives
A guide on the process of setting clear, concise, and actionable objectives for your research.
How to Write Effective Research Objectives
A guide on the process of setting clear, concise, and actionable objectives for your research.
How to Write Effective Research Objectives
A guide on the process of setting clear, concise, and actionable objectives for your research.
Research Objective Setting Worksheet
A worksheet to help you and your team brainstorm and refine your research objectives.
Research Objective Setting Worksheet
A worksheet to help you and your team brainstorm and refine your research objectives.
Research Objective Setting Worksheet
A worksheet to help you and your team brainstorm and refine your research objectives.
Research Objectives Template
A Miro template for defining and aligning on clear research objectives.
Research Objectives Template
A Miro template for defining and aligning on clear research objectives.
Research Objectives Template
A Miro template for defining and aligning on clear research objectives.
Research Questions vs. Research Objectives
An article that clarifies the difference between research questions and objectives, helping you to set both effectively.
Research Questions vs. Research Objectives
An article that clarifies the difference between research questions and objectives, helping you to set both effectively.
Research Questions vs. Research Objectives
An article that clarifies the difference between research questions and objectives, helping you to set both effectively.
SMART Research Objectives Guide
A guide on how to apply the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to your research objectives.
SMART Research Objectives Guide
A guide on how to apply the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to your research objectives.
SMART Research Objectives Guide
A guide on how to apply the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to your research objectives.

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