SMART Research Objectives

Before beginning any research, especially paid projects,
adequate time and energy should be directed toward the creation of clear and
measurable research goals/objectives.

• Good objectives help ensure the accuracy of the research
  plan.

• Clearly stated objectives help the researcher understand
  what they need to discover or uncover and help the client know what to expect

• Objectives provide the means by which the success of the
  project can be determined.

• Specific: both the client and the researcher should be
  able to clearly identify the purpose of the research.

• Measurable: how will the client and researcher know
  whether the objectives have been achieved?

• Achievable: if the objective is too large or difficult,
  the researcher may lose hope of achieving it. 
  Researchers should be challenged, but be able to achieve the objective.

• Realistic: Is it realistic to expect the researcher to
  meet this objective given the available documents and time constraints?

• Time-Constrained: when must the researcher achieve the
  objective, i.e, the project due date,

SMART Model

1. Create objectives
   based on the needs of your client, not on what you want to find.
2. Check objectives
   against the SMART model.
3. Gain approval from
   the client that objectives capture what he/she wants from the project.
4. Document the
   objectives in the research plan.