Goal setting

Establishing research goals

You may have already done some work on your research goals in order to get your proposal accepted by the University. Now you need to refine and focus your ideas so that you are sure they're achievable .

Go back to setting out the questions you want to answer. Ask how, who, what, when, or why to gather your ideas together. Try expressing the aim of your research in one simple, clear, unambiguous sentence. If necessary you can use one overall goal, and then list some very clear sub-goals underneath.

This research statement will influence everything that follows in the research process. Also when formulating your goals keep in mind such issues as:

• finances required
• time available
• your own and your supervisor's expertise and knowledge in the particular research area.

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Tips from advisors and students

Supervisors	Students
Who do you see is responsible for setting aims and goals and how should this happen?	Who do you see is responsible for setting aims and goals and how should this happen?
What advice and support do you provide for students developing clearly focused goals?	What was the best advice and support you received for developing clearly focused goals?

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