Asking chatgpt to explain the terms of research aims, research objectives and research questions: for Housing Studies students

Asking chatgpt (accessed via poe.com) to explain the terms of research aims, research objectives and research questions: for Housing Studies students

My question 1: "I am a part-time housing studies student, starting to do my final year dissertation project. To do so, I have come up with a proposal with research objectives, research aims and research questions. Could you tell me what are the characteristics of these three terms, notably in the context of doing Housing Studies dissertation projects? Tks."

The reply from chatgpt: "Certainly! Here’s a breakdown of the characteristics of research aims, objectives, and questions, particularly in the context of a Housing Studies dissertation:

Research Aims

Definition: Research aims are broad statements that outline what you hope to achieve through your study.

Characteristics:

General Focus: They provide a high-level overview of the study’s purpose.

Direction: Aims guide the overall direction of the research.

Contextual Relevance: In Housing Studies, aims might include understanding housing policy impacts, exploring social housing needs, or assessing the effectiveness of housing interventions.

Research Objectives

Definition: Research objectives are specific, measurable steps that you will take to achieve your research aims.

Characteristics:

Specificity: Objectives break down the aims into clear, actionable tasks.

Measurable Outcomes: They should be quantifiable, allowing you to assess progress and outcomes.

Alignment: Objectives should directly support the research aims. For example, if your aim is to assess housing affordability, your objectives might include analyzing income data and housing costs in a specific area.

Research Questions

Definition: Research questions are specific queries that guide your investigation and help focus your study.

Characteristics:

Clarity: Questions should be clear and concise, addressing specific aspects of your topic.

Researchable: They must be answerable through your research methods, whether qualitative or quantitative.

Relevance: In Housing Studies, questions might address the experiences of residents, the effectiveness of housing policies, or the impact of urban development on community cohesion.

Example in Housing Studies Context

Aim: To evaluate the impact of recent housing policies on urban homelessness rates.

Objectives:

To analyze statistical trends in homelessness before and after policy implementation.

To conduct interviews with affected individuals and service providers.

To compare case studies from different urban areas.

Questions:

How have homelessness rates changed in the city post-policy implementation?

What are the perceptions of service providers regarding the effectiveness of these policies?

What challenges do individuals facing homelessness report in accessing housing services?

In summary, the aims provide a broad vision, objectives outline specific steps to take, and research questions focus your inquiry. Each component is vital for structuring a coherent and impactful dissertation in Housing Studies."

My question 2: "Would research objectives and research questions be formulated differently if the underlying research philosophy employed is different?"

The reply from chatgpt: "Yes, the formulation of research objectives and research questions can vary significantly depending on the underlying research philosophy. Here’s how different philosophies might influence these elements:

1. Positivism

Characteristics:

Focus on objective measurements and observable phenomena.

Emphasis on quantitative methods and statistical analysis.

Formulation:

Objectives: Likely to be specific, measurable, and focused on testing hypotheses (e.g., "To quantify the relationship between housing affordability and rates of homelessness").

Questions: Typically framed to allow for empirical testing (e.g., "What is the correlation between housing prices and homelessness rates in urban areas?").

2. Interpretivism

Characteristics:

Emphasis on understanding social phenomena through the perspectives of individuals.

Utilizes qualitative methods such as interviews and case studies.

Formulation:

Objectives: Aimed at exploring meanings and experiences (e.g., "To explore the lived experiences of residents in affordable housing").

Questions: Open-ended and focused on understanding context (e.g., "How do residents perceive the impact of affordable housing on their quality of life?").

3. Critical Realism

Characteristics:

Recognizes the existence of an objective reality but also emphasizes the importance of social constructs.

Encourages a mix of qualitative and quantitative approaches to understand complex social issues.

Formulation:

Objectives: May include both measurement and exploration (e.g., "To analyze statistical trends in homelessness while also examining social factors that contribute to these trends").

Questions: Aim to uncover underlying social structures (e.g., "What systemic factors contribute to the persistence of homelessness despite existing policies?").

4. Constructivism

Characteristics:

Focuses on how individuals construct their own understanding of the world based on experiences.

Typically qualitative, with an emphasis on co-creation of knowledge.

Formulation:

Objectives: Concerned with co-constructing knowledge through participant engagement (e.g., "To collaboratively develop insights with community members about housing challenges").

Questions: Highly subjective and aimed at exploring different perspectives (e.g., "What narratives do community members share regarding their challenges in accessing housing?").

Conclusion

In summary, the underlying research philosophy shapes the way researchers approach their objectives and questions. Positivist frameworks tend to favor quantifiable, hypothesis-driven formulations, while interpretivist and constructivist approaches emphasize subjective understanding and context. Critical realism often blends both perspectives, allowing for a more nuanced exploration of complex social issues. When designing your research, it's essential to align your objectives and questions with your chosen philosophy to ensure coherence and rigor in your study."

Reference: a collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.