Asking chatpgt to clarify the terms of research objective, research aim and research question: a note for Housing Studies students

Asking chatpgt to clarify the terms of research objective, research aim and research question: a note for Housing Studies students

I am Housing Studies student, currently doing my final-year dissertation project. In my study on Research Methods, I came across a few terms which appear to me to be very similar. They are research objective, research aim and research question. Below is my brief Q&A session with the assistant bot (a version of chatgpt accessed via poe.com) with regard to the concern about research objective, research aim and research question.

My questions are: "Could you clarify me me what each of these terms want to underline? Also, as my research topic is on the housing affordability challenge facing the millennials in Hong Kong, could you provide me with 2 illustrative examples on research objective, research aim and research question?"

The reply from the assistant bot is: "Certainly! I'd be happy to provide some clarity on the differences between research objective, research aim, and research question, as well as some illustrative examples related to your research topic on the housing affordability challenge facing millennials in Hong Kong.

Research Objective:

The research objective is a broad, overarching statement that outlines the primary purpose or goal of the study.

It describes what the researcher aims to achieve or discover through the research process.

The research objective is usually more general and can encompass multiple aspects of the study.

Example Research Objective for your study:

To investigate the key factors contributing to the housing affordability challenge faced by millennials in Hong Kong.

Research Aim:

The research aim is a more specific and focused statement that outlines the specific aspect or focus of the study.

It provides a clear direction for the research and helps to guide the entire research process.

The research aim is typically more detailed and narrower in scope than the research objective.

Example Research Aim for your study:

To examine the impact of rising property prices, stagnant wages, and limited government intervention on the housing affordability for millennials in Hong Kong.

Research Question:

The research question is a concise and clearly defined inquiry that the study aims to answer.

It is a specific, measurable, and answerable question that drives the research process.

Research questions help to focus the study and provide a clear direction for data collection and analysis.

Example Research Question for your study:

To what extent do rising property prices, stagnant wages, and limited government intervention contribute to the housing affordability challenge faced by millennials in Hong Kong?

In the context of your research topic on the housing affordability challenge facing millennials in Hong Kong, the illustrative examples could be as follows:

Research Objective:

To investigate the key factors contributing to the housing affordability challenge faced by millennials in Hong Kong.

Research Aim:

To examine the impact of rising property prices, stagnant wages, and limited government intervention on the housing affordability for millennials in Hong Kong.

Research Question:

To what extent do rising property prices, stagnant wages, and limited government intervention contribute to the housing affordability challenge faced by millennials in Hong Kong?

Remember, the research objective, aim, and question should be clearly defined, aligned, and tailored to your specific research topic and study. These elements will help guide your research process and ensure that your dissertation project is focused and well-structured."

Overall evaluation comments

I find the reply from the assistant bot clear and the examples are also useful illustrations on the three terms of research objective, research aim and research question.

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