Identify
Explore
Discover
Discuss
Summarise
Describe
Last, format your objectives into a numbered list. This is because when you write your thesis or dissertation, you will at times need to make reference to a specific research objective; structuring your research objectives in a numbered list will provide a clear way of doing this.
To bring all this together, let’s compare the first research objective in the previous example with the above guidance:
Research Objective:
1. Develop finite element models using explicit dynamics to mimic mallet blows during cup/shell insertion, initially using simplified experimentally validated foam models to represent the acetabulum.
Checking Against Recommended Approach:
Q: Is it specific? A: Yes, it is clear what the student intends to do (produce a finite element model), why they intend to do it (mimic cup/shell blows) and their parameters have been well-defined ( using simplified experimentally validated foam models to represent the acetabulum ).
Q: Is it measurable? A: Yes, it is clear that the research objective will be achieved once the finite element model is complete.
Q: Is it achievable? A: Yes, provided the student has access to a computer lab, modelling software and laboratory data.
Q: Is it relevant? A: Yes, mimicking impacts to a cup/shell is fundamental to the overall aim of understanding how they deform when impacted upon.
Q: Is it timebound? A: Yes, it is possible to create a limited-scope finite element model in a relatively short time, especially if you already have experience in modelling.
Q: Does it start with a verb? A: Yes, it starts with ‘develop’, which makes the intent of the objective immediately clear.
Q: Is it a numbered list? A: Yes, it is the first research objective in a list of eight.
1. making your research aim too broad.
Having a research aim too broad becomes very difficult to achieve. Normally, this occurs when a student develops their research aim before they have a good understanding of what they want to research. Remember that at the end of your project and during your viva defence , you will have to prove that you have achieved your research aims; if they are too broad, this will be an almost impossible task. In the early stages of your research project, your priority should be to narrow your study to a specific area. A good way to do this is to take the time to study existing literature, question their current approaches, findings and limitations, and consider whether there are any recurring gaps that could be investigated .
Note: Achieving a set of aims does not necessarily mean proving or disproving a theory or hypothesis, even if your research aim was to, but having done enough work to provide a useful and original insight into the principles that underlie your research aim.
Be realistic about what you can achieve in the time you have available. It is natural to want to set ambitious research objectives that require sophisticated data collection and analysis, but only completing this with six months before the end of your PhD registration period is not a worthwhile trade-off.
Each research objective should have its own purpose and distinct measurable outcome. To this effect, a common mistake is to form research objectives which have large amounts of overlap. This makes it difficult to determine when an objective is truly complete, and also presents challenges in estimating the duration of objectives when creating your project timeline. It also makes it difficult to structure your thesis into unique chapters, making it more challenging for you to write and for your audience to read.
Fortunately, this oversight can be easily avoided by using SMART objectives.
Hopefully, you now have a good idea of how to create an effective set of aims and objectives for your research project, whether it be a thesis, dissertation or research paper. While it may be tempting to dive directly into your research, spending time on getting your aims and objectives right will give your research clear direction. This won’t only reduce the likelihood of problems arising later down the line, but will also lead to a more thorough and coherent research project.
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Research objectives refer to the definitive statements made by researchers at the beginning of a research project detailing exactly what a research project aims to achieve.
These objectives are explicit goals clearly and concisely projected by the researcher to present a clear intention or course of action for his or her qualitative or quantitative study.
Research objectives are typically nested under one overarching research aim. The objectives are the steps you’ll need to take in order to achieve the aim (see the examples below, for example, which demonstrate an aim followed by 3 objectives, which is what I recommend to my research students).
Research aim and research objectives are fundamental constituents of any study, fitting together like two pieces of the same puzzle.
The ‘research aim’ describes the overarching goal or purpose of the study (Kumar, 2019). This is usually a broad, high-level purpose statement, summing up the central question that the research intends to answer.
Example of an Overarching Research Aim:
“The aim of this study is to explore the impact of climate change on crop productivity.”
Comparatively, ‘research objectives’ are concrete goals that underpin the research aim, providing stepwise actions to achieve the aim.
Objectives break the primary aim into manageable, focused pieces, and are usually characterized as being more specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
Examples of Specific Research Objectives:
1. “To examine the effects of rising temperatures on the yield of rice crops during the upcoming growth season.” 2. “To assess changes in rainfall patterns in major agricultural regions over the first decade of the twenty-first century (2000-2010).” 3. “To analyze the impact of changing weather patterns on crop diseases within the same timeframe.”
The distinction between these two terms, though subtle, is significant for successfully conducting a study. The research aim provides the study with direction, while the research objectives set the path to achieving this aim, thereby ensuring the study’s efficiency and effectiveness.
I usually recommend to my students that they use the SMART framework to create their research objectives.
SMART is an acronym standing for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It provides a clear method of defining solid research objectives and helps students know where to start in writing their objectives (Locke & Latham, 2013).
Each element of this acronym adds a distinct dimension to the framework, aiding in the creation of comprehensive, well-delineated objectives.
Here is each step:
You’re not expected to fit every single element of the SMART framework in one objective, but across your objectives, try to touch on each of the five components.
1. Field: Psychology
Aim: To explore the impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance in college students.
2. Field: Environmental Science
Aim: To understand the effects of urban green spaces on human well-being in a metropolitan city.
3. Field: Technology
Aim: To investigate the influence of using social media on productivity in the workplace.
4. Field: Education
Aim: To examine the effectiveness of online vs traditional face-to-face learning on student engagement and achievement.
5. Field: Health
Aim: To determine the impact of a Mediterranean diet on cardiac health among adults over 50.
6. Field: Environmental Science
Aim: To analyze the impact of urban farming on community sustainability.
7. Field: Sociology
Aim: To investigate the influence of home offices on work-life balance during remote work.
8. Field: Economics
Aim: To evaluate the effects of minimum wage increases on small businesses.
9. Field: Education
Aim: To explore the role of extracurricular activities in promoting soft skills among high school students.
10. Field: Technology
Aim: To assess the impact of virtual reality (VR) technology on the tourism industry.
11. Field: Biochemistry
Aim: To examine the role of antioxidants in preventing cellular damage.
12. Field: Linguistics
Aim: To determine the influence of early exposure to multiple languages on cognitive development in children.
13. Field: Art History
Aim: To explore the impact of the Renaissance period on modern-day art trends.
14. Field: Cybersecurity
Aim: To assess the effectiveness of two-factor authentication (2FA) in preventing unauthorized system access.
15. Field: Cultural Studies
Aim: To analyze the role of music in cultural identity formation among ethnic minorities.
16. Field: Astronomy
Aim: To explore the impact of solar activity on satellite communication.
17. Field: Literature
Aim: To examine narrative techniques in contemporary graphic novels.
18. Field: Renewable Energy
Aim: To investigate the feasibility of solar energy as a primary renewable resource within urban areas.
19. Field: Sports Science
Aim: To evaluate the role of pre-game rituals in athlete performance.
20. Field: Ecology
Aim: To investigate the effects of urban noise pollution on bird populations.
21. Field: Food Science
Aim: To examine the influence of cooking methods on the nutritional value of vegetables.
The importance of research objectives cannot be overstated. In essence, these guideposts articulate what the researcher aims to discover, understand, or examine (Kothari, 2014).
When drafting research objectives, it’s essential to make them simple and comprehensible, specific to the point of being quantifiable where possible, achievable in a practical sense, relevant to the chosen research question, and time-constrained to ensure efficient progress (Kumar, 2019).
Remember that a good research objective is integral to the success of your project, offering a clear path forward for setting out a research design , and serving as the bedrock of your study plan. Each objective must distinctly address a different dimension of your research question or problem (Kothari, 2014). Always bear in mind that the ultimate purpose of your research objectives is to succinctly encapsulate your aims in the clearest way possible, facilitating a coherent, comprehensive and rational approach to your planned study, and furnishing a scientific roadmap for your journey into the depths of knowledge and research (Kumar, 2019).
Kothari, C.R (2014). Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques . New Delhi: New Age International.
Kumar, R. (2019). Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners .New York: SAGE Publications.
Doran, G. T. (1981). There’s a S.M.A.R.T. way to write management’s goals and objectives. Management review, 70 (11), 35-36.
Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2013). New Developments in Goal Setting and Task Performance . New York: Routledge.
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(Entry 1 of 2)
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Thesaurus Definition of objective (Entry 2 of 2)
How does the noun objective contrast with its synonyms?
Some common synonyms of objective are aim , design , end , goal , intention , intent , object , and purpose . While all these words mean "what one intends to accomplish or attain," objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable.
When is aim a more appropriate choice than objective ?
While in some cases nearly identical to objective , aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing.
When can design be used instead of objective ?
The meanings of design and objective largely overlap; however, design implies a more carefully calculated plan.
In what contexts can end take the place of objective ?
The words end and objective are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, end stresses the intended effect of action often in distinction or contrast to the action or means as such.
When is it sensible to use goal instead of objective ?
Although the words goal and objective have much in common, goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship.
When would intent be a good substitute for objective ?
The synonyms intent and objective are sometimes interchangeable, but intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness.
When might intention be a better fit than objective ?
The words intention and objective can be used in similar contexts, but intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about.
How do object and end relate to one another, in the sense of objective ?
Object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need.
Where would purpose be a reasonable alternative to objective ?
While the synonyms purpose and objective are close in meaning, purpose suggests a more settled determination.
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'objective.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
objectiveness
“Objective.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/objective. Accessed 4 Aug. 2024.
Nglish: Translation of objective for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of objective for Arabic Speakers
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Imagine you’re a student planning a vacation in a foreign country. You’re on a tight budget and need to draw…
Imagine you’re a student planning a vacation in a foreign country. You’re on a tight budget and need to draw up a pocket-friendly plan. Where do you begin? The first step is to do your research.
Before that, you make a mental list of your objectives—finding reasonably-priced hotels, traveling safely and finding ways of communicating with someone back home. These objectives help you focus sharply during your research and be aware of the finer details of your trip.
More often than not, research is a part of our daily lives. Whether it’s to pick a restaurant for your next birthday dinner or to prepare a presentation at work, good research is the foundation of effective learning. Read on to understand the meaning, importance and examples of research objectives.
What are the objectives of research, what goes into a research plan.
Research is a careful and detailed study of a particular problem or concern, using scientific methods. An in-depth analysis of information creates space for generating new questions, concepts and understandings. The main objective of research is to explore the unknown and unlock new possibilities. It’s an essential component of success.
Over the years, businesses have started emphasizing the need for research. You’ve probably noticed organizations hiring research managers and analysts. The primary purpose of business research is to determine the goals and opportunities of an organization. It’s critical in making business decisions and appropriately allocating available resources.
Here are a few benefits of research that’ll explain why it is a vital aspect of our professional lives:
One of the greatest benefits of research is to learn and gain a deeper understanding. The deeper you dig into a topic, the more well-versed you are. Furthermore, research has the power to help you build on any personal experience you have on the subject.
Research encourages you to discover the most recent information available. Updated information prevents you from falling behind and helps you present accurate information. You’re better equipped to develop ideas or talk about a topic when you’re armed with the latest inputs.
Research provides you with a good foundation upon which you can develop your thoughts and ideas. People take you more seriously when your suggestions are backed by research. You can speak with greater confidence because you know that the information is accurate.
Take any leading nonprofit organization, you’ll see how they have a strong research arm supported by real-life stories. Research also becomes the base upon which real-life connections and impact can be made. It even helps you communicate better with others and conveys why you’re pursuing something.
As we’ve already established, research is mostly about using existing information to create new ideas and opinions. In the process, it sparks curiosity as you’re encouraged to explore and gain deeper insights into a subject. Curiosity leads to higher levels of positivity and lower levels of anxiety.
Well-defined objectives of research are an essential component of successful research engagement. If you want to drive all aspects of your research methodology such as data collection, design, analysis and recommendation, you need to lay down the objectives of research methodology. In other words, the objectives of research should address the underlying purpose of investigation and analysis. It should outline the steps you’d take to achieve desirable outcomes. Research objectives help you stay focused and adjust your expectations as you progress.
The objectives of research should be closely related to the problem statement, giving way to specific and achievable goals. Here are the four types of research objectives for you to explore:
Also known as secondary objectives, general objectives provide a detailed view of the aim of a study. In other words, you get a general overview of what you want to achieve by the end of your study. For example, if you want to study an organization’s contribution to environmental sustainability, your general objective could be: a study of sustainable practices and the use of renewable energy by the organization.
Specific objectives define the primary aim of the study. Typically, general objectives provide the foundation for identifying specific objectives. In other words, when general objectives are broken down into smaller and logically connected objectives, they’re known as specific objectives. They help define the who, what, why, when and how aspects of your project. Once you identify the main objective of research, it’s easier to develop and pursue a plan of action.
Let’s take the example of ‘a study of an organization’s contribution to environmental sustainability’ again. The specific objectives will look like this:
To determine through history how the organization has changed its practices and adopted new solutions
To assess how the new practices, technology and strategies will contribute to the overall effectiveness
Once you’ve identified the objectives of research, it’s time to organize your thoughts and streamline your research goals. Here are a few effective tips to develop a powerful research plan and improve your business performance.
Your research objectives should be SMART—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-constrained. When you focus on utilizing available resources and setting realistic timeframes and milestones, it’s easier to prioritize objectives. Continuously track your progress and check whether you need to revise your expectations or targets. This way, you’re in greater control over the process.
Create a plan that’ll help you select appropriate methods to collect accurate information. A well-structured plan allows you to use logical and creative approaches towards problem-solving. The complexity of information and your skills are bound to influence your plan, which is why you need to make room for flexibility. The availability of resources will also play a big role in influencing your decisions.
After you’ve created a plan for the research process, make a list of the data you’re going to collect and the methods you’ll use. Not only will it help make sense of your insights but also keep track of your approach. The information you collect should be:
Logical, rigorous and objective
Can be reproduced by other people working on the same subject
Free of errors and highlighting necessary details
Current and updated
Includes everything required to support your argument/suggestions
Data analysis is the most crucial part of the process and there are many ways in which the information can be utilized. Four types of data analysis are often seen in a professional environment. While they may be divided into separate categories, they’re linked to each other.
The most commonly used data analysis, descriptive analysis simply summarizes past data. For example, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) use descriptive analysis. It establishes certain benchmarks after studying how someone has been performing in the past.
The next step is to identify why something happened. Diagnostic analysis uses the information gathered through descriptive analysis and helps find the underlying causes of an outcome. For example, if a marketing initiative was successful, you deep-dive into the strategies that worked.
It attempts to answer ‘what’s likely to happen’. Predictive analysis makes use of past data to predict future outcomes. However, the accuracy of predictions depends on the quality of the data provided. Risk assessment is an ideal example of using predictive analysis.
The most sought-after type of data analysis, prescriptive analysis combines the insights of all of the previous analyses. It’s a huge organizational commitment as it requires plenty of effort and resources. A great example of prescriptive analysis is Artificial Intelligence (AI), which consumes large amounts of data. You need to be prepared to commit to this type of analysis.
Once you’ve collected and collated your data, it’s time to review it and draw accurate conclusions. Here are a few ways to improve the review process:
Identify the fundamental issues, opportunities and problems and make note of recurring trends if any
Make a list of your insights and check which is the most or the least common. In short, keep track of the frequency of each insight
Conduct a SWOT analysis and identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
Write down your conclusions and recommendations of the research
When we think about research, we often associate it with academicians and students. but the truth is research is for everybody who is willing to learn and enhance their knowledge. If you want to master the art of strategically upgrading your knowledge, Harappa Education’s Learning Expertly course has all the answers. Not only will it help you look at things from a fresh perspective but also show you how to acquire new information with greater efficiency. The Growth Mindset framework will teach you how to believe in your abilities to grow and improve. The Learning Transfer framework will help you apply your learnings from one context to another. Begin the journey of tactful learning and self-improvement today!
Explore Harappa Diaries to learn more about topics related to the THINK Habit such as Learning From Experience , Critical Thinking & What is Brainstorming to think clearly and rationally.
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adjective as in fair, impartial
Strongest matches
detached , disinterested , dispassionate , equitable , evenhanded , nonpartisan , open-minded , unbiased
Strong matches
cold , cool , straight
Weak matches
impersonal , judicial , just , like it is , nondiscriminatory , strictly business , uncolored , unemotional , uninvolved , unprejudiced , unprepossessed
noun as in aim, goal
ambition , aspiration , intention , purpose , target
design , end , mark , mission , object , zero
end in view , ground zero
Startup leaders and investors were influenced by these societal movements as much as by new research helping them understand how ESG can help advance business objectives in venture capital.
One of the UAE’s biggest objectives through the Emirates Mars Mission has been to spur a young generation of scientists and engineers to get into space systems development in order to help the UAE enter the space economy.
That’s right, not all content should be created with the objective of getting more conversions or even more traffic to your site.
The first was “where is the jar,” or an objective assessment based on the listener’s understanding.
I suspect your objective, however, is to fix and flame your relationship.
All other issues—racial, feminine, even environmental—need to fit around this central objective.
Koenig has not been a sterile, objective narrator; she has openly voiced her biases, concerns, and gut feelings all along.
Certainly that was the objective of the attack: The school is a private one run by the army for the children of soldiers.
Meeting an additional objective standard is necessary: can the vehicle safely transport you from one place to another?
Carles told me that MormonThink strives to be objective and impartial.
The two-thirds objective should be used as a finder, while the one-sixth is reserved for examining details.
They are easily seen with the one-sixth objective in the routine microscopic examination.
Search with a one-twelfth-inch objective, using very subdued light.
The embryos will collect in the water, and can be easily found with a two-thirds objective.
Once his one-track mind got to functioning on a certain objective it seldom digressed.
Words related to objective are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word objective . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.
noun as in goal
noun as in something desired
noun as in ambition
Viewing 5 / 84 related words
On this page you'll find 128 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to objective, such as: detached, disinterested, dispassionate, equitable, evenhanded, and nonpartisan.
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
Like all good writing, writing an academic paper takes a certain level of skill to express your ideas and arguments in a way that is natural and that meets a level of academic sophistication. The terms, expressions, and phrases you use in your research paper must be of an appropriate level to be submitted to academic journals.
Therefore, authors need to know which verbs , nouns , and phrases to apply to create a paper that is not only easy to understand, but which conveys an understanding of academic conventions. Using the correct terminology and usage shows journal editors and fellow researchers that you are a competent writer and thinker, while using non-academic language might make them question your writing ability, as well as your critical reasoning skills.
One way to understand what constitutes good academic writing is to read a lot of published research to find patterns of usage in different contexts. However, it may take an author countless hours of reading and might not be the most helpful advice when faced with an upcoming deadline on a manuscript draft.
Briefly, “academic” language includes terms, phrases, expressions, transitions, and sometimes symbols and abbreviations that help the pieces of an academic text fit together. When writing an academic text–whether it is a book report, annotated bibliography, research paper, research poster, lab report, research proposal, thesis, or manuscript for publication–authors must follow academic writing conventions. You can often find handy academic writing tips and guidelines by consulting the style manual of the text you are writing (i.e., APA Style , MLA Style , or Chicago Style ).
However, sometimes it can be helpful to have a list of academic words and expressions like the ones in this article to use as a “cheat sheet” for substituting the better term in a given context.
You can think of writing “academically” as writing in a way that conveys one’s meaning effectively but concisely. For instance, while the term “take a look at” is a perfectly fine way to express an action in everyday English, a term like “analyze” would certainly be more suitable in most academic contexts. It takes up fewer words on the page and is used much more often in published academic papers.
You can use one handy guideline when choosing the most academic term: When faced with a choice between two different terms, use the Latinate version of the term. Here is a brief list of common verbs versus their academic counterparts:
) | |
add up | calculate |
carry out | execute |
find out | discover |
pass out | distribute |
ask questions about | interrogate |
make sense of | interpret |
pass on | distribute |
Although this can be a useful tip to help academic authors, it can be difficult to memorize dozens of Latinate verbs. Using an AI paraphrasing tool or proofreading tool can help you instantly find more appropriate academic terms, so consider using such revision tools while you draft to improve your writing.
The “Latinate verb rule” is just one tool in your arsenal of academic writing, and there are many more out there. But to make the process of finding academic language a bit easier for you, we have compiled a list of 50 vital academic words and phrases, divided into specific categories and use cases, each with an explanation and contextual example.
1. historically.
An adverb used to indicate a time perspective, especially when describing the background of a given topic.
A temporal marker emphasizing recent developments, often used at the very beginning of your Introduction section.
A “form phrase” indicating a broad consensus among researchers and/or the general public. Often used in the literature review section to build upon a foundation of established scientific knowledge.
Highlights increasing attention to a topic and tells the reader why your study might be important to this field of research.
Shares early insights or findings while hedging on making any definitive conclusions. Modal verbs like may , might , and could are often used with this expression.
Describes the goal of the research and is a form phrase very often used in the research objective or even the hypothesis of a research paper .
Highlights the importance of a matter that might be overlooked. It is also frequently used in the rationale of the study section to show how your study’s aim and scope build on previous studies.
Indicates the existing body of work on a topic while pointing to the shortcomings of certain aspects of that research. Helps focus the reader on the question, “What is missing from our knowledge of this topic?” This is often used alongside the statement of the problem in research papers.
A form phrase that directly states the aim of the study.
Poses a query or research problem statement for the reader to acknowledge.
11. in other words.
Introduces a synopsis or the rephrasing of a statement for clarity. This is often used in the Discussion section statement to explain the implications of the study .
Provides clarification, similar to “in other words.”
Simplifies a complex idea, often for a more general readership.
Specifically indicates to the reader a direct elaboration of a previous point.
Narrows down a general statement from a broader one. Often used in the Discussion section to clarify the meaning of a specific result.
Expands on a point made previously.
Indicates a deeper dive into information.
Points out specifics. Similar meaning to “specifically” or “especially.”
Explains implications and/or interprets the meaning of the Results section .
Expands a prior point to a broader one that shows the greater context or wider argument.
21. for instance.
Provides a specific case that fits into the point being made.
Demonstrates a point in full or in part.
Shows a clear picture of the point being made.
Presents a particular instance. Same meaning as “for instance.”
Lists specifics that comprise a broader category or assertion being made.
Offers examples as part of a larger list.
Adverb highlighting an important example. Similar meaning to “especially.”
Adverb that emphasizes a significant instance.
Draws attention to a specific point.
Indicates examples than previously mentioned are about to be named.
31. however.
Introduces a contrasting idea.
Highlights an alternative view or fact.
Indicates an opposing or reversed idea to the one just mentioned.
Shows likeness or parallels between two ideas, objects, or situations.
Indicates agreement with a previous point.
Draws a distinction between two points.
Introduces a contrasting point, despite what has been said.
Compares two distinct entities or ideas.
Indicates a contrast between two points.
Signals an unexpected contrast.
41. in conclusion.
Signifies the beginning of the closing argument.
Offers a brief summary.
Signals a concise recap.
Reflects the final or main point.
Gives a general concluding statement.
Indicates a resulting conclusion.
Demonstrates a logical conclusion.
Connects a cause and its effect.
Clearly states a conclusion derived from the data.
Reflects on all the discussed points before concluding.
Using these phrases in the proper places in your research papers can enhance the clarity, flow, and persuasiveness of your writing, especially in the Introduction section and Discussion section, which together make up the majority of your paper’s text in most academic domains.
However, it's vital to ensure each phrase is contextually appropriate to avoid redundancy or misinterpretation. As mentioned at the top of this article, the best way to do this is to 1) use an AI text editor , free AI paraphrasing tool or AI proofreading tool while you draft to enhance your writing, and 2) consult a professional proofreading service like Wordvice, which has human editors well versed in the terminology and conventions of the specific subject area of your academic documents.
For more detailed information on using AI tools to write a research paper and the best AI tools for research , check out the Wordvice AI Blog .
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July 31, 2024
Purdue University professor Luna Lu holds the REBEL concrete strength sensing system, which her lab invented to improve estimates of in-place strength of concrete structures. As a beta product of Wavelogix, founded by Lu, the REBEL sensor technology is being tested in several states. (Purdue University photo/Greta Bell)
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A Purdue University invention that may shorten construction timelines and increase long-term durability of concrete highways, bridges and other transportation infrastructure is emerging as a viable alternative to methods that have been used for decades to estimate when newly poured concrete is mature enough to withstand heavy loads such as those from trucks and other vehicles.
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ Committee on Materials and Pavements (AASHTO COMP) has approved the Purdue-developed method as a new national standard. AASHTO membership is comprised of the departments of transportation (DOT) of all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The creation of this standard , published Wednesday (July 31), puts the method on a path for states and contractors to consider looking into it as a new practice.
Embedded directly into fresh concrete, the Purdue invention uses sensor technology to provide engineers with relatively precise and consistent real-time data on concrete’s strength, which may be comparable or even surpass the accuracy of several current tools and methods.
For highways and bridges, less uncertainty associated with determining when concrete pavement is strong enough to handle heavy truck traffic can potentially allow newly repaired road sections to open sooner, which could save money spent on those repairs and increase convenience for the traveling public.
In the long term, a more precise determination of strength gain of the concrete over time can also help pavements last longer by not loading them too soon and inducing early damage or fatigue, affecting durability.
Opening roads sooner to traffic after construction and improving their condition could also result in financial savings for the commerce sector by reducing delays for the transportation of goods and services and leading to less wear and tear of long-haul freight trucks.
“The majority of our infrastructure was built in the 1950s and 1960s. At that time, the population in the U.S. was only half of the current population,” said Luna Lu , Purdue’s Reilly Professor in the Lyles School of Civil Engineering, who invented the sensor technology. “This means that all this infrastructure was not built and designed for the volume of traffic, the frequency of use and the amount of people we have today. We have to think of a better way to communicate with our infrastructure .”
Concrete pavement makes up less than 2% of U.S. roads but approximately 20% of the U.S. interstate system , which supports much of the nation’s traffic.
As part of a Federal Highway Administration pooled-fund study, Purdue researchers and Wavelogix , a startup Lu founded in 2021, have been testing the invention as a commercial beta product in these states: Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota, Missouri, Tennessee, Louisiana, Texas, Colorado, Utah and California. Rui He, a PhD student in Purdue’s Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering , has led the team’s work in completing more than 20 tests over the past year, installing the sensors into highways, bridge decks and retaining walls.
Initial results from testing in these states indicate that the sensor technology is potentially more accurate and consistent than some of the existing concrete strength tests which are considered to be “state-of-the-practice.” The Purdue-Wavelogix team also has plans to test in other states. However, creating awareness of this new AASHTO standard is a crucial step toward DOTs officially adopting this method into their state construction and materials testing specifications.
As awareness grows, more state DOTs will likely experiment with the new method to validate and attain their own experience and expertise. If during this process state DOTs conclude this new method is viable, they will gradually implement its use through specifications for construction project contracts. Whether the new AASHTO standard gains traction in the field leading to widespread acceptance will not likely be known for several years to come as innovation and change generally happen gradually in the construction industry.
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), which has funded the sensor technology since the beginning of its development, proposed the method as a standard to AASHTO COMP’s technical subcommittee on hardened concrete last summer, as the Purdue invention was starting to become a commercial product.
“There have been wins all along in the lab and with the technology,” said Mike Nelson, a concrete engineer in INDOT’s Division of Materials and Tests, who has worked with Lu and her team throughout the entire process of establishing this technology as a new concrete strength test.
This process has included a handful of tests in several Indiana highways and bridges to develop the model that Wavelogix launched to market in December as a commercial product called the REBEL concrete strength sensing system . Wavelogix licenses the technology from the Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization , which has applied for patent protection on the intellectual property.
INDOT is currently conducting its own verification tests of the REBEL product and has added this technique to its Indiana Test Methods Index , which will allow the technology to be used in Indiana once it is validated by field trials and pilot projects.
“The implications of this technology are staggering because everybody who pours concrete — it doesn’t matter whether you’re building a skyscraper or a road — what you want to know is the strength of the concrete so you can move on with construction. There’s nothing anywhere else in the world that can determine concrete strength in place like this does,” Nelson said.
Daniel Tobias, a member of AASHTO COMP’s technical subcommittee on hardened concrete and the engineer of concrete, soils and metals for the Illinois Department of Transportation, also saw the value of this method and assisted with the drafting of the standard based on INDOT’s proposal. In November, DOT representatives in the subcommittee and the parent Committee on Materials and Pavements voted to advance this standard to publication.
“The committee agreed that the idea and the research had worth based upon the introduction of the work from Indiana and its sponsors, and so we decided to try to move it forward,” Tobias said. “If we can get a reasonably good estimate of concrete strength quickly, that gives us a faster answer about when we can open the road or the bridge to traffic. We’re always looking for new ways to do that. This was a novel application that was developed from scratch that nobody had seen before.”
Lu and her lab started developing this technology in 2017 , when INDOT requested help in more accurately determining when pavement is ready to be opened to traffic.
The most common method that the industry has used for decades calls for testing large samples or “cylinders” of hardened concrete at a lab or on-site facility. Using that data, engineers estimate the strength level that a particular concrete mix will achieve after being poured and left to cure at a construction site. Although these tests are well understood by the industry, discrepancies between lab and outdoor conditions can result in inaccurate strength estimates due to the different cement compositions, the temperature of the surrounding area and other factors.
Another less frequently used method for determining strength is known as the maturity concept, which uses a recently established time and temperature history of a particular concrete to develop a maturity-strength curve. Measurement of the heat given off over time during the chemical reaction of cement with water provides a reasonable estimate of strength gain over time, but this method is very specific to a particular mix used at a particular time and place.
“You might think that it’s super straightforward to measure the strength of concrete, but it’s not as exact of a science as you might think it is,” Tobias said.
With the technology Lu and her team invented, engineers no longer have to rely on concrete sample cylinders or the maturity concept to estimate when fresh concrete has cured enough. Instead, they can more directly monitor the fresh concrete and accurately measure its strength and temperature.
Construction workers install the sensors by securing them to reinforcement or placing them on the subgrade, a layer of soil that provides the foundation for paving concrete. After pouring the concrete, they plug each sensor cable extending from the concrete’s formwork into a reusable handheld device that automatically starts logging data. Using the app, workers can receive information on real-time growth in the concrete strength for as long as the strength data is required.
“Every time I’ve handed a sensor to a contractor, the only question they’ve asked me is ‘When will this be available?’ The value added to the industry is so apparent to the people who would be using this technology on a day-to-day basis,” Lu said.
Lu’s lab invented this sensor technology based on its discovery that vibrations in concrete could be used to detect rigidity and other mechanical properties that convey the concrete’s strength. This technology uses electrical energy to excite the sensors, which vibrates the concrete, and then converts the mechanical energy of these vibrations back to electrical energy. The sensors measure the change in the frequencies of the vibrations of the concrete over time and correlate this change to concrete strength gain.
A mathematical model that Lu’s lab developed to describe this physical phenomenon and later create the software for the REBEL product was awarded the Alfred Noble Prize from the American Society of Civil Engineers in 2022. “This was an indication from the scientific perspective that people see this as a very important discovery,” Lu said.
The technology has received numerous other accolades over the course of its development. In April the REBEL product was recognized as a gold winner of an Edison Award in the category of Critical Human Infrastructure. The innovation has appeared on Time’s Best Inventions of 2023 list and Fast Company’s Next Big Things in Tech for 2022 , and it was named a “Gamechanger” on the American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2021 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure .
The process of turning this invention into a commercial product has also been supported by multiple awards from the National Science Foundation. Wavelogix recently received a $3 million investment from Rhapsody Venture Partners and has secured support from a group of angel investors.
Lu is optimistic about the technology’s future and the benefits it will bring to concrete infrastructure throughout the U.S.
“What has me really excited is getting the industry’s feedback and seeing a matching of the technology to a problem,” Lu said. “Invention is when you develop something, but when this something solves a bigger problem, that is innovation.”
About Purdue University
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Writer/Media contact: Kayla Albert, 765-494-2432, [email protected]
Source: Luna Lu, [email protected]
Evaluation the compressive strength of the cement paste blended with supplementary cementitious materials using a piezoelectric-based sensor
Construction and Building Materials DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.03.165
Instantaneous monitoring the early age properties of cementitious materials using PZT-based electromechanical impedance (EMI) technique
Construction and Building Materials
DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.07.164
Novel methodology on direct extraction of the strength information from cementitious materials using piezo-sensor based electromechanical impedance (EMI) method
DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.119848
Embeddable piezoelectric sensors for strength gain monitoring of cementitious materials: the influence of coating materials
Engineered Science
DOI: 10.30919/es8d1114
Mechanism for using piezoelectric sensor to monitor strength gain process of cementitious materials with the temperature effect
Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures
DOI: 10.1177/1045389X20974441
Improved method to determine Young’s modulus for concrete cylinder using electromechanical spectrum: principle and validation
Journal of Aerospace Engineering
DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)AS.1943-5525.0001196
Trial field implementation of piezoelectric sensing technique for in-place concrete evaluation
Materials Journal
DOI: 10.14359/51726998
Note to journalists: Photos and video of the Purdue University invention in the lab and field , along with b-roll of Purdue’s campus , are available via Google Drive. A video of Purdue professor Luna Lu describing this research and its potential impact is available to media with an Associated Press subscription. For a copy of a research paper mentioned in this story, please contact Kayla Albert at [email protected] or 765-494-2432.
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Engineering physics senior Angel Hernandez is spending the summer looking to the stars and learning the fundamentals of radio astronomy.
Earlier this summer, Hernandez completed a boot camp on radio astronomy at the Green Bank Observatory (GBO) in West Virginia. Now he’s at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program where he continues to explore the field.
During the week-long boot camp at the Green Bank Observatory, students from around the country met with their peers, dove into the basics of radio astronomy, and conducted observations using the 40-foot telescope with a four-person team. The students even toured the enormous Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope that stands about 485 feet above ground level, which Hernandez said tested his fear of heights.
Radio astronomy uses massive telescopes to detect celestial objects like stars and galaxies through radio frequencies. Since its establishment by Karl Jansky in the 1930s, the technique has led to the discovery of pulsars, quasars, and radio galaxies.
Hernandez said the best part of the boot camp was hearing about all the science that radio astronomy has contributed to. “The engineering behind a radio telescope is quite sophisticated and the science from observations has given us further insight on what is out there in our universe,” he said.
Because the observatory is in a radio quiet zone to avoid interference, there is no cell phone service or wireless internet. But there’s plenty to learn and do, and the break from constant connection was welcomed by Hernandez.
“Not having cell service or wireless internet wasn’t bad at all,” he said. “It was really nice to be disconnected from the outside world, read without distractions, and go on various hikes.” The break also helped him get as much sleep as he could. Hernandez and his team were assigned the 2am to 5am time block to conduct their observations.
The boot camp was a precursor to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory’s REU program, which Hernandez is attending this summer in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Through the REU, Hernandez hopes to narrow down his research interests. “I have never directly worked with observational data before and have always been curious about the methods behind observations,” he said.
Hernandez is a military veteran who returned to pursue his undergraduate education in engineering physics at CU Boulder after serving in the Marine Corps. His research activities have included fluid dynamics with Professor Michael Calkins, a summer research experience at Los Alamos National Laboratory, and now, radio astronomy.
He is currently working on a computational astrophysics project to model the stellar atmosphere of a binary system of a massive star and black hole.
Research is not his only focus. Hernandez is also passionate about diversity and community efforts. After his military service, Hernandez spent several years working on a STEM outreach program for kids in Chicago.
Since enrolling at CU Boulder, he has dedicated substantial time and effort to build more community within the Department of Physics.
Hernandez helped revitalize the student group COSMOS , by initially stepping in as president and now serving as an advisor to the group’s leadership team. COSMOS supports underrepresented and marginalized students in physics, astronomy, and math, through mentorship, community, and professional development.
Hernandez has explored many research interests during his undergraduate studies – which is something he highly recommends to other students. “I encourage students to broaden their horizons in research,” he said. “Even if it’s in a field they may not end up liking, there is still something to learn.”
After he completes his undergraduate degree in engineering physics this spring, Hernandez plans to pursue a PhD in astrophysics.
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Synonyms for Research Objectives (other words and phrases for Research Objectives). ... 43 other terms for research objectives- words and phrases with similar meaning. Lists. synonyms. antonyms. definitions. sentences. thesaurus. Parts of speech. nouns. suggest new. research purposes. n. test purposes. n.
Example: Research aim. To examine contributory factors to muscle retention in a group of elderly people. Example: Research objectives. To assess the relationship between sedentary habits and muscle atrophy among the participants. To determine the impact of dietary factors, particularly protein consumption, on the muscular health of the ...
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Research Objectives. Research objectives refer to the specific goals or aims of a research study. They provide a clear and concise description of what the researcher hopes to achieve by conducting the research.The objectives are typically based on the research questions and hypotheses formulated at the beginning of the study and are used to guide the research process.
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In other words, the research objectives showcase the steps that the researcher will take to achieve the research aims. The research objectives need to be far more specific (higher resolution) and actionable than the research aims. In fact, it's always a good idea to craft your research objectives using the "SMART" criteria.
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Well-defined research objectives are characterized by the SMART criteria - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Specific objectives clearly define what you plan to achieve, eliminating any ambiguity. Measurable objectives allow you to track progress and assess the outcome.
A great way to refine your research objectives is to use SMART criteria. Borrowed from the world of project management, there are many versions of this system. However, we're going to focus on developing specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timebound objectives. In other words, a good research objective should be all of the following:
The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is ...
Research objective. A research objective, also known as a goal or an objective, is a sentence or question that summarizes the purpose of your study or test. In other words, it's an idea you want to understand deeper by performing research. Objectives should be the driving force behind every task you assign and each question that you ask.
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Here are three simple steps that you can follow to identify and write your research objectives: 1. Pinpoint the major focus of your research. The first step to writing your research objectives is to pinpoint the major focus of your research project. In this step, make sure to clearly describe what you aim to achieve through your research.
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Synonyms for OBJECTIVE: purpose, goal, aim, plan, intention, intent, idea, object; Antonyms of OBJECTIVE: method, means, way, theoretical, theoretic, hypothetical ...
An in-depth analysis of information creates space for generating new questions, concepts and understandings. The main objective of research is to explore the unknown and unlock new possibilities. It's an essential component of success. Over the years, businesses have started emphasizing the need for research.
Find 47 different ways to say OBJECTIVE, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com.
Provides clarification, similar to "in other words.". Example The reaction is exothermic; that is to say, it releases heat. 13. To put it simply. Simplifies a complex idea, often for a more general readership. Example The universe is vast; to put it simply, it is larger than anything we can truly imagine. 14.
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A Purdue University invention that may shorten construction timelines and increase long-term durability of concrete highways, bridges and other transportation infrastructure is emerging as a viable alternative to methods that have been used for decades to estimate when newly poured concrete is mature enough to withstand heavy loads such as those from trucks and other vehicles.
Hernandez is a military veteran who returned to pursue his undergraduate education in engineering physics at CU Boulder after serving in the Marine Corps. His research activities have included fluid dynamics with Professor Michael Calkins, a summer research experience at Los Alamos National Laboratory, and now, radio astronomy.
Research Aims synonyms - 42 Words and Phrases for Research Aims. research purposes. n. aims of an analysis. n. aims of an investigation. n. analysis aims. n.