Research objective: the research objective addresses the purpose of the investigation and the types of knowledge to be generated.
1. General objective: it is a goal that the project hopes to achieve. The general objective of the study states what is expected to achieve by the study in general terms.
2. Specific objectives are statements of precise outcomes that can be measured in support of the project’s general objective.
3. Intermediate objectives: these serve to indicate the focus of the proposed research in behavioral terms. (who will conduct the study? What are the key variables to be studied?)
4. Ultimate objectives: it is how the results will be utilized by the policymakers for the benefit of the people.

All specific objectives for effectiveness should meet the SMART criteria:
S- specific- each objective has a single key result.
M- measurable- each objective relates to behavior that can be measured.
A-achievable- each objective is realistic in terms of the available resources.
R- reliable- each objective is central to district or job site goals; makes a difference in job performance or student achievement.
T- timely- each objective should be able to be accomplished within the time frame established for the staff.