Unit 9. The professional significance of the study, the aim and objectives

The professional significance of the study explains in what sense the proposed study is worth doing and what contribution it will make to professional knowledge. Here you are supposed to define your aims and objectives. The former are commonly treated as general statements on the intent or direction for the research, include reference to the methodological, practical and theoretical aims, while the latter are more specific. Objectives are clear and succinct statements of intended research outcome (possibly connected with e.g. search and review of the literature and assessment of a debate). When working on this part of the project attempt to give it some originality by isolating how the goals set in your research and questions it is intended to answer are different from what is already known about the subject.

1. Find Russian equivalents for the following phrases.

to explore the approaches to the problem that various theorists have advocated
to provide greater depth of knowledge about a previously studied phenomenon
an attempt at revealing the underlying logic of the development of the concept
to work through the fundamental revolutionary consequences of…
to follow and develop certain of N’s insights (in this respect)
to keep in mind that [x] is mapped into standard classifications
to change prevailing beliefs and set priorities for (further analysis)
for analytical purposes the divisions should be drawn very precisely
[x] should be set upon a measurement scale
to extend a research methodology and instrument

2. Consider the following clichés – to be further used in writing your project proposal.

9.1

The purpose/ aim of this discussion / project / proposal/ paper is / will (simply) be to	explore	the approaches to the problem that various theorists have advocated
	provide	a kind of logical reconstruction of the process/ greater depth of knowledge about a previously studied phenomenon
	attempt	revealing the underlying logic of the development of the concept
	show	the necessity of considering () views
	test	the theory
	contribute to	the development of the theory
	extend	the existing knowledge/ a research methodology and instrument
	change	prevailing beliefs

9.2

(Considering The interest In issues Regarding [x]/ Such developments It is/ will be It seems	preferable useful extremely/ particularly important/ worthwhile/ increasingly possible/ helpful/ relevant	to	work through the fundamental revolutionary consequences of…
			follow and develop certain of N’s insights (in this respect)
			consider the following formulation of the research question
			set priorities for (further analysis)
			identify a set of means employed
			differentiate entities in a rank order of some kind
			characterize [x] in terms of [z]
			consider [x] from a () point of view
			investigate [x] using ()
			locate [z] in the classification using the model
			keep in mind that ([x] is mapped into standard classification)

9.3

One of the specific aims of () analysis in relation to [x]	must	necessarily be that of
		concern itself with
The () views/ ideas/ theories		be taken into account
For analytical purposes [x] (the divisions)	should/ may be	drawn very precisely
		set upon a measurement scale
The study of [x]	involves a necessity to…/ presupposes…

9.4

The question problem (of the relative importance of the principles)	posed raised studied discussed considered under consideration	is was can be is said to be (normally) is a matter	of	paramount great utmost some	interest/ importance/ (practical) significance	for	all those who are engaged in [x]/ various scientists investigating [x]
		is	scientifically interesting			from the viewpoint of

9.5

(At a more general level) (In much of the literature) This aspect/ trend / idea/ concept	is (increasingly) seen as/ is considered	central essential essentially relevant	in	the theory of [x]
			to	better understand [x]
			to	the dynamics of modern society
			for	understanding

9.61.

The discussion	is therefore about
The (formulated) hypothesis/	can be considered as (the elaboration of N’s hypothesis)
Our research question	provides sufficient explanation for (the observed phenomena)