Purpose Statement
What is a purpose statement?
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A purpose statement supports and explains the research being done and outlines the goals of the research. A general topic can be interpreted in different ways. Therefore, utilizing a purpose statement provides the necessary context and establishes a clear direction for the research. In other words, a purpose statement provides a quick summary of the research “story.”
What does a strong purpose statement have?
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A strong purpose statement addresses all of the following characteristics:
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The research question.
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Any knowledge gaps that the research will address.
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A clear scope of what will and will not be studied.
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Overview of the research methods.
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A foundation that builds on existing scientific research and allows this research to be built on in the future.
What does a weak purpose statement have?
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A weak purpose statement has some or all of the following characteristics:
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A lack of detail.
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A research question without identifying a purpose.
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A lack of justification for the research being done.
Pause and Check:
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Select the strongest purpose statement:​​
The purpose of this research study is to determine the level of scientific literacy in Canada.
The purpose of this quantitative study is to examine the relationship between science literacy skills measured using the Test of Scientific Literacy Skills (TOSLS) and schooling completed in northern Canada. Demographic data such as geographical location, age, race, and gender were also compared to scientific literacy skills.
Do northern Canadians have low scientific literacy skills?
About Us
Science for Everyone is a Canadian Nonprofit Organization that provides educational resources to help raise the level of scientific literacy in the general population.