I am often trying to explain to my students the difference between aims and objectives (in relation to a Computer Science study) ... but I am always struggling.
Here is my understanding of the research cycle. A literature review produces a research question (gap in knowledge) and our aim is to close the gap in knowledge (i.e. answer the research question) which we achieve by providing a contribution to knowledge.
How do the objectives fit in? Do they describe the steps we want to take to achieve our aim (or is this done in the "Method" section)? Or do they describe sub aims we need to achieve in order to achieve the overall aim?
When you answer this question – could you please provide some concrete examples (from the field of Computer Science if possible)?
Peer-Olaf - broadly speaking - you have answered your question correctly. Conventionally - the aims are 'what you want to achieve' and the objectives 'how you intend to go about this.' However, the problem lies in the fact that the terms are often used interchangeably - or get described the other way around. Some would argue that it is semantics - but, form my point of view, I want to know that the author understands clearly what they mean, when and where they need to use them - and if one or both are required.
"What is the difference ...". After a 12 hour day at university these mistakes happen ;-)
Peer-Olaf - broadly speaking - you have answered your question correctly. Conventionally - the aims are 'what you want to achieve' and the objectives 'how you intend to go about this.' However, the problem lies in the fact that the terms are often used interchangeably - or get described the other way around. Some would argue that it is semantics - but, form my point of view, I want to know that the author understands clearly what they mean, when and where they need to use them - and if one or both are required.
Aim: is general intention, broader vision
Objective: procedural, statements, hows
A broad definition here
http://www.differencebetween.info/difference-between-aims-and-objectives
The following dictionaries give a good explanation
Oxford Dictionary
* aim: the purpose of doing something; what somebody is trying to achieve
* objective: something that you are trying to achieve
Cambridge Dictionary
* aim: a result that your plans or actions are intended to achieve
* objectives: something that you plan to do or achieve:
Aims and objectives appear to be two very similar concepts. Aims can be defined as what do you want to achieve. However, objectives what are you will do to achieve the aims. The aim is a more general statement, but the objectives are procedures and ways of getting to the aims.
Aims: What to do, what is my destination , declarative knowledge
objectives: how to do, how to achieve, procedural knowledge
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