Front Page / Guides / PolicyOptions Issue Brief Guide / Content & Formatting / Goal Statement

Issue Brief Content by Section

Goal Statement

Sample Goal Statements

Below are some examples of properly framed research goals.

• Within the topic of Child Care:
• To increase the number of fully-subsidized child care slots available to neighborhood residents.
• Within the topic of Recreation:
• To provide after-school recreational and sports activities for elementary school students (grades 1 through 8).
• Within the topic of Job Training:
• To provide on-the-job training for unemployed high school graduates.
• Within the topic of Health:
• To provide preventative health services to low-income residents.
• Within the topic of Economic Development:
• To increase the number and success rate of small business start-ups.

Defining the goal properly is absolutely crucial. Without first attending to this detail, the ensuing research will either be overwhelming upon execution or its results will be unusable upon delivery. When a goal appears too broad, consult the needs and assets, and encourage community partners to tie its research questions to potential plans for action.

Characteristics of Effective Goal Statements

Effective goal or topic statements do the following:

1. They are objective or impartial
2. They clearly state the positive outcome being addressed by the topic of the issue brief  

Template:

Content Guide

• Section 1 — Goal Statement 
• Section 2 — Scope of the Problem
• Section 3 — Past Policy & Program Milestones
• Section 4 — Current Policy & Programs
• Section 5 — Policy Options or Model Programs
• Section 6 — Key Organizations
• Section 7 — Glossary of Terms