Purpose of the Study in a Psychology Dissertation (with Sample Examples)

Purpose of the Study in a Psychology Dissertation (with Sample Examples)

The purpose of the study is a key section in any psychology dissertation. It explains exactly what the researcher intends to do and why the study is being conducted. While the problem statement identifies the issue or gap, the purpose statement clearly describes the study’s aim in response to that problem.

In simple terms:

• Problem statement = what is wrong or missing

• Purpose of the study = what you are going to do about it

What Is the Purpose of the Study?

The purpose of the study is a concise statement that outlines:

• The main goal of the research

• The variables or concepts being examined

• The population being studied

• The research approach (sometimes implied rather than stated directly)

It typically begins with phrases such as:

• “The purpose of this study is to…”

• “This study aims to…”

• “The aim of this research is to…”

Structure of a Strong Purpose Statement

A clear psychology purpose statement usually includes:

1. Study aim (what you are investigating)

2. Variables or constructs (e.g., anxiety, stress, coping strategies)

3. Population (e.g., students, clinicians, adolescents)

4. Context (e.g., universities, healthcare settings)

Sample Purpose Statements for Psychology Dissertations

Below are examples across common psychology topics.

1. Anxiety in University Students

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between learning environment type (online versus traditional classroom settings) and anxiety levels among undergraduate university students. The study also aims to explore whether perceived academic pressure predicts variations in anxiety within these learning environments.

2. Burnout in Healthcare Workers

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between perceived organizational support and burnout among healthcare professionals. In addition, the study aims to determine whether levels of emotional exhaustion differ across occupational roles, including nurses, physicians, and allied health staff.

3. Social Media Use and Adolescent Mental Health

The purpose of this study is to examine how different patterns of social media use (active engagement versus passive consumption) are associated with levels of anxiety and depression among adolescents. The study also aims to assess whether time spent on social media moderates these relationships.

4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Effectiveness

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in community-based mental health settings. The study also aims to compare outcomes across different levels of therapist experience and delivery format.

5. Academic Stress in Doctoral Students

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between coping strategies, institutional support, and academic stress among doctoral students across multiple disciplines. The study also aims to determine whether coping strategies mediate the relationship between institutional support and psychological wellbeing.

Key Features of a Strong Purpose Statement

A strong purpose statement is:

• Clear and direct

• Focused on one main aim (with optional sub-aims)

• Linked to the problem statement

• Specific about population and variables

• Free from unnecessary detail or literature review content

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being too vague (e.g., “to study mental health”)

• Including too much background information

• Mixing results or conclusions into the purpose

• Not specifying the population clearly

• Using overly complex or multi-purpose aims

Purpose Statement vs Research Questions

It’s important not to confuse these:

• Purpose statement: broad overall aim

• Research questions: specific questions the study will answer

Example:

• Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between stress and coping in doctoral students.

• Research question: Is there a significant relationship between perceived stress and coping strategies among doctoral students?

Final Thoughts on Purpose of the Study in a Psychology Dissertation (with Sample Examples)

The purpose of the study is a central component of a psychology dissertation because it clearly defines what the research intends to achieve. A well-written purpose statement is focused, specific, and directly linked to the identified research problem. It acts as a roadmap for the entire study and sets the direction for your research design, analysis, and discussion.