Goals and Objectives

1. A broad statement of program purpose.
   • Goal Only

     Correct!

   • Objective Only

     Incorrect.

     An objective is specific, not broad.

   • Both

     Incorrect.

     This defines only a goal. An objective is specific, not broad.
2. Describes results to be achieved and the manner in which results will be achieved.
   • Goal Only

     Incorrect.

     Objectives, not goals, describe the results to be achieved and the manner in which results will be achieved.

   • Objective Only

     Correct!

   • Both

     Incorrect.

     Objectives, not goals, describe the results to be achieved and the manner in which results will be achieved.
3. Specifies target population.
   • Goal Only

     Incorrect.

     Both goals and objectives specify a target population.

   • Objective Only

     Incorrect.

     Both goals and objectives specify a target population.

   • Both

     Correct!
4. Specifies the expected program effect in reducing a health problem.
   • Goal Only

     Correct!

   • Objective Only

     Incorrect.

     Goals specify the expected program effect in reducing a health problem. Objectives specify how and when.

   • Both

     Incorrect.

     Goals specify the expected program effect in reducing a health problem. Objectives specify how and when.
5. Sets targets for progress and accountability.
   • Goal Only

     Incorrect.

     Objectives set targets for progress and accountability. Goals set overall priorities.

   • Objective Only

     Correct!

   • Both

     Incorrect.

     Objectives set targets for progress and accountability. Goals set overall priorities.
6. Example: “Provide coordinated support to schools, communities, and local health departments implementing a CSH plan.”
   • Goal Only

     Correct!

   • Objective Only

     Incorrect.

     This is a goal. It is a broad statement of program purpose.

   • Both

     Incorrect.

     This is a goal. It is a broad statement of program purpose.
7. Example: "By the end of the fiscal year, the CSH Interagency Committee will have developed partnerships with at least five school districts."
   • Goal Only

     Incorrect.

     This is an objective. It describes how and when results will be achieved.

   • Objective Only

     Correct!

   • Both

     Incorrect.

     This is an objective. It describes how and when results will be achieved. Goals describe overall priorities.

[Flash Text Version for 508:]
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This activity is used to help you: (1) recall/reinforce the characteristics that make up a goal and an objective; and (2) distinguish between goal statements and objective statements.

Characteristics of a goal are:

• Makes a broad statement of program purpose that describes the expected five-year effects of your program.
• Specifies target population.
• Specifies an expected effect in reducing a health problem.
• Sets program priorities.
• Are reflected in your program workplan.

Characteristics of an objective are:

• Describes results to be achieved and the manner in which results will be achieved.
• Specifies target population.
• Sets targets for progress and accountability.
• Are reflected in your annual workplan.

Evaluation Brief 3, Goals and Objectives Checklist [pdf 200K, text 5K]

This brief provides a goal and objective checklist and examples.

Evaluation Brief 3a, Writing Good Goals [pdf 233K, text 5K]

Evaluation Brief 3b, Writing Smart Objectives [pdf 183K, text 5K]