Published on November 6, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 28, 2022. A problem statement is a concise and concrete
summary of the research problem you seek to address. It should: There are various situations in which you might have to write a problem statement. In the business world, writing a problem statement is often the first step in kicking off an improvement project. In this case, the problem statement is usually a stand-alone document. In academic research, writing a problem statement can help you contextualize and understand the significance of
your research problem. It is often several paragraphs long, and serves as the basis for your research proposal. Alternatively, it can be condensed into just a few sentences in your introduction. A problem statement looks different depending on whether you’re
dealing with a practical, real-world problem or a theoretical issue. Regardless, all problem statements follow a similar process. The problem statement should frame your research problem, giving some background on what is already known. For practical research, focus on the concrete details of the situation: For theoretical research, think about the scientific, social, geographical and/or historical
background:When should you write a problem statement?
Step 1: Contextualize the problem
Practical research problems
ExampleVoter turnout in the Southeast has been decreasing steadily over the past ten years, in contrast to other areas of the country. According to surveys conducted by local nonprofits, turnout is lowest among those under 25 years of age. There have been some
effective attempts at engaging these groups in other regions, and in the last two elections, major parties increased their campaigning efforts. However, these interventions have yet to have any significant effect on turnout. Theoretical research problems
- What is already known about the problem?
- Is the problem limited to a certain time period or geographical area?
- How has the problem been defined and debated in the scholarly literature?
Step 2: Show why it matters
The problem statement should also address the relevance of the research. Why is it important that the problem is addressed?
Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you have to do something groundbreaking or world-changing. It’s more important that the problem is researchable, feasible, and clearly addresses a relevant issue in your field.
Practical research problems
Practical research is directly relevant to a specific problem that affects an organization, institution, social group, or society more broadly. To make it clear why your research problem matters, you can ask yourself:
- What will happen if the problem is not solved?
- Who will feel the consequences?
- Does the problem have wider relevance? Are similar issues found in other contexts?
Theoretical research problems
Sometimes theoretical issues have clear practical consequences, but sometimes their relevance is less immediately obvious. To identify why the problem matters, ask:
- How will resolving the problem advance understanding of the topic?
- What benefits will it have for future research?
- Does the problem have direct or indirect consequences for society?
Step 3: Set your aims and objectives
Finally, the problem statement should frame how you intend to address the problem. Your goal here should not be to find a conclusive solution, but rather to propose more effective approaches to tackling or understanding it.
The research aim is the overall purpose of your research. It is generally written in the infinitive form:
- The aim of this study is to determine…
- This project aims to explore…
- This research aims to investigate…
The research objectives are the concrete steps you will take to achieve the aim:
- Qualitative methods will be used to identify…
- This work will use surveys to collect…
- Using statistical analysis, the research will measure…
The aims and objectives should lead directly to your research questions.
Learn how to formulate research questions
Problem statement example
You can use these steps to write your own problem statement, like the example below.
Problem statement example
Step 1: Contextualize the problem
A family-owned shoe manufacturer has been in business in New England for several generations, employing thousands of local workers in a variety of roles, from assembly to supply-chain to customer
service and retail. Employee tenure in the past always had an upward trend, with the average employee staying at the company for 10+ years. However, in the past decade, the trend has reversed, with some employees lasting only a few months, and others leaving abruptly after many years.
Step 2: Show why it matters
As the perceived loyalty of their employees has long been a source of pride for the company, they employed an outside consultant firm to see why there was so
much turnover. The firm focused on the new hires, concluding that a rival shoe company located in the next town offered higher hourly wages and better “perks”, such as pizza parties. They claimed this was what was leading employees to switch. However, to gain a fuller understanding of why the turnover persists even after the consultant study, in-depth qualitative research focused on long-term employees is also needed. Focusing on why established workers leave can help develop a more telling
reason why turnover is so high, rather than just due to salaries. It can also potentially identify points of change or conflict in the company’s culture that may cause workers to leave.
Step 3: Set your aims and objectives
This project aims to better understand why established workers choose to leave the company. Qualitative methods such as surveys and interviews will be conducted comparing the views of those who have worked 10+ years at the company and chose to stay,
compared with those who chose to leave.
Frequently asked questions about problem statements
How do I write a research objective?
Once you’ve decided on your research objectives, you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement.
Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.
Example: Verbs for research objectivesI will assess …I will compare …
I will calculate …
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McCombes, S. & George, T. (2022, November 28). How to Write a Problem Statement | Guide & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved December 21, 2022, from //www.scribbr.com/research-process/problem-statement/
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