Published on November 6, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. 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:
Theoretical research problemsFor theoretical research, think about the scientific, social, geographical and/or historical background:
What can proofreading do for your paper?Scribbr editors not only correct grammar and spelling mistakes, but also strengthen your writing by making sure your paper is free of vague language, redundant words and awkward phrasing. See editing example Step 2: Show why it mattersThe 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 problemsPractical 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:
Theoretical research problemsSometimes theoretical issues have clear practical consequences, but sometimes their relevance is less immediately obvious. To identify why the problem matters, ask:
Step 3: Set your aims and objectivesFinally, 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 research objectives are the concrete steps you will take to achieve the aim:
The aims and objectives should lead directly to your research questions. Learn how to formulate research questions Problem statement exampleYou can use these steps to write your own problem statement, like the example below. Problem statement example Step 1: Contextualize the problem Step 2: Show why it matters Step 3: Set your aims and objectives Frequently asked questions about problem statementsHow 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 … Cite this Scribbr articleIf you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.
Is this article helpful?You have already voted. Thanks :-) Your vote is saved :-) Processing your vote... What is the purpose of statement of the problem in research?The purpose of the problem statement is to identify the issue that is a concern and focus it in a way that allows it to be studied in a systematic way. It defines the problem and proposes a way to research a solution, or demonstrates why further information is needed in order for a solution to become possible.
How do you write a good research problem?A good research problem should have the following characteristics:. It should address a gap in knowledge.. It should be significant enough to contribute to the existing body of research.. It should lead to further research.. The problem should render itself to investigation through collection of data.. What makes a clear statement of the problem?Answer: A statement of a problem is a brief, clear, and precise explanation of an issue that the researcher wants to study. It includes a vision, issue statement, and proposed method to solve the problem. The 5 'W's - Who, What, Where, When and Why - can be used to define a problem statement.
Is statement of the problem a question?The statement of a problem defines and describes the research hypothesis or question(s), along with the broad method that will be used to solve the problem. The statement of the problem serves as the basis for the introductory section of your project proposal.
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