Key Components Of A Statement Of The Problem

Statement of the Problem

Introduction

The statement of the problem outlines the situation to be investigated. The researcher describes the current situation in relation to the expected situation and the gap of information that needs to be filled or solved.

In this paragraph of the thesis, the problem is clearly stated. Furthermore, the problem has to be unique.

For the researcher, it is important to cite 3-4 researches similar to their research and their findings, and what the current study wishes to do. Using these researches, the researcher will show that they have not studied what he or she intends to study and address.

It is important to emphasize that the researcher will clearly state the purpose of his study.

What is a Research Problem?

A problem statement is the description of an issue currently existing that needs to be addressed. It provides the context for the research study and generates the questions which the researcher aims to answer. The statement of the problem is the focal point of any research. A well articulated statement of the problem establishes the foundation for everything to follow in the proposal.

Key Components of the Statement of the Problem

Problem statements often have three components:

1. The problem itself, stated clearly and with enough contextual detail to establish why it is important.

2. The method of solving the problem.

3. The purpose, statement of objectives and scope of the project being proposed.

The statement should indicate the variables of interest and the specific relationship between the variables that are to be studied, both independent and dependent variables.

Guidelines to Discussing the Statement of the Problem

Abraham Maslow states that, that which is not worth doing is not worth doing well.

Simple curiosity is not a good enough reason to do scholarly research, i.e. research for research

Show the Study Is:

Researchable - the problem can be answered by collecting and analyzing data. (Doable)

Original - Has not been done previously and creates new knowledge. Can be a repetitive study with new population/passage of time.

Contributory - Make a difference in profession and in society.

References

Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. C., & Williams, J. M. (1995). The craft of research. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Locke, L. F., Spirduso, W. W., & Silverman, S. J. (2000). Proposals that work: A guide for planning dissertations and grant proposals. 4th ed. Thousand Oaks: SAGE.

Marilyn K. Simon, Ph.D.,2011, The Key to Your Dissertation or Research Project.

Punch, K. F. (2000). Developing effective research proposals. London: