A problem statement is a brief and specific summary of the research problem you aim to address. It should:
- Contextualize the problem by outlining what is already known.
- Clearly define the specific issue your research will address, highlighting what gaps remain in our understanding.
- Demonstrate the significance of the problem, explaining why it is important to gain further insight.
- Establish the research objectives, detailing the steps you will take to uncover more information.
Problem Statement
A research problem statement is a clear, concise, and specific declaration that outlines the issue or problem the research project aims to address. It should be easily comprehensible to both experts and non-experts in the field.
To write a research problem statement, you should:
- Identify the general area of interest: Begin by pinpointing the broad area of research that captures your interest.
- Define the specific problem: Focus the broad area of interest down to a specific problem or issue.
- Explain the significance of the problem: Provide context by explaining why studying this problem is important and what gap in current knowledge or understanding it addresses.
- Provide a clear and concise statement: Articulate the problem in a straightforward and succinct manner, ensuring the language is accessible to your intended audience.
- Use a scientific and objective tone: Write the problem statement in a neutral and objective manner, avoiding subjective language and personal bias.
When should you write a problem statement?
There are several scenarios where writing a problem statement is necessary.
In academic research, writing a problem statement helps in contextualizing and understanding the importance of your research problem. It is often composed of several paragraphs and forms the foundation of your research proposal. Alternatively, it can be condensed into a few sentences within your introduction.
In the business world, a problem statement is often the initial step in launching an improvement project. In this context, the problem statement typically exists as a stand-alone document.
A problem statement varies depending on whether it addresses a practical, real-world problem or a theoretical issue. Nevertheless, all problem statements follow a similar process.
Example:
The rapid expansion of digital technology in classrooms is reshaping educational practices. Despite the integration of technology, many educators still face challenges in effectively incorporating digital tools into teaching methods.
This study aims to explore the barriers and facilitators educators encounter when integrating digital technology in classroom instruction.
When to Write a Problem Statement in Research?
A research problem statement should be written at the beginning of the research process, before any data collection or analysis occurs. This statement lays the groundwork for the entire research project by clearly defining the problem the research aims to address.
Writing a problem statement early in the research process guides the research design and methodology, ensuring the research focuses on addressing the specific problem. It also guarantees that the research is relevant and addresses a gap in current knowledge or understanding.
Furthermore, a well-crafted problem statement effectively communicates the purpose and significance of the research to potential funders, collaborators, and other stakeholders, generating interest and support for the project.
It is also important to note that the statement can be refined or updated as new information is discovered or as the research progresses. Revising the statement as needed is a good practice to ensure it remains clear and concise and accurately reflects the current focus of the research project.
Step 1: Provide Context for the Problem
The problem statement should contextualize the research problem, providing existing background knowledge.
Theoretical Research Problems
In theoretical research, consider scientific, social, geographical, and historical contexts:
- What is the current understanding of the problem?
- Is it limited to a specific time or place?
- How has scholarly literature defined and debated this issue?
Example: Over the past decade, the “gig economy” has grown in significance. More people under 30 now opt for freelance work over full-time jobs. Research has focused on objective metrics like income and hours, neglecting subjective experiences of young people in the gig economy.
Practical Research Problems
In practical research, focus on specific details:
- Where and when does this problem manifest?
- Who are the affected parties?
- What previous attempts have been made to address it?
Example: Voter turnout in the Southeast has steadily declined over the past decade, particularly among those under 25. Local nonprofit surveys indicate low engagement. While successful strategies have been implemented elsewhere, increased campaigning efforts by major parties in recent elections have not notably improved turnout.
Step 2: Explain the Importance
The problem statement should also emphasize the importance of addressing the research issue.
Theoretical Research Problems
The relevance of theoretical issues may not always be immediately clear. To determine its significance, consider:
- How will solving this problem advance understanding of the topic?
- What benefits will it offer for future research?
- Does addressing this problem have societal implications?
Example: Discussions on the gig economy depict it as either a choice or a last resort. Qualitative research is crucial to comprehending why young people participate. Insights can refine theories on flexible employment and guide policy decisions.
Practical Research Problems
Practical research pertains directly to issues affecting organizations, societies, or groups. To justify its relevance, ask:
- What are the consequences if this problem remains unsolved?
- Who bears the impacts?
- Is this problem relevant beyond its current context?
Example: Declining voter turnout diminishes civic engagement, impacting democratic trust in many nations. Addressing this in the Southeast US can foster civic participation and deepen insights into broader electoral challenges.
Step 3: Establish Your Aims and Objectives
The objective isn’t to discover a definitive solution but to suggest more efficient methods of addressing or comprehending it.
Research aims define the overarching purpose and are typically expressed in infinitive form:
- The aim of this study is to determine…
- This project aims to explore…
- This research aims to investigate…
Research objectives outline specific steps to achieve these aims:
- Qualitative methods will be employed to identify…
- Surveys will be used to collect…
- The research will utilize statistical analysis to measure…
Theoretical Research Aims and Objectives:
This project aims to deepen understanding of young people’s experiences in the gig economy. Qualitative methods will explore motivations and perceptions among under-30 freelancers across sectors, integrating recent literature and demographic analyses.
Practical Research Aims and Objectives:
The aim of this research is to study effective voter engagement strategies in the Southeast, pinpointing non-voting factors via surveys and interviews, and testing diverse strategies’ efficacy.
Step 1: Provide Context for the Problem
A long-standing family-owned shoe manufacturer in New England, which has historically boasted high employee retention with an average tenure of over 10 years, is experiencing a troubling trend of increased turnover. Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable shift, with some employees staying only briefly and others leaving abruptly after many years.
Step 2: Explain the Importance
Employee loyalty has been a cornerstone of pride for the company. Concerned about the rising turnover rates, the company enlisted an external consulting firm to investigate. The consultants primarily attributed the turnover to a nearby competitor offering higher wages and additional perks like pizza parties. However, to fully grasp the persistent turnover despite these findings, a deeper qualitative study focusing on long-term employees is necessary. Understanding why these experienced workers choose to leave could reveal deeper organizational culture issues beyond compensation, potentially identifying crucial areas for improvement or change.
Step 3: Establish Your Aims and Objectives
This project aims to understand the reasons behind the departure of long-term employees from the company. Qualitative methods, including surveys and interviews, will compare the perspectives of employees who have remained with the company for over a decade with those who have chosen to leave.
Key Characteristics of a Research Problem Statement
- Significance: The statement should clearly articulate why the identified problem is important, highlighting the gap it addresses in current knowledge or understanding. This context is crucial for justifying the research’s importance.
- Clarity: The problem statement must be articulated in clear, understandable language, accessible to both experts and non-experts in the field.
- Relevance: It should directly relate to the field of study, addressing an issue that is currently significant to researchers, thereby ensuring its relevance and impact.
- Specificity: The problem statement must precisely outline the specific issue targeted by the research, ensuring it is sufficiently focused for practical handling yet broad enough to attract interest from others in the field.
