PROBLEM STATEMENT
The statement of the problem is one of the first things that a colleague or potential client will
read. With the vastness of the information available at one’s fingertips in the online world, your
work may have just a few seconds to draw in a reader to take a deeper look at your proposal
before moving on to the next option. It explains quickly to the reader, the problem at hand, the
need for research, and how you intend to do it.
A strong, clear description of the problem that drew you to your research has to be
straightforward, easy to read and, most important, relevant. Why do you care about this problem?
How can solving this problem impact the world? The problem statement is your opportunity to
explain why you care and what you propose to do in the way of researching the problem.
A problem statement is an explanation in research that describes the issue that is in need of
study. What problem is the research attempting to address? Having a Problem Statement allows
the reader to quickly understand the purpose and intent of the research. The importance of
writing your research proposal cannot be stressed enough. Check for more information
on Writing a Scientific Research Project Proposal.
It is expected to be brief and concise, and should not include the findings of the research
or detailed data. The average length of a research statement is generally about one page. It is
going to define the problem, which can be thought of as a gap in the information base. There
may be several solutions to this gap or lack of information, but that is not the concern of the
problem statement. Its purpose is to summarize the current information and where
a lack of knowledge may be presenting a problem that needs to be investigated.
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.
What is Included in a Problem Statement?
Besides identifying the gap of understanding or the weakness of necessary data, it is important to
explain the significance of this lack.
-How will your research contribute to the existing knowledge base in your field of study?
-How is it significant?
-Why does it matter?
Not all problems have only one solution so demonstrating the need for additional research can
also be included in your problem statement. Once you identify the problem and the need for a
solution, or for further study, then you can show how you intend to collect the needed data and
present it.
How to Write a Statement of Problem in Research Proposal
It is helpful to begin with your goal. What do you see as the achievable goal if the problem you
outline is solved? How will the proposed research theoretically change anything? What are the
potential outcomes?
Then you can discuss how the problem prevents the ability to reach your realistic and achievable
solution. It is what stands in the way of changing an issue for the better. Talk about the present
state of affairs and how the problem impacts a person’s life, for example.
It’s helpful at this point to generally layout the present knowledge and understanding of the
subject at hand, before then describing the gaps of knowledge that are currently in need of study.
Your problem statement is a proposed solution to address one of these gaps.
A good problem statement will also layout the repercussions of leaving the problem as it
currently stands. What is the significance of not addressing this problem? What are the possible
future outcomes?
Example of Problem Statement in Research Proposal
If, for example, you intended to research the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the
immune system, you would begin with a review of the current knowledge of vitamin D’s known
function in relation to the immune system and how a deficiency of it impacts a person’s
defenses.
You would describe the ideal environment in the body when there is a sufficient level of vitamin
D. Then, begin to identify the problems associated with vitamin D deficiency and the difficulty
of raising the level through supplementation, along with the consequences of that deficiency.
Here you are beginning to identify the problem of a common deficiency and the current
difficulty of increasing the level of vitamin D in the blood.
At this stage, you may begin to identify the problem and narrow it down in a way that is practical
to a research project. Perhaps you are proposing a novel way of introducing Vitamin D in a way
that allows for better absorption by the gut, or in a combination with another product that
increases its level in the blood.
Describe the way your research in this area will contribute to the knowledge base on how to
increase levels of vitamin D in a specific group of subjects, perhaps menopausal women with
breast cancer. The research proposal is then described in practical terms.
How to write a problem statement in research?
Problem statements differ depending on the type and topic of research and vary between a few
sentences to a few paragraphs.
However, the problem statement should not drag on needlessly. Despite the absence of a fixed
format, a good research problem statement usually consists of three main parts:
Context: This section explains the background for your research. It identifies the problem and
describes an ideal scenario that could exist in the absence of the problem. It also includes any
past attempts and shortcomings at solving the problem.
Significance: This section defines how the problem prevents the ideal scenario from being
achieved, including its negative impacts on the society or field of research. It should include who
will be the most affected by a solution to the problem, the relevance of the study that you are
proposing, and how it can contribute to the existing body of research.
Solution: This section describes the aim and objectives of your research, and your solution to
overcome the problem. Finally, it need not focus on the perfect solution, but rather on addressing
a realistic goal to move closer to the ideal scenario.
Here is a cheat sheet to help you with formulating a good problem statement.
1. Begin with a clear indication that the problem statement is going to be discussed next. You
can start with a generic sentence like, “The problem that this study addresses…” This will
inform your readers of what to expect next.
2. Next, mention the consequences of not solving the problem. You can touch upon who is or
will be affected if the problem continues, and how.
3. Conclude with indicating the type of research/information that is needed to solve the problem.
Be sure to reference authors who may have suggested the necessity of such research.
This will then directly lead to your proposed research objective and workplan and how that is
expected to solve the problem i.e., close the research gap.
What Is a Research Problem Statement?
A research problem statement is a clear, concise, and specific statement that describes
the issue or problem that the research project addresses. It should be written in a way
that is easily understandable to both experts and non-experts in the field.
To write a research problem statement, you should:
Identify the general area of interest: Start by identifying the general area of
research that interests you.
Define the specific problem: Narrow down the general area of interest to a
specific problem or issue.
Explain the significance of the problem: Provide context for the problem by
explaining why it is important to study and what gap in current knowledge or
understanding it fills.
Provide a clear and concise statement: State the problem in a clear and concise
manner, making sure to use language that is easily understood by your intended
audience.
Use a scientific and objective tone: The problem statement should be written in
a neutral and objective tone, avoiding any subjective language and personal
bias.
An Example of a Research Problem Statement
“The increasing prevalence of obesity in children is a growing public health concern.
Despite the availability of information on healthy eating and physical activity, many
children are still not engaging in healthy lifestyle behaviors. The problem this study
addresses is the lack of understanding of the barriers and facilitators to healthy
lifestyle behaviors in children.”
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 takes place. This is because the
statement sets the foundation for the entire research project by clearly defining the
problem that the research is trying to address.
Writing a problem statement early in the research process helps to guide the research
design and methodology, and ensures that the research is focused on addressing the
specific problem at hand. It also helps to ensure that the research is relevant and
addresses a gap in current knowledge or understanding.
In addition, a well-written problem statement effectively communicates the purpose
and significance of the research to potential funders, collaborators, and other
stakeholders. It also generates interest and support for the research project.
It’s also important to note that, during the research process, the statement can be
refined or updated as new information is discovered or as the research progresses.
This is normal and it’s a good idea to revise the statement as needed to ensure that it
remains clear and concise and that it accurately reflects the current focus of the
research project.
What Does a Research Problem Statement Include?
A research problem statement typically includes the following elements:
1. The research topic:
The general area of interest or field of study that the research project addresses.
2. The specific problem or issue:
A clear and concise statement of the problem or issue that the research project aims to
address.
3. The significance of the problem:
A discussion of why the problem is important and what gap in current knowledge or
understanding it fills.
4. The research questions:
A set of questions that the research project aims to answer, in order to address the
problem or issue.
5. The research objectives:
A set of specific and measurable objectives that the research project aims to achieve.
6. The scope of the research:
A description of the specific population, setting, or context that the research project
will focus on.
7. The theoretical framework:
A discussion of the theoretical concepts and principles that inform the research
project.
8. The research design:
A description of the research methodologies that will be used to collect and analyze
data in order to address the research questions and objectives.
It’s important to note that the problem statement is usually brief and concise, typically
a few sentences or a short paragraph. But it should provide enough information to
convey the main idea of the research project.
Important Features of Research Problem Statement
1. Clarity
The problem statement should be clear and easy to understand. Write it in a way that
is accessible to both experts and non-experts in the field.
2. Specificity
The statement should be specific and clearly define the problem or issue that the
research project aims to address. It should be narrow enough to be manageable, but
broad enough to be of interest to others in the field.
3. Significance
The statement should explain why the problem is important and what gap in current
knowledge or understanding it fills. It should provide context for the research project
and help to justify its importance.
4. Relevance
The statement should be relevant to the field of study and address an issue that is
currently of concern to researchers.
5. Research questions
The statement should include a set of research questions that the research project aims
to answer in order to address the problem or issue.
6. Research objectives
The statement should include a set of specific and measurable objectives that the
research project aims to achieve.
7. Scope
The statement should define the specific population, setting, or context that the
research project will focus on.
8. Theoretical framework
The statement should provide an overview of the theoretical concepts and principles
that inform the research project.
9. Research design
The statement should provide an overview of the research methodologies. This will be
useful collect and analyze data in order to address the research questions and
objectives.
Difference between a Thesis Statement and a
Problem Statement
A thesis statement and a problem statement are related but distinct elements of a
research project.
A thesis statement is a statement that summarizes the central argument or claim of
a research paper or essay. It presents the main idea of the paper and sets the direction
for the rest of the content. It’s usually located at the end of the introduction, and it’s
often one sentence.
A problem statement, on the other hand, is a statement that describes a specific
problem or issue that the research project aims to address. It sets the foundation for
the entire research project by clearly defining the research problem. It is usually
located at the beginning of a research paper or proposal, and is of one or a few
paragraphs.
In summary, a thesis statement is a summary of the main point or key argument of the
research paper. A problem statement describes the specific issue that the research
project aims to address. A thesis statement is more focused on the final outcome of the
research. While a problem statement is focused on the current state of knowledge and
the gap in understanding that the research project aims to fill.
In Conclusion
A problem statement is a critical component of the research project, as it provides a
clear and concise roadmap for the research, and helps to ensure that the research is
well-designed and addresses a significant and relevant issue.
We hope this blog has clarified your doubts and confusion associated with research
problem statement and helps you write an effective statement for your research
project!