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The Problem Statement in The Research Paper

This document discusses the importance of clearly defining the problem statement in a research paper. It should hook the reader by answering what the problem is and why it is worth their attention. It also needs to limit the scope by focusing on key variables. The problem statement must persuasively argue that the problem is important by addressing factors like its relevance, future impact, practical or theoretical significance, affected population size, and ability to extend existing knowledge. It should close with a clear research question that identifies two measurable variables and their relationship within a specific population. This question will guide the subsequent literature review.

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33K views3 pages

The Problem Statement in The Research Paper

This document discusses the importance of clearly defining the problem statement in a research paper. It should hook the reader by answering what the problem is and why it is worth their attention. It also needs to limit the scope by focusing on key variables. The problem statement must persuasively argue that the problem is important by addressing factors like its relevance, future impact, practical or theoretical significance, affected population size, and ability to extend existing knowledge. It should close with a clear research question that identifies two measurable variables and their relationship within a specific population. This question will guide the subsequent literature review.

Uploaded by

eden4ever
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The Problem Statement in the Research Paper

The First Substantial Step

The problem provides the context for the research study and typically generates questions which
the research hopes to answer. In considering whether or not to move forward with a research
project, you will generally spend some time considering the problem.

In your paper, the statement of the problem is the first part of the paper to be read [we are
ignoring the title and the abstract]. The problem statement should "hook" the reader and establish
a persuasive context for what follows.

You need to be able to clearly answer the question: "what is the problem"? and "why is this
problem worth my attention"? At the same time, the problem statement limits scope by focusing
on some variables and not others. It also provides an opportunity for you to demonstrate why
these variables are important.

Problem Importance

The importance of the problem should receive considerable and persuasive attention [note that
importance is inevitably subjective and will vary from person to person and agency to agency].
Clearly indicate why your problem is an important one by answering questions such as these:

 Is the problem of current interest? Is it topical?


 Is the problem likely to continue into the future?
 Will more information about the problem have practical application?
 Will more information about the problem have theoretical importance?
 How large is the population affected by the problem?
 How important, influential, or popular is this population?
 Would this study substantially revise or extend existing knowledge?
 Would this study create or improve an instrument of some utility?
 Would research findings lead to some useful change in best practice?
 Is there evidence or authoritative opinion from others to support the need for this
research?

The problem statement should persuasively indicate that major variables can be measured in
some meaningful way. If you can identify likely objections to the study, identify and respond to
them here.

Problem Statement Question

The problem statement should close with a question. Typically, the question contains two
variables, a measurable relationship, and some indication of population. The purpose of the
literature search that follows is to answer the research problem question. If the literature cannot
answer the question, the research is needed to do so. An example question might be: "What is the
relationship between the grade point average of UTK juniors and their use of the library"? The
information needed is (1) grade point average and (2) some measure of library use. A bad
example might be: "What is the best way to teach bibliographic instruction"? This is insufficient
because:

1. What are the variables?


2. What will be measured?
3. What relationships will be examined?
4. What is the population?

The title and the problem statement question are often nearly identical. For example, in the good
example above, the title of this research project would be something like this: "Library
Circulation Use by University of Tennessee Juniors and Their Grade Point Average"

Return to IS 540 Page

5 

Identifying Broad  Topics  

 Think of the  BIG PICTURE 
o What is the problem you are

trying to solve?
o Think of something you like to

learn more about


o Consult text books, journal or

your supervisor
 Pick one based on:
o Interest and relevance

o Magnitude of work involved

o Level of expertise
 yours and your advisors
Research Proposal  D

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