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The Problem Statement in A Research Study or Thesis

The document discusses the key components of a problem statement for a research study or thesis. It explains that a problem statement should clearly describe the problem, provide background information on the issue, and define the specific problem that needs further research. It then outlines the main elements a problem statement paper should include: a literature review on the problem, an analysis of the causes of the problem, potential solutions, the recommended solution, and justification for that solution based on concepts from the research.

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Nina Aziz
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460 views3 pages

The Problem Statement in A Research Study or Thesis

The document discusses the key components of a problem statement for a research study or thesis. It explains that a problem statement should clearly describe the problem, provide background information on the issue, and define the specific problem that needs further research. It then outlines the main elements a problem statement paper should include: a literature review on the problem, an analysis of the causes of the problem, potential solutions, the recommended solution, and justification for that solution based on concepts from the research.

Uploaded by

Nina Aziz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Problem Statement in a Research Study or Thesis

Problem Statements are an important part of research studies or theses that contains an academic
research.

A problem statement is an assertion of an issue that is in need of further research. Problem


statements are usually an important part of a proposal or thesis or research paper that contains an
academic study.

To begin a research paper that contains a problem statement, be sure you describe the problem
clearly. When working with a problem statement in a research paper, be sure to discuss one or more
of the most effective measures identified to date and make recommendations for additional action
to solve the problem. Your problem statement based research paper will want to have the following
elements in it:

 Background of the problem


 Clear definition of the problem
 A literature review on the problem
 Analysis of the problem
 Possible solutions for the problem
 How to implement the solution for the problem
 Justification for the solution
 Background of the Problem

Describe the problem you selected; identify the specific issues of interest or controversy; and
present background/facts of the problem or situation that will enable the reader to clearly
understand the issue.

Definition of the Problem

Identify and clearly state the problem in which an element of the identified problem or situation is
not meeting expectations. Remember that what appears to be the problem may actually be just a
symptom of a bigger problem dig deep to be sure you've identified the real problems. If there
appears to be more than one problem/issue, decide if they are separate or related issues.

State the problem in the form of a question. For example, if a work group is not performing
effectively, an effective problem statement might be "How can the staff shortage improve?" rather
than simply "Short Staff problems."

Literature Review of the Problem

Present what you discovered in your search of the literature. Review issues, theories, concepts, and
studies discussed in class and in our textbook, and review what other writers/researchers have to
say about the subject of your analysis. Discuss the concepts, ideas, or insights that are most valuable
in helping you make sense of your project. What theories can you use? What writers say something
of value? Why is it of value? Which models are the least helpful, and why? What theories or
concepts will you challenge or criticize because your findings are different? In short, demonstrate an
understanding of the literature and apply it sensibly to the problem. This is not a course in applied
commonsense; however, such practical intelligence is important, especially in the application stage.

A literature review is like playing a video game in which you are in a chamber with many doors. As
you open each door, you uncover clues to help you progress to the next level. Similarly, in a
literature review, your objective is to open the doors that can point the way to solving your business
problem. You should approach your literature review with a broad look at your field of interest, then
narrow your focus until you zero in on the essential issues of concern.

Analysis of the Problem

This section should provide a detailed analysis of the causes of the problem(s) you identified. A
major objective is to clearly illustrate how you are using the healthcare course concepts (as well as
what your learned from your literature review) to better understand the causes of the problem(s) or
issue(s).

Possible Solutions to the Problem

Explore three solutions that could be appropriate ways to solve the identified problem. Be sure
these solutions are logical based on your analysis and that they each would effectively treat the
problem, not the symptoms. Also, discuss the anticipated outcomes (both positive and negative) of
implementing each of the possible solutions you identified.

The Solution Chosen for the Problem

Outline your recommended solution to the problem, one of the alternatives explored in Section V, or
a combination of those alternatives. State your solution clearly and specifically. Describe exactly
what should be done and how it should be done, including by whom, with whom, and in what
sequence. Here are some points to keep in mind as you write this section:

Have I indicated an awareness of the problem of implementation (the how aspect)?

Have I been specific enough? For example, a general solution might state, "The healthcare manager
needs to realize that his or her style should match the situation."

A specific solution would state what style is most appropriate for the situation and how you will
attempt to the have the manager realize the appropriate style.

What aspects of the problem statement remain unresolved by my solution?

Does my recommended solution and implementation plan address the problem/issues and causes
identified in the previous sections?

Does my solution consider and resolve the identified pros and cons?

How will I evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented recommended solution?

What process checks or procedures will I put in place to institutionalize the improvement?

Could my solution cause other problems/issues?

What risks are inherent in the solution you recommend?

What contingency plans do you recommend?

Assess the realism of your proposed action plan. For example, is there adequate time, money, or
other resources for your solution? In addition, does your solution place too much reliance on other
people being reasonable or what you think is reasonable?

Justification for the Solution


Justify why your recommended solution and its implementation will solve the identified problem
statement. An important element of this section is to show very clearly how you applied theoretical
concepts to arrive at a workable solution and a successful implementation.

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