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Statement of The Problem

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Alexa Marie Ruallo
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6 views

Statement of The Problem

Uploaded by

Alexa Marie Ruallo
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 PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

A statement of the problem is a brief, clear, and precise explanation of an issue that the
researcher wants to study. It includes a vision, issue statement, and proposed method to
solve the problem. A statement of the problem clearly states the purpose of the study and
poses specific questions about the research problem. The statement of the problem briefly
addresses the question: What is the problem that the research will address? What are the
goals of a statement of the problem?

The 5 W’s and 1 H can be used to define a problem statement.

Two ways of stating the statement of the problem:

1. General Problems that state the general overview that provides a clear and concise
explanation of the problem that the study seeks to solve.

2. Specific Problems a question form that states the solution that will help to answer
and provide a solution to the general problem

Why is the Statement of the Problem important in a Research?

For a number of reasons, the Problem Statement is crucial to the research process. First of
all, it establishes the framework for the whole investigation by precisely defining the
particular problem or phenomena that the study seeks to explore. By clearly identifying the
problem, researchers set the parameters for their investigation, which helps them choose
the best approaches and data gathering strategies.
What should your Statement of the Problem include?

When formulating your statement(s) of the problem, it should:

• Identify an issue or a gap in existing knowledge in the field;


• Demonstrate the need for further research on the topic;
• Be realistic from the perspective of gathering data, budget constraints, timeframe,
etc.;
• Be based in theoretical, factual, or conceptual framework;
• Answer the “so what” questions i.e. it should convey the significance of the study;
• Have a strong ethical basis for the solution it proposes;
• Be written clearly and concisely;
• Be free of unnecessary jargon and sweeping statements.

Common mistakes when formulating your Statement of the Problem

In a research report, the Statement of the Problem is where the interested readers will find
what exactly you, as a researcher, are aiming to investigate in your study but even if you did
have a Statement of Problem, and if it is ambiguously constructed, the readers will be
confused with what you are attempting to study.

When formulating the statements of the problem, you will often discover these common
mistakes:

• Assuming the Solutions and the Cause;

-When defining a problem statement, it's vital to maintain objectivity when formulating the
SOPs of your research. A good problem statement should create awareness and stimulate
creative thinking. It should not identify a solution or create a bias toward a specific strategy.

• Being too Broad;

-When a problem statement is too broad, it lacks focus, making it difficult to define clear
objectives and develop effective solutions. It can lead to confusion, inefficiency, and
difficulty in prioritizing tasks. Narrowing down the problem statement helps in identifying
specific issues, setting achievable goals, and implementing targeted solutions.
• Being too Vague;

-Being too vague in a problem statement can lead to misunderstandings, ambiguity, and
ineffective problem-solving. It makes it difficult to identify the root cause of the issue and
develop clear strategies for resolution. Clarity and specificity are essential in problem
statements to ensure that all stakeholders understand the problem and can work towards
a common goal.

• Being too Narrow

-When a problem statement is too narrow, it limits the scope of potential solutions and
may overlook broader issues or alternative perspectives. This can hinder creativity and
innovation, leading to solutions that fail to address underlying causes or meet the needs
effectively.

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