how to write a problem statement for phd research

Master's Dissertation / Writing tips

Problem Statement in Research: Guidelines and Examples

by Glenn Stevens

In research, a problem statement serves as a foundational element that defines the scope, significance, and purpose of a study. It articulates the specific problem or issue being addressed, sets the context for the research, and guides the formulation of research questions, objectives, and hypotheses. In this post, we’ll consider what a problem statement is, discuss how to write it effectively and provide examples to illustrate its structure and content.

What is a Problem Statement in Research?

A problem statement is a concise and focused description of the research problem or gap in knowledge that the study aims to address. It identifies the central issue or question, explains why it is important or relevant, and outlines the objectives or goals of the research. A well-crafted problem statement provides clarity, rationale, and justification for conducting the research and helps researchers and readers understand the purpose and significance of the study.

How to Write a Problem Statement:

Identify the Research Problem:

Clearly define the specific problem, issue, or gap in knowledge that the research intends to explore or address. Be specific and avoid vague or overly broad statements.

Provide Context and Justification:

Describe the background, context, and significance of the problem to establish its relevance and importance in the research domain. Explain why addressing this problem is essential.

State the Objectives or Goals:

Clearly articulate the research objectives, goals, or aims that the study aims to achieve in addressing the problem. Ensure that the objectives align with the identified problem and research scope.

Consider the Audience:

Tailor the problem statement to the intended audience, such as researchers, scholars, funding agencies, or stakeholders. Use language and terminology appropriate for the target audience.

Be Concise and Specific:

Keep the problem statement concise, focused, and to the point. Avoid unnecessary details or tangents that detract from the central problem or issue.

Use Clear and Precise Language:

Use clear, precise, and unambiguous language to communicate the problem statement effectively. Define key terms or concepts as needed to ensure clarity.

how to write a problem statement for phd research

Examples of Problem Statements:

Problem: “The lack of access to clean water in rural communities leads to health disparities and waterborne diseases.”
Context and Justification: “Access to clean water is a fundamental human right and essential for maintaining public health and well-being.”
Objectives: “This study aims to assess the impact of water quality interventions on reducing waterborne diseases and improving health outcomes in rural areas.”
Problem: “The underrepresentation of women in leadership positions hinders organizational diversity and innovation.”
Context and Justification: “Gender diversity in leadership is associated with improved decision-making, creativity, and organizational performance.”
Objectives: “This research seeks to explore barriers to women’s advancement in leadership roles and develop strategies for promoting gender equality and diversity in organizations.”
Problem: “High rates of student dropout in urban schools contribute to educational inequality and social disparities.”
Context and Justification: “Educational attainment is a key determinant of future opportunities and socioeconomic outcomes.”
Objectives: “This study aims to identify factors influencing student dropout rates and propose interventions to support student retention and academic success.”

A well-crafted problem statement is essential for guiding and framing research endeavours, providing clarity, focus, and direction to the study. By following the guidelines outlined above and crafting a problem statement that clearly defines the research problem, provides context and justification, states objectives or goals, and communicates effectively with the intended audience, researchers can lay a solid foundation for impactful and meaningful research outcomes. Effective problem statements serve as a roadmap for conducting research, addressing critical issues, and contributing to knowledge advancement and scholarly discourse in various fields.

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How to Write an Effective Problem Statement for Your Research Paper

4 minute read

Table of Contents

The problem statement usually appears at the beginning of an article, making it one of the first things readers encounter. An excellent problem statement not only explains the relevance and importance of the research but also helps readers quickly determine if the article aligns with their interests by clearly defining the topic. Therefore, the problem statement plays a unique role in the widespread dissemination of the paper and enhancing the researcher’s academic influence.

In this article, we will focus on writing ideas, structure, and practical examples of the problem statement, helping researchers easily write an excellent problem statement.

Basic Writing Strategies for the Problem Statement

The problem statement aims to highlight the pressing issue the research intends to address. It should be concise and to the point. Researchers can follow a two-step approach: first, think about the content of the problem statement, and then organize the writing framework.

Before writing, clarify the following points¹ :

What is the reader’s level of understanding of the research topic?
How can the significance of the research be effectively conveyed to the reader?

After addressing these two questions, you can organize the content according to the following structure:

Clarify what you aim to achieve with your research.
Explore why the problem exists and explain how solving it helps reach the goal.
Outline the potential impact of the research, such as possible outcomes, challenges, and benefits.
Recommend a plan for your experiment that follows the rules of science.
Explain the potential consequences if the problem is not resolved (if applicable).

Three Important Parts of the Problem Statement

The content and length of the problem statement can vary depending on the type of research. Although there’s no fixed format, it’s helpful to include these three key parts:

Research Background:

Explain clearly what problem your research focuses on. Describe how things would be better if this problem didn’t exist. Also, talk about what other researchers have tried to do about this problem and what still needs to be figured out.

Research Significance:

Clarify the impact of the problem on the research field and society, and analyze the cause of the problem. Explain who will benefit from solving the problem, thus demonstrating the relevance of the research and its contribution to the existing research system.² To illustrate the relevance, consider aspects such as the geographical location or process where the problem occurs, the time period during which it exists, and the severity of the problem.

Solution:

Describe the research objective and the expected solution or results.

Understanding the Writing Method Through Examples

To further explore the writing method of the problem statement, let’s look at the following case.

Research Topic:

The benefits of vitamin D supplementation on the immune system.

Problem Statement:

Review existing research on the role of vitamin D in the immune system, emphasizing the potential impacts of vitamin D deficiency on the human body.
List the obstacles encountered when trying to increase vitamin D levels in the body through supplements, and briefly mention the physiological or molecular mechanisms behind these obstacles.
Clarify feasible ways to overcome these obstacles, such as new methods to promote the absorption of vitamin D in the intestine. Then, focus on the benefits of these methods, such as helping postmenopausal women with breast cancer improve their blood vitamin D levels.

Points to Note:

When crafting your problem statement, focus on essential details and avoid unnecessary information. Additionally, absolute terms such as “must” should be avoided.

( The examples in this article are used only to illustrate writing points, and the academic views contained therein are not for reference. )

By mastering these techniques and methods, you can enhance the clarity and impact of their problem statements. This not only makes the articles more engaging for reviewers and readers but also increases the likelihood of broader dissemination.

For efficient and professional assistance, consider reaching out to Elsevier Language Services. Our team of expert editors, who are native English speakers across various disciplines, can help refine every aspect of your article, including the problem statement. Our goal is to ensure your research achieves efficient publication and has wide-reaching impact, supporting your academic journey in the long term.

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References:

SURF Workshop Resources: Problem Statements – Purdue OWL® – Purdue University. (n.d.). https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/writing_in_the_purdue_surf_program/surf_workshop_resources_problem_statements/index.html
Problem Statement | A practical guide to delivering results. (n.d.). Copyright (C)2024 a Practical Guide to Delivering Results. All Rights Reserved. https://deliveringresults.leeds.ac.uk/delivering-results-lifecycle/problem-statement/