statement of problem in educational research

How to Write a Statement of the Problem for Your Research Proposal

Defining your research problem is essential when conducting an experiment. In this article, you will learn how to write a statement of the problem for your research proposal. Learn about the characteristics of a good statement of the problem and examples of research questions.

Updated on May 17, 2022

You are a great researcher. You are full of ideas and questions as to where to go next with your work. You would not be in this position if you were not good at coming up with interesting questions within your area.

One problem, though, is knowing where to spend your time, energy, and money. Which ideas, questions, and problems are worthwhile?

You need to be able to define a good research problem. A research problem addresses an existing gap in knowledge in your field and leads to further investigations by you and other researchers. Inspiring others with your research problem will lead to citations, enhancing your and your institution's impact.

In order to write a clear and useful problem statement, you need to describe a question and its consequences.

One key way to assess the ‘usefulness' of your research ideas is to learn how to express them as clear problems.

In this article, we will talk about how to write a statement of the problem for your next research proposal. This is important not just for assessing the ‘usefulness' of research ideas, but also for formulating a grant application or proposal. We'll talk about how to explain your research ideas to others in the form of a problem statement in your proposal.

What is a statement of the problem in research?

All research projects should start with a clear problem statement. A problem statement is a formulation of an issue which is usually a ‘gap' within your area. A research gap is an unanswered question, an issue, controversy, or untested hypothesis that has not yet been addressed.

The trick with research problems is working out whether they are actually worth investing the time, energy, and money to figure out. This comes with experience, or you could just read on!

Since a clear problem statement is going to form the basis of your next research project, the question is: How can I write one?

How is this done? The first step is to become familiar with the basic elements of a problem statement in effective research.

Characteristics of a problem statement

A research problem statement has two key attributes:

• The problem must be challenging and original, but also potentially achievable by your team.
• The problem must not be incremental. In other words, don't try to address a small change or advance on an existing study that leads to no new scientific insight. This could be damaging to your and your team's reputation, and will likely not lead to a meaningful publication.

Developing a ‘good' research problem statement, therefore, involves systematic planning and setting time-based, realistic objectives. Your problem has to be achievable.

You'll also need to apply feasible research methods based on an approach that best suits the research question. Your methods have to make sense. They must be usable. In other words, you must be able to acquire statistically sufficient and relevant data that is reproducible.

Finally, the problem you define means you'll need to train team members in this particular research area and methods.

Writing a statement of the problem

Stating a research problem is done by defining it within the general area of your research. This depends on your previous work and experience. It may be an area you want to move into or a topic related to what you have already worked on as a researcher. Examples could include a question in astrophysics within physics, robotics within engineering, nutrition within medicine, or marine biology within ocean and Earth science.

Once you've determined your overall area (and you'll know this already of course), it's time to drill down, decide, and define a research problem within that field.

First , your statement should identify a problem that needs to be addressed within your selected sub-area.

This will almost certainly require literature work, but the idea may arise from:

• Discussions you've had with colleagues;
• Discussions at a conference;
• A paper you've read.

Second , your problem statement should be a “good research problem.” This will require further investigation and reading as you consider “what has been done?” and “what needs to be done?”

Third , search for more information, perhaps by:

• Locating relevant books, papers and other materials;
• Evaluating the quality and authority of the information collected;
• Maintaining a regular literature review throughout the project;
• Making regular notes on background material;
• Deciding how this literature search will be carried out within the research group;
• Deciding how information gained will be disseminated to the group (e.g., via each researcher carrying out a regular literature review in their sub-area and information disseminated at group meetings or via email at regular intervals).

This process may well change or modify how your research problem is stated or formulated.

Once your research problem has been identified, research questions within the problem need to be specified.

How long should your statement of the problem be?

Not too long. One page is more than enough for a clear and effective problem statement.

Research questions within your problem

The first stage of writing your research problem statement involves formulating your questions in a meaningful way. In the context of important questions, we are looking for things that many readers across different disciplines find to be interesting. But at the same time, set your question within your field.

Thus, once a research problem has been established, several questions can be written down. These questions should specify exactly what needs to be determined to address the problem.

These questions should also be specific enough that they can be answered using appropriate available research methods - or methods that could be made available to the research group (e.g. by buying or borrowing equipment).

These questions should require complex in-depth investigation, analysis, and argument. They should not be simple enough that they can be answered easily with well-established facts or yes/no answers.

All research questions should be focused, specific, appropriately complex, and relevant to the overall aims of the project.

Examples of questions and next steps

• How do government regulations prevent companies from polluting water systems?
• What factors have influenced population growth in the fastest growing countries?
• How can a bespoke thermal desorption unit be designed and built for use in detection of trace particulate matter in a polluted environment (e.g., a busy city street)?
• What methods and procedures can be used to understand, and hence control, fundamental chemical processes that occur in flames?
• How can measurement protocols used in mass spectrometry in a university research laboratory be developed and standardized to enable direct comparison with related measurements in a government laboratory?

Once the problem and questions have been identified, the resources required to carry out the research will need to be assessed. This will involve:

• Identifying the equipment needed. Find out what is available and what needs to be purchased.
• Assessing which consumables (e.g., chemicals) are needed for the project, and determining if they can be obtained on a regular basis (i.e., in the right quantities at the appropriate times).
• Identifying the software, data-analyses and other computer support needed. Assess what needs to be purchased.
• Assessing what laboratory and office space is needed. And if more is required, discuss this with the relevant laboratory manager.
• Identifying what support for travel is needed for the group, as well as what resources are required for the group to attend relevant conferences and training of group personnel.

Final thoughts

Defining and writing a clear statement of a problem as the basis of a project is the first - and most important - step in any research. The tips and ideas in this article will help you clearly identify the purpose of the research you are developing.

A clear research problem statement will likely form the skeleton of the Introduction of your final article. If you are able to clearly direct your reader (the most important person in the publishing process) to an important and interesting question, they will likely stay engaged, and use and cite your article in the future.

The AJE Team

See our "Privacy Policy"

The Research Problem & Statement

What they are & how to write them (with examples)

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewed By: Eunice Rautenbach (DTech) | March 2023

If you’re new to academic research, you’re bound to encounter the concept of a “ research problem ” or “ problem statement ” fairly early in your learning journey. Having a good research problem is essential, as it provides a foundation for developing high-quality research, from relatively small research papers to a full-length PhD dissertations and theses.

In this post, we’ll unpack what a research problem is and how it’s related to a problem statement . We’ll also share some examples and provide a step-by-step process you can follow to identify and evaluate study-worthy research problems for your own project.

Overview: Research Problem 101

What is a research problem.

• What is a problem statement?

Where do research problems come from?

• How to find a suitable research problem
• Key takeaways

A research problem is, at the simplest level, the core issue that a study will try to solve or (at least) examine. In other words, it’s an explicit declaration about the problem that your dissertation, thesis or research paper will address. More technically, it identifies the research gap that the study will attempt to fill (more on that later).

Let’s look at an example to make the research problem a little more tangible.

To justify a hypothetical study, you might argue that there’s currently a lack of research regarding the challenges experienced by first-generation college students when writing their dissertations [ PROBLEM ] . As a result, these students struggle to successfully complete their dissertations, leading to higher-than-average dropout rates [ CONSEQUENCE ]. Therefore, your study will aim to address this lack of research – i.e., this research problem [ SOLUTION ].

A research problem can be theoretical in nature, focusing on an area of academic research that is lacking in some way. Alternatively, a research problem can be more applied in nature, focused on finding a practical solution to an established problem within an industry or an organisation. In other words, theoretical research problems are motivated by the desire to grow the overall body of knowledge , while applied research problems are motivated by the need to find practical solutions to current real-world problems (such as the one in the example above).

As you can probably see, the research problem acts as the driving force behind any study , as it directly shapes the research aims, objectives and research questions , as well as the research approach. Therefore, it’s really important to develop a very clearly articulated research problem before you even start your research proposal . A vague research problem will lead to unfocused, potentially conflicting research aims, objectives and research questions .

What is a research problem statement?

As the name suggests, a problem statement (within a research context, at least) is an explicit statement that clearly and concisely articulates the specific research problem your study will address. While your research problem can span over multiple paragraphs, your problem statement should be brief , ideally no longer than one paragraph . Importantly, it must clearly state what the problem is (whether theoretical or practical in nature) and how the study will address it.

Here’s an example of a statement of the problem in a research context:

Rural communities across Ghana lack access to clean water, leading to high rates of waterborne illnesses and infant mortality. Despite this, there is little research investigating the effectiveness of community-led water supply projects within the Ghanaian context. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effectiveness of such projects in improving access to clean water and reducing rates of waterborne illnesses in these communities.

As you can see, this problem statement clearly and concisely identifies the issue that needs to be addressed (i.e., a lack of research regarding the effectiveness of community-led water supply projects) and the research question that the study aims to answer (i.e., are community-led water supply projects effective in reducing waterborne illnesses?), all within one short paragraph.

Need a helping hand?

Wherever there is a lack of well-established and agreed-upon academic literature , there is an opportunity for research problems to arise, since there is a paucity of (credible) knowledge. In other words, research problems are derived from research gaps . These gaps can arise from various sources, including the emergence of new frontiers or new contexts, as well as disagreements within the existing research.

Let’s look at each of these scenarios:

New frontiers – new technologies, discoveries or breakthroughs can open up entirely new frontiers where there is very little existing research, thereby creating fresh research gaps. For example, as generative AI technology became accessible to the general public in 2023, the full implications and knock-on effects of this were (or perhaps, still are) largely unknown and therefore present multiple avenues for researchers to explore.

New contexts – very often, existing research tends to be concentrated on specific contexts and geographies. Therefore, even within well-studied fields, there is often a lack of research within niche contexts. For example, just because a study finds certain results within a western context doesn’t mean that it would necessarily find the same within an eastern context. If there’s reason to believe that results may vary across these geographies, a potential research gap emerges.

Disagreements – within many areas of existing research, there are (quite naturally) conflicting views between researchers, where each side presents strong points that pull in opposing directions. In such cases, it’s still somewhat uncertain as to which viewpoint (if any) is more accurate. As a result, there is room for further research in an attempt to “settle” the debate.

Of course, many other potential scenarios can give rise to research gaps, and consequently, research problems, but these common ones are a useful starting point. If you’re interested in research gaps, you can learn more here .

How to find a research problem

Given that research problems flow from research gaps , finding a strong research problem for your research project means that you’ll need to first identify a clear research gap. Below, we’ll present a four-step process to help you find and evaluate potential research problems.

If you’ve read our other articles about finding a research topic , you’ll find the process below very familiar as the research problem is the foundation of any study . In other words, finding a research problem is much the same as finding a research topic.

Step 1 – Identify your area of interest

Naturally, the starting point is to first identify a general area of interest . Chances are you already have something in mind, but if not, have a look at past dissertations and theses within your institution to get some inspiration. These present a goldmine of information as they’ll not only give you ideas for your own research, but they’ll also help you see exactly what the norms and expectations are for these types of projects.

At this stage, you don’t need to get super specific. The objective is simply to identify a couple of potential research areas that interest you. For example, if you’re undertaking research as part of a business degree, you may be interested in social media marketing strategies for small businesses, leadership strategies for multinational companies, etc.

Depending on the type of project you’re undertaking, there may also be restrictions or requirements regarding what topic areas you’re allowed to investigate, what type of methodology you can utilise, etc. So, be sure to first familiarise yourself with your institution’s specific requirements and keep these front of mind as you explore potential research ideas.

Step 2 – Review the literature and develop a shortlist

Once you’ve decided on an area that interests you, it’s time to sink your teeth into the literature . In other words, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the existing research regarding your interest area. Google Scholar is a good starting point for this, as you can simply enter a few keywords and quickly get a feel for what’s out there. Keep an eye out for recent literature reviews and systematic review-type journal articles, as these will provide a good overview of the current state of research.

At this stage, you don’t need to read every journal article from start to finish . A good strategy is to pay attention to the abstract, intro and conclusion , as together these provide a snapshot of the key takeaways. As you work your way through the literature, keep an eye out for what’s missing – in other words, what questions does the current research not answer adequately (or at all)? Importantly, pay attention to the section titled “ further research is needed ”, typically found towards the very end of each journal article. This section will specifically outline potential research gaps that you can explore, based on the current state of knowledge (provided the article you’re looking at is recent).

Take the time to engage with the literature and develop a big-picture understanding of the current state of knowledge. Reviewing the literature takes time and is an iterative process , but it’s an essential part of the research process, so don’t cut corners at this stage.

As you work through the review process, take note of any potential research gaps that are of interest to you. From there, develop a shortlist of potential research gaps (and resultant research problems) – ideally 3 – 5 options that interest you.

Step 3 – Evaluate your potential options

Once you’ve developed your shortlist, you’ll need to evaluate your options to identify a winner. There are many potential evaluation criteria that you can use, but we’ll outline three common ones here: value, practicality and personal appeal.

Value – a good research problem needs to create value when successfully addressed. Ask yourself:

• Who will this study benefit (e.g., practitioners, researchers, academia)?
• How will it benefit them specifically?
• How much will it benefit them?

Practicality – a good research problem needs to be manageable in light of your resources. Ask yourself:

• What data will I need access to?
• What knowledge and skills will I need to undertake the analysis?
• What equipment or software will I need to process and/or analyse the data?
• How much time will I need?
• What costs might I incur?

Personal appeal – a research project is a commitment, so the research problem that you choose needs to be genuinely attractive and interesting to you. Ask yourself:

• How appealing is the prospect of solving this research problem (on a scale of 1 – 10)?
• Why, specifically, is it attractive (or unattractive) to me?
• Does the research align with my longer-term goals (e.g., career goals, educational path, etc)?

Depending on how many potential options you have, you may want to consider creating a spreadsheet where you numerically rate each of the options in terms of these criteria. Remember to also include any criteria specified by your institution . From there, tally up the numbers and pick a winner.

Step 4 – Craft your problem statement

Once you’ve selected your research problem, the final step is to craft a problem statement. Remember, your problem statement needs to be a concise outline of what the core issue is and how your study will address it. Aim to fit this within one paragraph – don’t waffle on. Have a look at the problem statement example we mentioned earlier if you need some inspiration.

Key Takeaways

We’ve covered a lot of ground. Let’s do a quick recap of the key takeaways:

• A research problem is an explanation of the issue that your study will try to solve. This explanation needs to highlight the problem , the consequence and the solution or response.
• A problem statement is a clear and concise summary of the research problem , typically contained within one paragraph.
• Research problems emerge from research gaps , which themselves can emerge from multiple potential sources, including new frontiers, new contexts or disagreements within the existing literature.
• To find a research problem, you need to first identify your area of interest , then review the literature and develop a shortlist, after which you’ll evaluate your options, select a winner and craft a problem statement .

Psst... there’s more!

This post was based on one of our popular Research Bootcamps . If you're working on a research project, you'll definitely want to check this out ...

You Might Also Like:

I APPRECIATE YOUR CONCISE AND MIND-CAPTIVATING INSIGHTS ON THE STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS. PLEASE I STILL NEED SOME SAMPLES RELATED TO SUICIDES.

Very pleased and appreciate clear information.

Your videos and information have been a life saver for me throughout my dissertation journey. I wish I’d discovered them sooner. Thank you!

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Print Friendly

• Research Process

What is a Problem Statement? [with examples]

• 5 minute read

Table of Contents

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 online9 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.

Language Editing Plus

Elsevier Language Editing Plus service will provide you with a thorough language review of your thesis, article or presentation. It offers review of logic and flow, reference checks, document formatting, a customized cover letter and more.

• Manuscript Preparation

What is and How to Write a Good Hypothesis in Research?

How to Use Tables and Figures effectively in Research Papers

You may also like.

Descriptive Research Design and Its Myriad Uses

Five Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Biomedical Research Paper

Making Technical Writing in Environmental Engineering Accessible

To Err is Not Human: The Dangers of AI-assisted Academic Writing

When Data Speak, Listen: Importance of Data Collection and Analysis Methods

Choosing the Right Research Methodology: A Guide for Researchers

Why is data validation important in research?

Writing a good review article

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

• Privacy Policy

Home » Problem Statement – Writing Guide, Examples and Types

Problem Statement – Writing Guide, Examples and Types

Table of Contents

Problem Statement

Definition:

Problem statement is a clear, concise, and well-defined statement that outlines the issue or challenge that needs to be addressed. It is a crucial element in any project or research as it provides a clear understanding of the problem, its context, and its potential impact.

Types of Problem Statements

There are various types of problem statements, and the type of problem statement used depends on the context and purpose of the project or research. Some common types of problem statements are:

Business Problem Statement

Business Problem Statement identifies a problem or challenge within an organization that needs to be solved. It typically includes the impact of the problem on the organization and its stakeholders, such as customers, employees, or shareholders.

Research Problem Statement

Research Problem Statement outlines the research question or problem that the study aims to address. It describes the research objectives, the significance of the research, and the potential impact of the research findings.

Design Problem Statement

Design Problem Statement defines the problem or challenge that a design project aims to solve. It includes the user’s needs, the design constraints, and the desired outcomes of the design project.

Social Problem Statement

Social Problem Statement describes a problem or challenge in society that needs to be addressed. It typically includes the social, economic, or political impact of the problem and its effect on individuals or communities.

Technical Problem Statement

Technical Problem Statement defines a problem or challenge related to technology or engineering. It includes the technical requirements, constraints, and potential solutions to the problem.

Components of Problem Statement

The components of a problem statement may vary depending on the context and purpose of the project or research, but some common components include:

• Problem description : This component provides a clear and concise description of the problem, its context, and its impact. It should explain what the problem is, who is affected by it, and why it needs to be addressed.
• Background information : This component provides context for the problem by describing the current state of knowledge or practice related to the problem. It may include a review of relevant literature, data, or other sources of information.
• Objectives : This component outlines the specific objectives that the project or research aims to achieve. It should explain what the project or research team hopes to accomplish by addressing the problem.
• Scope : This component defines the boundaries of the problem by specifying what is included and excluded from the problem statement. It should clarify the limits of the project or research and ensure that the team remains focused on the core problem.
• Methodology : This component outlines the approach or methodology that the project or research team will use to address the problem. It may include details about data collection, analysis, or other methods used to achieve the objectives.
• Expected outcomes : This component describes the potential impact or outcomes that the project or research aims to achieve. It should explain how the solution or findings will address the problem and benefit the stakeholders.

How to write Problem Statement

Here are some general steps to follow when writing a problem statement:

• Identify the problem : Clearly identify the problem that needs to be addressed. Consider the context, stakeholders, and potential consequences of the problem.
• Research the problem: Conduct research to gather data and information about the problem. This may involve reviewing literature, analyzing data, or consulting with experts.
• Define the problem: Define the problem clearly and concisely, using specific language and avoiding vague or ambiguous terms. Be sure to include the impact of the problem and the context in which it occurs.
• State the objectives : Clearly state the objectives that the project or research aims to achieve. This should be specific and measurable, with clear outcomes that can be evaluated.
• Identify the scope: Identify the boundaries of the problem, including what is included and excluded from the problem statement. This helps to ensure that the team remains focused on the core problem.
• Outline the methodology : Outline the approach or methodology that the project or research team will use to address the problem. This should be based on research and best practices, and should be feasible and realistic.
• Describe the expected outcomes : Describe the potential impact or outcomes that the project or research aims to achieve. Be specific about how the solution or findings will address the problem and benefit the stakeholders.
• Revise and refine : Review the problem statement and revise it as needed to ensure clarity, accuracy, and completeness.

Applications of Problem Statement

Here are some of the applications of problem statements:

• Research : In academic research, problem statements are used to clearly define the research problem, identify the research question, and justify the need for the study. A well-crafted problem statement is essential for the success of any research project.
• Project management: In project management, problem statements are used to identify the issues or challenges that a project team needs to address. Problem statements help project managers to define project scope, set project goals, and develop project plans.
• Business strategy: In business strategy, problem statements are used to identify business challenges and opportunities. Problem statements help businesses to define their strategic objectives, develop action plans, and allocate resources.
• Product development : In product development, problem statements are used to identify customer needs and develop new products that address those needs. Problem statements help product developers to define product requirements, develop product features, and test product prototypes.
• Policy-making: In public policy-making, problem statements are used to identify social, economic, and environmental issues that require government intervention. Problem statements help policymakers to define policy objectives, develop policy options, and evaluate policy outcomes.

Examples of Problem Statements

Examples of Problem Statements are as follows:

• High student-to-teacher ratios are leading to decreased individualized attention and lower academic achievement.
• Limited funding for extracurricular activities is limiting opportunities for student development and engagement.
• The lack of diversity and inclusion in curriculum is limiting cultural understanding and perpetuating inequalities.
• The need for continuous professional development for teachers is crucial to improving teaching quality and student outcomes.
• Unequal access to education due to socio-economic status, geographical location, or other factors is contributing to disparities in academic achievement.
• The shortage of healthcare professionals is leading to increased patient wait times and decreased quality of care.
• Limited access to mental health services is contributing to the high prevalence of mental health issues and suicides.
• The over-prescription of opioids is contributing to the current opioid epidemic and increasing rates of addiction and overdose.
• Limited access to affordable and nutritious food is leading to poor nutrition and increased rates of chronic diseases.
• The lack of standardized electronic health record systems is limiting coordination of care and leading to medical errors.

Environmental Science

• Pollution from industrial and agricultural practices is contributing to climate change and increased health risks.
• The overexploitation of natural resources is leading to decreased biodiversity and ecological imbalance.
• Limited access to clean water is leading to health issues and affecting agriculture and economic development.
• The destruction of natural habitats is leading to the extinction of many species and disrupting ecosystems.
• Climate change is leading to more frequent and severe natural disasters, causing significant damage to infrastructure and displacement of populations.

Engineering

• The inadequate design and maintenance of bridges and roads is leading to increased accidents and fatalities.
• The lack of reliable and sustainable energy sources is contributing to environmental degradation and limiting economic growth.
• The lack of cybersecurity measures in critical infrastructure is making it vulnerable to cyber attacks and compromising public safety.
• The lack of efficient waste management systems is contributing to pollution and environmental degradation.
• The need for developing technologies that are environmentally friendly and sustainable is crucial to addressing climate change.

Social Work

• The lack of resources for mental health and social services is contributing to homelessness and the need for emergency assistance.
• The high prevalence of child abuse and neglect is leading to long-term physical and emotional harm to children.
• The lack of affordable and accessible childcare is limiting the opportunities for working parents, especially mothers.
• The stigmatization of mental health issues is limiting access to mental health services and perpetuating discrimination.
• The limited access to education, employment, and housing opportunities is contributing to poverty and social inequality.
• The increasing use of ad-blocking software is limiting the effectiveness of traditional digital advertising.
• The lack of transparency in digital advertising is leading to ad fraud and decreased trust in online marketing.
• The need to adapt marketing strategies to changing consumer behaviors and preferences is crucial to reaching target audiences effectively.
• The high competition in the marketplace is making it challenging for small businesses to compete with larger corporations.
• The need to balance marketing goals with ethical considerations is crucial to maintaining consumer trust and avoiding negative publicity.
• The high prevalence of anxiety and depression is leading to decreased productivity and increased healthcare costs.
• The limited access to mental health services in certain geographic areas is limiting access to care and contributing to disparities in mental health outcomes.
• The need for effective prevention and intervention programs for substance abuse and addiction is crucial to reducing rates of addiction and overdose.
• The lack of awareness and understanding of mental health issues is perpetuating stigma and limiting access to care.
• The need for culturally sensitive mental health services that are tailored to the needs of diverse populations is crucial to improving mental health outcomes.

Purpose of Problem Statement

The purpose of a problem statement is to clearly and concisely describe a specific problem or issue that needs to be addressed. It serves as a clear and succinct explanation of the problem, its context, and its importance, providing the necessary information to understand why the problem is worth solving. A well-crafted problem statement also helps to define the scope of the problem, which in turn helps to guide the research or problem-solving process. In essence, a problem statement sets the stage for identifying potential solutions and determining the best approach to solve the problem.

Characteristics of Problem Statement

The characteristics of a good problem statement include:

• Clear and concise : A problem statement should be written in clear and concise language, free of technical jargon, and easily understandable to the intended audience.
• Specific : The statement should clearly define the problem and its scope. It should identify the who, what, where, when, and why of the problem.
• Measurable : A problem statement should be measurable in some way, whether through quantitative or qualitative methods. This allows for objective assessment of progress towards solving the problem.
• Relevant : The problem statement should be relevant to the context in which it is presented. It should relate to the needs and concerns of stakeholders and the broader community.
• Feasible : The problem statement should be realistic and achievable, given the available resources and constraints.
• Innovative: A good problem statement should inspire creative and innovative solutions.
• Actionable : The problem statement should lead to actionable steps that can be taken to address the problem. It should provide a roadmap for moving forward.

Advantages of Problem Statement

Advantages of Problem Statement are as follows:

• Focus : A problem statement helps to clearly define the problem at hand and provides focus to the problem-solving process. It helps to avoid wasting time and resources on issues that are not relevant.
• Alignment : A well-written problem statement ensures that everyone involved in the problem-solving process is on the same page and understands the issue at hand. This alignment helps to ensure that efforts are focused in the right direction and that everyone is working towards the same goal.
• Clarity : A problem statement provides clarity about the nature of the problem and its impact. This clarity helps to facilitate communication and decision-making, making it easier to develop effective solutions.
• Innovation : A well-crafted problem statement can inspire creativity and encourage innovative thinking. By clearly defining the problem, it can help to identify new approaches and solutions that may not have been considered before.
• Measurability : A problem statement that is clear and specific can be used to measure progress and success. It helps to ensure that efforts are focused on addressing the root cause of the problem and that progress towards a solution can be tracked and evaluated.

Limitations of Problem Statement

While problem statements have many advantages, they also have some limitations, such as:

• Limited Scope: A problem statement is usually focused on a specific issue or challenge. As a result, it may not capture the full complexity of a larger problem, which can limit the effectiveness of the solutions developed.
• Lack of Detail : In some cases, problem statements may be too broad or lack sufficient detail, which can make it difficult to develop effective solutions. It’s important to ensure that the problem statement is specific enough to guide the problem-solving process.
• Bias : The way in which a problem statement is written can sometimes reflect the biases or assumptions of the person or group writing it. This can lead to a narrow or incomplete understanding of the problem and limit the effectiveness of the solutions developed.
• Inflexibility : A problem statement may be too rigid or inflexible, which can limit the exploration of alternative solutions. It’s important to keep an open mind and be willing to adapt the problem statement as new information or perspectives emerge.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

You may also like

Research Methodology – Types, Examples and...

Future Research – Thesis Guide

APA Table of Contents – Format and Example

Data Analysis – Process, Methods and Types

Critical Analysis – Types, Examples and Writing...

Appendix in Research Paper – Examples and...

• Affiliate Program

• UNITED STATES
• 台灣 (TAIWAN)
• TÜRKIYE (TURKEY)
• Academic Editing Services
• - Research Paper
• - Journal Manuscript
• - Dissertation
• - College & University Assignments
• Admissions Editing Services
• - Application Essay
• - Personal Statement
• - Recommendation Letter
• - Cover Letter
• - CV/Resume
• Business Editing Services
• - Business Documents
• - Report & Brochure
• - Website & Blog
• Writer Editing Services
• - Script & Screenplay
• Our Editors
• Client Reviews
• Editing & Proofreading Prices
• Wordvice Points
• Partner Discount
• Plagiarism Checker
• APA Citation Generator
• MLA Citation Generator
• Chicago Citation Generator
• Vancouver Citation Generator
• - APA Style
• - MLA Style
• - Chicago Style
• - Vancouver Style
• Writing & Editing Guide
• Academic Resources
• Admissions Resources

How to Write a Problem Statement in Research

What is a Research Problem Statement?

A research problem statement is a concise statement describing the problem or issue addressed by the research study. The research problem should be composed in a way that both experts and non-experts in the field can understand.

Every research paper describes the investigation of a problem: by adding knowledge to the existing literature, revisiting known observations, or finding concrete solutions. What contribution your publication makes to your field or the scientific community at large depends on whether your research is “basic” (i.e., mainly interested in providing further knowledge that researchers can later apply to specific problems) or “applied” (i.e., developing new techniques, processes, and products).

In any case, a research proposal or research paper must clearly identify and describe the “problem” that is being investigated, so that the reader understands where the research comes from, why the study is relevant, if the applied methods are appropriate, and if the presented results are valid and answer the stated questions. This is known as the “statement of the problem.”

Table of Contents:

• What is a Research Problem?

How to Write a Problem Statement in a Research Paper

• Statement of the Problem Example 
• Where Does the Problem Statement Go in Your Paper?

Consider Using Professional Editing Services

Understanding how to write a research problem.

Your research problem defines the gap in existing knowledge you want to address (e.g., global warming causes), an issue with a certain process (e.g., voter registration) or practices (e.g., patient treatment) that is known and well documented and needs a solution, or some surprising phenomena or earlier findings that point to the need for further investigation. Your approach can be theoretical or practical, and the specific type of problem you choose to address depends on the type of research you want to do. 

In any case, your paper should not repeat what other studies have already said. It also should not ask a question that is too broad in scope to be answered within your study, nor should it be so vague that your reader cannot grasp your motivation or focus. To avoid such problems, you need to clearly define your research question, put it into context, and emphasize its significance for your field of research, the wider research community, or even the general public.

When including your statement of the research problem, several key factors must be considered in order to make a statement that is clear, concise, relevant, and convincing to readers. Think about the following elements not as “steps” to writing your problem statement, but as necessary conditions on which your statement can be firmly grounded and stand out.

Provide context for your study

Putting your research problem in context means providing the reader with the background information they need to understand why you want to study or solve this particular problem and why it is relevant. If there have been earlier attempts at solving the problem or solutions that are available but seem imperfect and need improvement, include that information here.

If you are doing applied research, this part of the problem statement (or “research statement”) should tell the reader where a certain problem arises and who is affected by it. In basic or theoretical research, you make a review of relevant literature on the topic that forms the basis for the current work and tells the reader where your study fits in and what gap in existing knowledge you are addressing.

Establish the relevance of this research

The problem statement also needs to clearly state why the current research matters, or why future work matters if you are writing a research proposal. Ask yourself (and tell your readers) what will happen if the problem continues and who will feel the consequences the most. If the solution you search for or propose in your study has wider relevance outside the context of the subjects you have studied, then this also needs to be included here. In basic research, the advancement of knowledge does not always have clear practical consequences—but you should clearly explain to the reader how the insights your study offers fit into the bigger picture, and what potential future research they could inspire.

Define specific aims and Objectives

Now that the reader knows the context of your research and why it matters, briefly introduce the design and the methods you used or are planning to use. While describing these, you should also formulate your precise aims more clearly, and thereby bring every element in your paper together so that the reader can judge for themselves if they (a) understand the rationale behind your study and (b) are convinced by your approach.

This last part could maybe be considered the actual “statement of the problem” of your study, but you need to prepare the reader by providing all the necessary details before you state it explicitly. If the background literature you cite is too broad and the problem you introduced earlier seems a bit vague, then the reader will have trouble understanding how you came up with the specific experiments you suddenly describe here. Make sure your readers can follow the logical structure of your presentation and that no important details are left out.   

Research Problem Statement Example

The following is a sample statement of the problem for a practical research study on the challenges of online learning. Note that your statement might be much longer (especially the context section where you need to explain the background of the study) and that you will need to provide sources for all the claims you make and the earlier literature you cite. You will also not include the headers “context”, “relevance” and “aims and objectives” but simply present these parts as different paragraphs. But if your problem statement follows this structure, you should have no problem convincing the reader of the significance of your work.

Providing context: Since the beginning of the Covid pandemic, most educational institutions around the world have transitioned to a fully online study model, at least during peak times of infections and social distancing measures. This transition has not been easy and even two years into the pandemic, problems with online teaching and studying persist (reference needed) . While the increasing gap between those with access to technology and equipment and those without access has been determined to be one of the main challenges (reference needed) , others claim that online learning offers more opportunities for many students by breaking down barriers of location and distance (reference needed) .  

Establishing relevance: Since teachers and students cannot wait for circumstances to go back to normal, the measures that schools and universities have implemented during the last two years, their advantages and disadvantages, and the impact of those measures on students’ progress, satisfaction, and well-being need to be understood so that improvements can be made and demographics that have been left behind can receive the support they need as soon as possible.

Defining aims and objectives: To identify what changes in the learning environment were considered the most challenging and how those changes relate to a variety of student outcome measures, we conducted surveys and interviews among teachers and students at ten institutions of higher education in four different major cities, two in the US (New York and Chicago), one in South Korea (Seoul), and one in the UK (London). Responses were analyzed with a focus on different student demographics and how they might have been affected differently by the current situation.

Where Does the Problem Statement Go in Your Paper? 

If you write a statement of the problem for a research proposal, then you could include it as a separate section at the very beginning of the main text (unless you are given a specific different structure or different headings, however, then you will have to adapt to that). If your problem statement is part of a research paper manuscript for publication in an academic journal, then it more or less constitutes your introduction section , with the context/background being the literature review that you need to provide here.

If you write the introduction section after the other parts of your paper, then make sure that the specific research question and approach you describe here are in line with the information provided in the research paper abstract , and that all questions you raise here are answered at the end of the discussion section —as always, consistency is key. Knowing where to put the research question can depend on several important contextual factors.

Receive instant editing with Wordvice AI, our automated grammar checker . Then hand over your manuscript or paper to a professional English editing service for paper editing , thesis editing , or other academic editing services .

And if you need advice on how to write the other parts of your research paper , on how to make a research paper outline if you are struggling with putting everything you did together, or on how to come up with a good research question in case you are not even sure where to start, then head over to the Wordvice academic resources website where we have a lot more articles and videos for you.

How it works

Transform your enterprise with the scalable mindsets, skills, & behavior change that drive performance.

Explore how BetterUp connects to your core business systems.

We pair AI with the latest in human-centered coaching to drive powerful, lasting learning and behavior change.

Build leaders that accelerate team performance and engagement.

Unlock performance potential at scale with AI-powered curated growth journeys.

Build resilience, well-being and agility to drive performance across your entire enterprise.

Transform your business, starting with your sales leaders.

Unlock business impact from the top with executive coaching.

Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Accelerate the performance and potential of your agencies and employees.

See how innovative organizations use BetterUp to build a thriving workforce.

Discover how BetterUp measurably impacts key business outcomes for organizations like yours.

A demo is the first step to transforming your business. Meet with us to develop a plan for attaining your goals.

• What is coaching?

Learn how 1:1 coaching works, who its for, and if it's right for you.

Accelerate your personal and professional growth with the expert guidance of a BetterUp Coach.

Types of Coaching

Navigate career transitions, accelerate your professional growth, and achieve your career goals with expert coaching.

Enhance your communication skills for better personal and professional relationships, with tailored coaching that focuses on your needs.

Find balance, resilience, and well-being in all areas of your life with holistic coaching designed to empower you.

Discover your perfect match : Take our 5-minute assessment and let us pair you with one of our top Coaches tailored just for you.

Research, expert insights, and resources to develop courageous leaders within your organization.

Best practices, research, and tools to fuel individual and business growth.

View on-demand BetterUp events and learn about upcoming live discussions.

The latest insights and ideas for building a high-performing workplace.

• BetterUp Briefing

The online magazine that helps you understand tomorrow's workforce trends, today.

Innovative research featured in peer-reviewed journals, press, and more.

Founded in 2022 to deepen the understanding of the intersection of well-being, purpose, and performance

We're on a mission to help everyone live with clarity, purpose, and passion.

Join us and create impactful change.

Read the buzz about BetterUp.

Meet the leadership that's passionate about empowering your workforce.

For Business

For Individuals

3 Problem statement examples and steps to write your own

We’ve all encountered problems on the job. After all, that’s what a lot of work is about. Solving meaningful problems to help improve something. 

Developing a problem statement that provides a brief description of an issue you want to solve is an important early step in problem-solving .

It sounds deceptively simple. But creating an effective problem statement isn’t that easy, even for a genius like Albert Einstein. Given one hour to work on a problem, he’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and five minutes finding solutions. (Or so the story goes.)

Einstein was probably exaggerating to make a point. But considering his success in solving complex problems, we think he was on to something. 

As humans, we’re wired to jump past the problem and go directly to the solution stage. In emergencies, this behavior can be lifesaving, as in leaping out of the way of a speeding car. But when dealing with longer-range issues in the workplace, this can lead to bad decisions or half-baked solutions. 

That’s where problem statements come in handy. They help to meaningfully outline objectives to reach effective solutions. Knowing how to develop a great problem statement is also a valuable tool for honing your management skills .

But what exactly is a problem statement, when should you use one, and how do you go about writing one? In this article, we'll answer those questions and give you some tips for writing effective problem statements. Then you'll be ready to take on more challenges large and small.

What is a problem statement?

First, let’s start by defining a problem statement. 

A problem statement is a short, clear explanation of an issue or challenge that sums up what you want to change. It helps you, team members, and other stakeholders to focus on the problem, why it’s important, and who it impacts. 

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.

Taking time to work on a problem statement is a great way to short-circuit the tendency to rush to solutions. It helps to make sure you’re focusing on the right problem and have a well-informed understanding of the root causes. The process can also help you take a more proactive than reactive approach to problem-solving . This can help position you and your team to avoid getting stuck in constant fire-fighting mode. That way, you can take advantage of more growth opportunities.  

When to use a problem statement

The best time to create a problem statement is before you start thinking of solutions. If you catch yourself or your team rushing to the solution stage when you’re first discussing a problem, hit the brakes. Go back and work on the statement of the problem to make sure everyone understands and agrees on what the real problem is. 

Here are some common situations where writing problem statements might come in handy: 

• Writing an executive summary for a project proposal or research project
• Collaborating   on a cross-functional project with several team members
• Defining the customer issue that a proposed product or service aims to solve
• Using design thinking to improve user experience
• Tackling a problem that previous actions failed to solve 

How to identify a problem statement

Like the unseen body of an iceberg, the root cause of a specific problem isn’t always obvious. So when developing a problem statement, how do you go about identifying the true, underlying problem?

These two steps will help you uncover the root cause of a problem :

• Collect information from the research and previous experience with the problem
• Talk to multiple stakeholders who are impacted by the problem

People often perceive problems differently. Interviewing stakeholders will help you understand the problem from diverse points of view. It can also help you develop some case studies to illustrate the problem. 

Combining these insights with research data will help you identify root causes more accurately. In turn, this methodology will help you craft a problem statement that will lead to more viable solutions. 

What are problem statements used for?

You can use problem statements for a variety of purposes. For an organization, it might be solving customer and employee issues. For the government, it could be improving public health. For individuals, it can mean enhancing their own personal well-being . Generally, problem statements can be used to:

• Identify opportunities for improvement
• Focus on the right problems or issues to launch more successful initiatives – a common challenge in leadership
• Help you communicate a problem to others who need to be involved in finding a solution
• Serve as the basis for developing an action plan or goals that need to be accomplished to help solve the problem
• Stimulate thinking outside the box  and other types of creative brainstorming techniques

3 examples of problem statements

When you want to be sure you understand a concept or tool, it helps to see an example. There can also be some differences in opinion about what a problem statement should look like. For instance, some frameworks include a proposed solution as part of the problem statement. But if the goal is to stimulate fresh ideas, it’s better not to suggest a solution within the problem statement. 

In our experience, an effective problem statement is brief, preferably one sentence. It’s also specific and descriptive without being prescriptive. 

Here are three problem statement examples. While these examples represent three types of problems or goals, keep in mind that there can be many other types of problem statements.        

Example Problem Statement 1: The Status Quo Problem Statement

Example: 

The average customer service on-hold time for Example company exceeds five minutes during both its busy and slow seasons.

This can be used to describe a current pain point within an organization that may need to be addressed. Note that the statement specifies that the issue occurs during the company’s slow time as well as the busy season. This is helpful in performing the root cause analysis and determining how this problem can be solved. 

The average customer service on-hold time for Example company exceeds five minutes during both its busy and slow seasons. The company is currently understaffed and customer service representatives are overwhelmed.

Background:

Example company is facing a significant challenge in managing their customer service on-hold times. In the past, the company had been known for its efficient and timely customer service, but due to a combination of factors, including understaffing and increased customer demand, the on-hold times have exceeded five minutes consistently. This has resulted in frustration and dissatisfaction among customers, negatively impacting the company's reputation and customer loyalty.

Reducing the on-hold times for customer service callers is crucial for Example company. Prolonged waiting times have a detrimental effect on customer satisfaction and loyalty, leading to potential customer churn and loss of revenue. Additionally, the company's declining reputation in terms of customer service can have a lasting impact on its competitive position in the market. Addressing this problem is of utmost importance to improve customer experience and maintain a positive brand image.

Objectives:

The primary objective of this project is to reduce the on-hold times for customer service callers at Example company. The specific objectives include:

• Analyzing the current customer service workflow and identifying bottlenecks contributing to increased on-hold times.
• Assessing the staffing levels and resource allocation to determine the extent of understaffing and its impact on customer service.
• Developing strategies and implementing measures to optimize the customer service workflow and reduce on-hold times.
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the implemented measures through key performance indicators (KPIs) such as average on-hold time, customer satisfaction ratings, and customer feedback.
• Establishing a sustainable approach to maintain reduced on-hold times, taking into account both busy and slow seasons, through proper resource planning, training, and process improvements.

Example Problem Statement 2: The Destination Problem Statement

Leaders at Example company want to increase net revenue for its premium product line of widgets by 5% for the next fiscal year. 

This approach can be used to describe where an organization wants to be in the future. This type of problem statement is useful for launching initiatives to help an organization achieve its desired state. 

Like creating SMART goals , you want to be as specific as possible. Note that the statement specifies “net revenue” instead of “gross revenue." This will help keep options open for potential actions. It also makes it clear that merely increasing sales is not an acceptable solution if higher marketing costs offset the net gains. 

Leaders at Example company aim to increase net revenue for its premium product line of widgets by 5% for the next fiscal year. However, the company currently lacks the necessary teams to tackle this objective effectively. To achieve this growth target, the company needs to expand its marketing and PR teams, as well as its product development teams, to prepare for scaling. 

Example company faces the challenge of generating a 5% increase in net revenue for its premium product line of widgets in the upcoming fiscal year. Currently, the company lacks the required workforce to drive this growth. Without adequate staff in the marketing, PR, and product development departments, the company's ability to effectively promote, position, and innovate its premium product line will be hindered. To achieve this kind of growth, it is essential that Example company expands teams, enhances capabilities, and strategically taps into the existing pool of loyal customers.

Increasing net revenue for the premium product line is crucial for Example company's overall business success. Failure to achieve the targeted growth rate can lead to missed revenue opportunities and stagnation in the market. By expanding the marketing and PR teams, Example company can strengthen its brand presence, effectively communicate the value proposition of its premium product line, and attract new customers.

Additionally, expanding the product development teams will enable the company to introduce new features and innovations, further enticing existing and potential customers. Therefore, addressing the workforce shortage and investing in the necessary resources are vital for achieving the revenue growth objective.

The primary objective of this project is to increase net revenue for Example company's premium product line of widgets by 5% in the next fiscal year. The specific objectives include:

• Assessing the current workforce and identifying the gaps in the marketing, PR, and product development teams.
• Expanding the marketing and PR teams by hiring skilled professionals who can effectively promote the premium product line and engage with the target audience.
• Strengthening the product development teams by recruiting qualified individuals who can drive innovation, enhance product features, and meet customer demands.
• Developing a comprehensive marketing and PR strategy to effectively communicate the value proposition of the premium product line and attract new customers.
• Leveraging the existing base of loyal customers to increase repeat purchases, referrals, and brand advocacy.
• Allocating sufficient resources, both time and manpower, to support the expansion and scaling efforts required to achieve the ambitious revenue growth target.
• Monitoring and analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) such as net revenue, customer acquisition, customer retention, and customer satisfaction to measure the success of the growth initiatives.
• Establishing a sustainable plan to maintain the increased revenue growth beyond the next fiscal year by implementing strategies for continuous improvement and adaptation to market dynamics.

Example Problem Statement 3 The Stakeholder Problem Statement

In the last three quarterly employee engagement surveys , less than 30% of employees at Eample company stated that they feel valued by the company. This represents a 20% decline compared to the same period in the year prior. 

This strategy can be used to describe how a specific stakeholder group views the organization. It can be useful for exploring issues and potential solutions that impact specific groups of people. 

Note the statement makes it clear that the issue has been present in multiple surveys and it's significantly worse than the previous year. When researching root causes, the HR team will want to zero in on factors that changed since the previous year.

In the last three quarterly employee engagement surveys, less than 30% of employees at the Example company stated that they feel valued by the company. This indicates a significant decline of 20% compared to the same period in the previous year.

The company aspires to reduce this percentage further to under 10%. However, achieving this goal would require filling specialized roles and implementing substantial cultural changes within the organization.

Example company is facing a pressing issue regarding employee engagement and perceived value within the company. Over the past year, there has been a notable decline in the percentage of employees who feel valued. This decline is evident in the results of the quarterly employee engagement surveys, which consistently show less than 30% of employees reporting a sense of value by the company.

This decline of 20% compared to the previous year's data signifies a concerning trend. To address this problem effectively, Example company needs to undertake significant measures that go beyond superficial changes and necessitate filling specialized roles and transforming the company culture.

Employee engagement and a sense of value are crucial for organizational success. When employees feel valued, they tend to be more productive, committed, and motivated. Conversely, a lack of perceived value can lead to decreased morale, increased turnover rates, and diminished overall performance.

By addressing the decline in employees feeling valued, Example company can improve employee satisfaction, retention, and ultimately, overall productivity. Achieving the desired reduction to under 10% is essential to restore a positive work environment and build a culture of appreciation and respect.

The primary objective of this project is to increase the percentage of employees who feel valued by Example company, aiming to reduce it to under 10%. The specific objectives include:

• Conducting a comprehensive analysis of the factors contributing to the decline in employees feeling valued, including organizational policies, communication practices, leadership styles, and cultural norms.
• Identifying and filling specialized roles, such as employee engagement specialists or culture change agents, who can provide expertise and guidance in fostering a culture of value and appreciation.
• Developing a holistic employee engagement strategy that encompasses various initiatives, including training programs, recognition programs, feedback mechanisms, and communication channels, to enhance employee value perception.
• Implementing cultural changes within the organization that align with the values of appreciation, respect, and recognition, while fostering an environment where employees feel valued.
• Communicating the importance of employee value and engagement throughout all levels of the organization, including leadership teams, managers, and supervisors, to ensure consistent messaging and support.
• Monitoring progress through regular employee surveys, feedback sessions, and key performance indicators (KPIs) related to employee satisfaction, turnover rates, and overall engagement levels.
• Providing ongoing support, resources, and training to managers and supervisors to enable them to effectively recognize and appreciate their teams and foster a culture of value within their respective departments.
• Establishing a sustainable framework for maintaining high employee value perception in the long term, including regular evaluation and adaptation of employee engagement initiatives to address evolving needs and expectations.

What are the 5 components of a problem statement?

In developing a problem statement, it helps to think like a journalist by focusing on the five Ws: who, what, when, where, and why or how. Keep in mind that every statement may not explicitly include each component. But asking these questions is a good way to make sure you’re covering the key elements:

• Who: Who are the stakeholders that are affected by the problem?
• What: What is the current state, desired state, or unmet need? 
• When: When is the issue occurring or what is the timeframe involved?
• Where: Where is the problem occurring? For example, is it in a specific department, location, or region?
• Why: Why is this important or worth solving? How is the problem impacting your customers, employees, other stakeholders, or the organization? What is the magnitude of the problem? How large is the gap between the current and desired state? 

How do you write a problem statement?

There are many frameworks designed to help people write a problem statement. One example is outlined in the book, The Conclusion Trap: Four Steps to Better Decisions, ” by Daniel Markovitz. A faculty member at the Lean Enterprise Institute, the author uses many case studies from his work as a business consultant.

To simplify the process, we’ve broken it down into three steps:

1. Gather data and observe

Use data from research and reports, as well as facts from direct observation to answer the five Ws: who, what, when, where, and why. 

Whenever possible, get out in the field and talk directly with stakeholders impacted by the problem. Get a firsthand look at the work environment and equipment. This may mean spending time on the production floor asking employees questions about their work and challenges. Or taking customer service calls to learn more about customer pain points and problems your employees may be grappling with.    

2. Frame the problem properly  

A well-framed problem will help you avoid cognitive bias and open avenues for discussion. It will also encourage the exploration of more options.

A good way to test a problem statement for bias is to ask questions like these:

3. Keep asking why (and check in on the progress)

When it comes to problem-solving, stay curious. Lean on your growth mindset to keep asking why — and check in on the progress. 

Asking why until you’re satisfied that you’ve uncovered the root cause of the problem will help you avoid ineffective band-aid solutions.

What to avoid when writing a problem statement

When crafting a problem statement, it's essential to communicate the issue clearly and effectively. A well-formulated problem statement sets the stage for understanding and addressing the challenge at hand. However, there are common pitfalls that can undermine its clarity and purpose. Here's what you should avoid:

• Vagueness : Be specific about the problem and its context.
• Complexity : Keep the language simple and direct.
• Overgeneralization : Avoid broad statements that don’t address specific issues.
• Assumptions : Don’t presume solutions or causes without evidence.
• Jargon : Use clear, accessible language that can be understood by all stakeholders.

Refining your problem statements

When solving any sort of problem, there’s likely a slew of questions that might arise for you. In order to holistically understand the root cause of the problem at hand, your workforce needs to stay curious. 

An effective problem statement creates the space you and your team need to explore, gain insight, and get buy-in before taking action.

If you have embarked on a proposed solution, it’s also important to understand that solutions are malleable. There may be no single best solution. Solutions can change and adapt as external factors change, too. It’s more important than ever that organizations stay agile . This means that interactive check-ins are critical to solving tough problems. By keeping a good pulse on your course of action, you’ll be better equipped to pivot when the time comes to change. 

BetterUp can help. With access to virtual coaching , your people can get personalized support to help solve tough problems of the future.

Enhance your problem-solving skills

Discover effective strategies and personalized guidance to tackle complex challenges with confidence.

Madeline Miles

Madeline is a writer, communicator, and storyteller who is passionate about using words to help drive positive change. She holds a bachelor's in English Creative Writing and Communication Studies and lives in Denver, Colorado. In her spare time, she's usually somewhere outside (preferably in the mountains) — and enjoys poetry and fiction.

18 excellent educational podcasts to fuel your love of learning

The future of ai: where does your job stand, 6 ai prompt generator tools to boost your creativity, 20 ai tools to help boost productivity in 2023, 4 benefits of ai and 4 potential disadvantages, how to use 100% of your brain: is it possible, experimentation brings innovation: create an experimental workplace, can dreams help you solve problems 6 ways to try, all about the 3 types of memory and how they form, similar articles, 10 problem-solving strategies to turn challenges on their head, writing a value statement: your guide to keeping your team aligned, your complete guide to self-assessments (with examples), how to write an executive summary in 10 steps, create smart kpis to strategically grow your business, stand out to your hiring panel with a personal value statement, contingency planning: 4 steps to prepare for the unexpected, what is a career statement, and should you write one, how to craft an impactful company mission statement, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

3100 E 5th Street, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78702

• Platform Overview
• Integrations
• Powered by AI
• BetterUp Lead™
• BetterUp Manage™
• BetterUp Care®
• Sales Performance
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Case Studies
• Why BetterUp?
• About Coaching
• Find your Coach
• Career Coaching
• Communication Coaching
• Life Coaching
• News and Press
• Leadership Team
• Become a BetterUp Coach
• BetterUp Labs
• Center for Purpose & Performance
• Leadership Training
• Business Coaching
• Contact Support
• Contact Sales
• Privacy Policy
• Acceptable Use Policy
• Trust & Security
• Cookie Preferences

• How to Write a Problem Statement for your Research

Every research starts with identifying a problem which is usually an existing gap in your field of study. Once you do this, the next step is to craft a statement of the problem that captures this issue and how you plan to resolve it. A statement of problem forms the basis of every systematic investigation. 

Seeing as a problem statement forms the core of your research, it makes sense to know how to write an effective one. So how do you go about this? First, you need to get acquainted with the features of a good problem statement plus its elements and structure. 

Use this guide to know how to write an effective statement of the problem for your systematic investigation. 

What is the Statement of the Problem in Research?

A statement of problem refers to the critical issue that your research seeks to address. In other words, it captures the existing knowledge gap that your study aims to bridge using reliable results or outcomes. A problem statement can be as little as a few sentences or go all the way to several paragraphs—what matters is it communicates the central focus of your study. 

As your study bridges this gap, it also leaves room for future investigations. The implication is that your problem statement should not be too broad; instead, it should address one specific issue and contribute to the knowledge pool for further research. 

Use for Free: Research Form Templates

What are the Features of a Good Problem Statement?  

A good problem statement captures the core purpose of your study in simple, clear, and direct terms. Some other tell-tale signs of a well-written research statement of problem include: 

• A good problem statement is concrete and concise. It doesn’t capture ideas vaguely or ambiguously.
• It allows you to contextualize the research problem.
• A good problem statement helps you to set the aims and objectives of your systematic investigation. 
• It justifies your research and draws attention to the study’s significance. 

Why is a Problem Statement Important in Research Writing?

Writing a good problem statement serves both the researcher and the readers. For the researcher, the problem statement helps you visualize the scope of your project and outline it accordingly. Also, it allows you to map out specific aims and objectives for your study. 

On the flip side, the problem statement helps the reader identify the core reason for your research and see how your work fits into the existing body of knowledge. It helps them get on the same page as you regarding the importance and significance of your systematic investigation. 

If you require funding for your research, a problem statement can help potential financiers to see why investing in your project is the right move to make. It gives them an overview of the existing problem, your solution, and the impact of your solution on the field of study. 

Elements and Structure of a Problem Statement

In its most basic form, a problem statement comprises three(3) elements which are: 

• The research problem
• The claim or working thesis
• The significance of the study

In other words, it tells the reader what you’re trying to solve, how you plan to solve it, and why you want to solve it. 

1. The Research Problem

Your research problem is the reason for your systematic investigation. It is the gap you identified and planned to fill based on the results of your study. You can also think of this as the primary research question. 

A few questions you should ask yourself here include: 

• Is it clear what’s being described in this problem statement?
• Do I understand the main problem being described here?
• Do I have a good grasp of what the main issue is here?

2. The Claim or Working Thesis 

Your working thesis is the first attempt at asserting your position, and it spells out your stance on the matter at a specific point in time. It’s called a “working” thesis because it is subject to change as your study progresses. In your working thesis, you have the chance to justify your position by providing primary and secondary claims that support your position. 

3. The Significance of the Study 

This is the point where you communicate the value of your research and show readers why it is necessary in the first place. Here, you can discuss the impact of your work and its relevance to your field of study. Don’t forget to highlight the contributions of your work to existing knowledge and how others will benefit from it. 

Read: Research Report: Definition, Types + [Writing Guide]

What is the Difference Between a Thesis Statement and a Problem Statement? 

A problem statement focuses on the specific issue you’ve identified and hope to resolve with your research. It comprises the research problem, claim, or working statement and the significance of your research. On the other hand, a thesis statement makes a specific claim or assertion open for debate. 

For example, the statement “writing is more of a science than an art” is an excellent example of a thesis statement because it proposes an idea that may be true or false. Once you establish the thesis statement for your research, you are expected to provide evidence and build a strong argument that supports this claim.

What are the Steps for Writing a Problem Statement? 

• Define Your Research Context 
• State Why The Problem Matters 
• State the Financial Cost
• Back Up Your Claims
• Propose A Solution
• Conclude By Summarizing the Problem and Solution

1. Define Your Research Context 

The first thing you need to do is build a solid context that makes it easier for readers to understand the problem. A hack for this is to describe an ideal world where the problem doesn’t exist. In other words, help your readers to visualize how different things would be if they didn’t have to deal with this problem in the first place. 

For example, if you’re researching the rise in the number of train accidents in London, start by describing how the process would function if the current problem didn’t exist. When you’ve done this, you can refer to the research problem at the end of your explanation. 

2. State Why the Problem Matters

You should let readers in on why the problem matters and why you must address it at this point. In other words, answer the question, “why is it important that we fix this particular problem?” What difference would it make? 

Your job here is to show the reader why your research problem is the biggest elephant in the room. You may also consider including what attempts have already been made to solve the problem and why they didn’t work out. 

3. State the Financial Cost

If there’s a financial implication of not fixing the problem, then it’s a good idea to state it here. This is more useful if you’re pitching for funding for your research. 

4. Back Up Your Claims

It’s not enough to say that the problem has some negative impact on other people or your organization; you must back up all of these claims with well-researched data. This is the point where you pull up information from relevant secondary data sources and reference them in your work. 

5. Proffer a Solution

Now that we know the problem, the next question is, “what can be done about it”? To answer this, you need to propose a practical solution to the research problem. Take time to demonstrate why this is the most pragmatic solution and why it will work. More importantly, focus on the impact of your solution and hint at its benefits. 

6. Conclude By Summarizing the Problem and Solution

Your conclusion should consist of the problem, why it needs to be fixed, and a summarized argument of why your solution is the best answer to the problem.

Sample Problem Statement 

Problem : The use of hard drugs amongst teenagers in the District of Columbia has increased significantly over the past decade. 

Background : According to the Drug Abuse Statistics Organization data, 50% of teenagers have misused a drug at least once. Teenagers in the District of Columbia are 11.94% more likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen. Existing data shows that this is a significant problem but fails to address the root causes of rising teenage drug abuse in the state. Therefore, more research is required to identify why teenagers in Colombia abuse drugs and proffer solutions to this menace. 

Relevance : Young people who abuse drugs expose themselves to many risks, including life-threatening conditions and mental health-related problems. Drug abuse can impact the brain’s ability to function in the short term and prevent proper growth and development in the long term. Data shows that teenagers who use hard drugs are more likely to be disillusioned. Addressing this problem will give concerned parties the much-needed insights to help them curtail drug abuse. 

Objectives : This research aims to identify the root causes of teenage drug abuse and map out actionable solutions to address this. 

Mistakes to Avoid when Writing Problem Statements  

A good problem statement sets the tone for the rest of your dissertation, so you want to get it right. That said, here are some things you should have at the back of your mind as you craft a problem statement for your research paper. 

1. Make sure your problem statement is straight to the point. Every sentence should reinforce the importance of your study. 

2. Narrow the scope of your problem statement.

3. Avoid unnecessary jargon and highly technical language.

4. Build a logical argument that will convince the reader

5. Emphasize the “why” of the problem 

FAQ About Writing a Statement of the Problem

How do you identify a research problem?

The best way to identify a research problem is to read through existing studies to discover any gaps in knowledge. You can also discover research problems by observing your environment and identifying any contradictions that exist among perspectives. 

Conclusion 

Whether you’re seeking funding for your research or approval from your professor, you need to write a well-defined statement of the problem. A problem statement allows you to pitch the core idea of your study and show others why it is worth being addressed. It should draw attention to the core idea of your research, and convince others to invest in your systematic investigation. 

Connect to Formplus, Get Started Now - It's Free!

• abstract in research papers
• Applied research methods
• problem statements
• research context
• research problems
• research report
• busayo.longe

You may also like:

Research Questions: Definitions, Types + [Examples]

A comprehensive guide on the definition of research questions, types, importance, good and bad research question examples

21 Chrome Extensions for Academic Researchers in 2022

In this article, we will discuss a number of chrome extensions you can use to make your research process even seamless

15 Reasons to Choose Quantitative over Qualitative Research

This guide tells you everything you need to know about qualitative and quantitative research, it differences,types, when to use it, how...

What is Applied Research? + [Types, Examples & Method]

Simple guide on applied research; its types, examples, characteristics, methods, and advantages

Formplus - For Seamless Data Collection

Collect data the right way with a versatile data collection tool. try formplus and transform your work productivity today..

• How it works

How to Write a Statement of a Problem in Research with Steps

Published by Grace Graffin at August 11th, 2021 , Revised On October 3, 2023

Research is a systematic investigation to find new techniques, products or processes to solve problems. Apart from being systematic, research is empirical in nature: it’s based on observations and measurement of those observations.

It’s what comes before the development. Impacts and policies that are born in society are borne out of the research.

The most important step to perform any research is to identify a problem that needs to be solved. Therefore, it is necessary to define a research problem before starting the actual research process. Once a research problem has been identified, the next step is to write a problem statement.

Philosopher Kaoru Ishikawa said: “You will have a problem half-solved by defining it correctly on the first day.”

This quote perfectly reflects the importance of a problem statement in research. Before writing a problem statement, it is essential to pinpoint a specific problem, the difficulties you can expect to face as you try to solve it and the research gaps you aim to fill with your research.

The last part—how your research aims to fill a gap in the existing literature—will act as a springboard to the solution(s) that policy makers, for instance, might eventually take to solve that problem.

Filling a gap, therefore, is very important towards solving an existing problem.

What is a Problem Statement?

A problem statement is a clear and concise description of an issue or challenge that needs to be addressed. It typically outlines the existing gap between the current state (what currently is) and the desired state (what should be). Crafting a well-defined problem statement is critical for problem-solving, research, or project planning, as it serves as a guidepost and sets the direction for the subsequent steps.

Research Problem and Research Method – A Cyclical Process

The type of research strategy used in research determines whether you will be analysing theoretical problems to add value to existing knowledge, discussing practical issues to become an agent of change for an organisation or industry or looking at both aspects in relation to any given problem.

However, the kind of problem you aim to tackle with your research, to begin with, will also help you narrow down which research design , method or strategy to opt for.

This is therefore a cyclical process. Your research aim guides your research design can help you focus on a specific kind of research gap/problem.

However, generally, your research will focus on one or the other.

Here is all you need to know about how to write a statement of the problem in research, also called problem statement by some research writers .

Why do you Need a Statement of the Problem, to Begin with?

You need a statement of the problem to transform a generalised problem into a well-defined, brief, targeted statement to perform research in the decision-making process. The problem statement helps the researcher to identify the purpose of the ongoing research.

The problem statement in the dissertation is the pillar of the introduction chapter through which the reader can understand the research questions and scope of the project. If you do not define the problem statement properly, the results might become unmanageable.

Writing Problem Statement for a Business or Organisation

In the business world, problem statements provide the basis for the enhancement and refinement of projects. Without identifying and understanding the problem, it will be hard to find and effectively implement solutions.

A stand-alone document that solely provides an in-depth and detailed problem statement is usually the answer for organisations and businesses when it becomes imperative to find the solution to a problem.

Writing Problem Statement for Academic Research

Hire an Expert Writer

Proposal and dissertation orders completed by our expert writers are

• Formally drafted in an academic style
• Plagiarism free
• 100% Confidential
• Never Resold
• Include unlimited free revisions
• Completed to match exact client requirements

Problem Statement – How to Write it

Ask yourself the following questions before writing the problem statement:

• What is wrong in the research area/subarea XYZ?
• Where did it happen?
• When did it happen?
• To what extent (how much)?
• I know that because…(evidence)

‘What’ always defines the defect of the problem at hand and explains why it matters? ‘Where’ defines the geological location of the problem. ‘When’ defines the history and the pattern of the problem, the goal of the stated problem and the scope of research.

‘How much’ defines the trend of the problem as to how many objects are facing the same defect and to what extent. The last part, ‘I know this because…’, will help the researcher identify the standard(s) that he must meet.

Step 1: Understanding the Problem

The problem statement should provide a clear and concise background to the research problem you are investigating. Before starting your research , review the literature about the specific problem and find a gap to fill with your own research.

Practical Research Problem Statement

If you are doing experimental research , you can identify problems by talking to people working in a relevant field, studying research reports, and reviewing previous research. Here are some examples of practical research problems:

• A problem that hinders the efficiency of a company
• An institutional process that needs interventions
• An area of concern in your field/sub-field of interest
• Members of a society facing a specific difficulty

The problem statement should focus on the details related to the problem, such as:

• When and where was the problem observed?
• Who is/are affected by it?
• What research has been conducted and what practical steps have been taken to resolve the problem?

Example of Practical Research Problem Statement

The production of a company is low for the months of July and August every year. Initial research has been conducted by the company, which revealed poor production in July and August is due to the unavailability of local raw material.

The company has made some effective attempts at engaging the local suppliers to ensure an uninterrupted supply of the raw material, but these efforts are yet to have any significant impact on the production levels.

Theoretical Research Problem Statement

According to USC Libraries, “A theoretical framework consists of concepts and, together with their definitions and reference to relevant scholarly literature, existing theory that is used for your particular study…theoretical framework must demonstrate an understanding of theories and concepts…relevant to the topic of your research paper and that relate to the broader areas of knowledge being considered.”

The theoretical research indirectly contributes to the change by identifying the problem, expanding knowledge and improving understanding. The researcher can find a specific problem by brainstorming the topic and reviewing already published theories and research.

When writing a problem statement based on a theoretical research problem , it is important to recognise the historical, geographical, social and scientific background. Here are the elements of the theoretical problem statement framework that you should consider:

• What are the facts about the problem?
• Does the problem relate to a certain geographical area or time period?
• How is the problem discussed and explained in the existing literature?

Example of Theoretical Research Problem Statement

The production of a company is low for July and August every year. Initial research has been conducted by the company, which revealed poor production in July and August is due to the unavailability of local raw material. The company has made some effective attempts to engage the local suppliers to ensure an uninterrupted raw material supply. Still, these efforts are yet to have any significant impact on the production levels.

Looking for Dissertation Help?

Researchprospect to the rescue then.

We have expert writers on our team who are skilled at helping students with dissertations across a variety of STEM disciplines. Guaranteeing 100% satisfaction!

Step 2 – Show why it’s Important and Relevant

By discussing the importance of the problem under investigation, you are demonstrating the relevance of your research. However, this does not mean that you will end up discovering something unimaginable or extraordinary.

The objective here is to clearly state how and why your research problem is relevant in your chosen area of study and why it requires further research.

As indicated previously, practical research deals with a problem affecting society, social group, firm or organisation on a broader scale. To elaborate on why it is important to solve this problem and why your research is significant, you could consider the following questions:

• What will be the consequences if the problem remains unsolved?
• Who do these consequences have the most implications for?
• What is the wider relevance of the problem being investigated?

Low production in July and August negatively affects the company’s marketing capital, thereby becoming an area of deep concern for the directors and stakeholders. The marketing budget cut in July and August is hindering its ability to promote its products uninterruptedly.

Addressing this problem will have practical benefits for the company and help establish the reasons for disruption in raw material supply.

The relevance of all theoretical issues may not be too obvious, even though most theoretical problems do have practical implications. Here are some questions for you to ponder to establish the importance of your research problem:

• Will your research help to advance understanding of the topic under investigation?
• Are there any benefits of you resolving the problem for other researchers who wish to explore this topic further in the future?
• What are the direct or indirect implications (s) of the problem you are trying to solving?

The new forms of employment such as freelance, contract-based work and zero-hour work arrangements are recognised as either a manipulative last option or a flexible active choice. It is necessary to conduct comprehensive qualitative research to uncover why fresh graduates take up these types of employment in the gig economy. There is a need to advance more vigorous concepts relating to instability and flexibility in modern forms of employment from employees’ perspectives, which will also help shape future policies.

Also see: How to Write the Abstract for Dissertation

Step 3 – Declaring the Problem

Before you jump on to state your research’s problem statements, it’s important to devote a sentence or two to let your readers know the precise, narrowed-down research problem you will be discussing about.

For language clarity purposes, here are some strong opening statements to achieve this step:

• Recently, there has been growing interest in …
• The possibility of…has generated wide interest in …
• The development of…is a classic problem in…
• The development of…has led to the hope that …
• The…has become a favourite topic for analysis …
• Knowledge of…has great importance for …
• The study of…has become an important aspect of …
• A central issue in…is…
• The…has been extensively studied in recent years.
• Many investigators have recently turned to …
• The relationship between…has been investigated by many researchers.
• Many recent studies have found out…

Step 4 – Establishing Aim and Objectives

The last step in writing a problem statement is to provide a framework for solving the problem. This will help you, the researcher, stay focused on your research aims and not stray; it will also help you readers keep in mind the reason as to why you conducted this study, to begin with.

A good problem statement does not provide the exact solution to any problem. Rather, it focuses more on how to effectively understand or tackle a problem by establishing the possible causes.

The aim of a research study is its end goal or overall purpose. Following are some examples of how you can craft your research aim statements:

• This research study aims to investigate…
• This paper is aimed at exploring…
• This research aims to identify…

On the other hand, objectives are the smaller steps that a researcher must take to address the aim of the research. Once you have laid out the research problem your research will deal with, it’s important to next mention the how behind that. Objectives are mostly imperative statements, often beginning with transitive verbs like ‘to analyse,’ ‘to investigate,’ etc.

Some more examples are:

• Statistical analysis will be conducted to determine…
• Both quantitative and qualitative research methods will be employed to probe…
• Face-to-face interviews will be carried out with the participants to establish…

Practical Research Aim and Objectives

This project aims to identify the causes of disturbed supply of raw material in the region, which resulted in low production for the company in July and August. This will be achieved by conducting interviews and surveys with the suppliers to understand why the supply is unpredictable in those two months and what can be done to ensure orderliness. Practical experiments will also be conducted to observe the effectiveness of proposed solutions.

Theoretical Research Aim and Objectives

This study aims to understand and unearth the experiences of fresh graduates in the modern economy. The sample population will participate in this study through qualitative research methods, which are expected to provide a deeper insight into the perceptions and motives of these fresh graduates working as freelancers and contract-based employees. The data collected from this exercise and the existing literature on the topic will be analysed in statistical analysis software.

TIP: Search the common themes of the problem statement in your field of research before writing a problem statement.

Also see: Argumentative Essay Writing Service

Problem Statement versus Significance of the Study

Even though both may sound similar, the statement of the problem and the significance of your study are going to be different. The latter does develop upon and from the former, though.

The problem statement tells your readers what’s wrong, whereas the significance of the study will tell them how your research contributed to that problem. You can’t have a significance of a study without mentioning the problem statement first.

Furthermore, signifying your study implies mentioning 4 key points related to it:

• How your study will further develop the theory behind the existing problem
• Practical solutions that might be implemented to solve the problem (especially in field research work)
• Whether your study or research will pave way for innovative methods to solve the existing problem.
• How your study can help in policy making and implementation, impact studies, etc.

Problem statement in research is the description of an existing issue that needs to be addressed. The problem statement is a focal point of any research and a bridge between the  literature review  and the  research methodology .

Problem statement often has three elements; the problem itself, the method of solving the problem, and the purpose. There are five aspects of every problem: What, Where, When, to what extent, and what defects you know about the topic. Here is an  example of a problem statement in a research proposal  for your better understanding.

If you wish to know more about how to start your research process, then you might want to take a look at the “ Starting the Research Process ” section on our website, which has several articles relating to a  research problem , problem statement, research aim and objectives, and  research proposal .

ResearchProspect is a UK-registered business that offers academic support and assistance to students across the globe. Our writers can help you with individual chapters of your dissertation or the full dissertation writing service , no matter how urgent or complex your requirements might be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to write a problem statement.

Yes, the most important step to perform any research is to identify a problem that needs to be solved. Therefore, it is necessary to define a research problem before starting the actual research process .

How is a problem statement different from a problem statement written for an organisation?

In the business world, problem statements provide the basis for the enhancement and refinement of projects. Whereas, in academic research, A problem statement helps researchers understand and realise organised the significance of a research problem .

What is a practical research problem?

Doing experimental research can identify problems by talking to people working in a relevant field, studying research reports, and reviewing previous research. 

What is a theoretical research problem?

A theoretical research problem is when the researcher finds a specific problem by brainstorming and reviewing already published theories and research.

You May Also Like

The list of figures and tables in dissertation help the readers find tables and figures of their interest without looking through the whole dissertation.

To help students organise their dissertation proposal paper correctly, we have put together detailed guidelines on how to structure a dissertation proposal.

Not sure how to start your dissertation and get it right the first time? Here are some tips and guidelines for you to kick start your dissertation project.

USEFUL LINKS

LEARNING RESOURCES

COMPANY DETAILS

• How It Works

educational research techniques

Research techniques and education.

Developing a Statement of the Problem Part I

In the last post , there was a look at developing research problems. The research problem is actually a part of a larger section in a research article called the statement of the problem. The statement of the problem is written at the beginning of a research article and has five parts to it.

• The topic ( discussed previously )
• The research problem ( discussed previously )
• Explanation of the importance of the study
• The gap in knowledge the study tries to fill
• The audience that will benefit from the study

In this post, we will look at the first two parts of the statement of the problem.

The topic is often found in the first sentence of a statement of the problem and it needs to pull the audience into the paper. There are several ways to do this and they are below with examples from our teaching methods idea.

• The pull as a question “How do teaching methods impact academic performance?”
• The pull as a need for research “Teaching methods are under intense scrutiny in the 21st century.”
• The pull as statistical data “80% of university professors rely on a lecture approach to teaching.”

These are not the only way to do this but they do provide some indication on how to develop a topic for a statement of the problem.

Research Problem

After addressing the topic, the next step is to provide the research problem. The research problem is the issue that you as a researcher are going to investigate. There are several ways to indicate a research problem. Two ways are a practical research problem and the other is the gap based research problem.

A practical research problem is a problem coming from a particular environment or setting. In education, the setting might be a school, student homes, or even teacher working conditions. Below is an example of a practical research problem. The example begins with a topic and moves to the research problem. Both the topic and research problem are identified.

Teaching methods are under intense scrutiny in the 21st century ( the topic is teaching methods) . At the university level, there has traditionally been an emphasis on lecturing. However, many tertiary schools are beginning to promote discussion as a viable alternative to lecture (shift to practical research problem) . This leads to the dilemma of deciding whether lecture or discussion teaching is most beneficial to students in terms of their academic performance (practical based research problem).

The practical problem is deciding which teaching method is most beneficial to students.

A gap based research problem is a problem that calls for further research in an existing area because prior research has missed something, there is conflicting evidence, and or there is a need to extend the research into new fields. Below is an example.

Teaching methods are under intense scrutiny in the 21st century ( the topic is teaching methods). At the secondary level, there has been a tremendous amount of research into various teaching approaches. In particular, both lecture-based and discussion based teaching have been examined. These two methods have been compared in terms of their influence on the academic performance of secondary students. However, there is little data on the impact of lecture and discussion teaching at the tertiary level in relation to their influence on student achievement (potential gap). As such, there is a need to examine how lecture and discussion teaching impact the student achievement of tertiary students and to see if there is any difference between the results of tertiary students and secondary students (gap based research problem). 

In the example above, the problem is indicating that there is a gap in our knowledge about how lecture and discussion impact tertiary student achievement. The example indicates how there are lots of studies at the secondary level but few at the tertiary level. This lack of data at the tertiary level indicates a gap in the existing knowledge and thus a need for further study.

The statement of the problem sets the stage for the entire study. Therefore, it needs to be clearly explained and developed in order to successfully complete a study. If the beginning is poor the end will be a disaster. As such, the hardest part of a research study is the beginning.

As you can see from the examples employed in this post, the same problem can be practical or gap based. What makes the difference is the context, your personal background, and perhaps even where you want to publish. Different journals lean in different directions and a practical based problem may need to be reworded as a gap based problem and vice versa. All this comes out of your own experience which will affect how you see a problem. However, you frame a problem everyone expects to see certain components in a statement of the problem

Share this:

1 thought on “ developing a statement of the problem part i ”.

Pingback: Developing a Data Analysis Plan | educational research techniques

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from educational research techniques.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

EDUR 7130 Educational Research On-Line

Problem and Problem Statements

Purpose Statement (PS)

When reading research literature, once often finds a PS. The PS is used to introduce the reader to the purpose of the study; it outlines the intent of the author -- his or her central idea of research report; the thesis statement.

Often the PS is presented early in the research report, usually within the first two or three paragraphs. Commonly authors provide brief background information about the issue to be studied. This background information is used simply to familiarize the reader with the issue, and to make the importance of the issue apparent. The background sets the frame of the study--the focus of the study. Once the background information is provided, the author then presents the purpose statement which makes clear what will be presented in the research report.

Purpose Statement Characteristics

• Significance - either theoretical or practical importance of the issue will be clear to the reader
• Researchable - the issue to be addressed in the report should be researchable; this means that the issue can be studied or addressed by collecting and analyzing data
• Variables - the important variables to be studied should be present in the PS
• Relationships - the relationships among the variables studied should be clear--that is, one should be able to identify which are the independent and dependent variables

Examples of Purpose Statements

PS may be stated in two forms: question and implicit question. The implicit question is more common. Some examples of each are listed below.

• The purpose of this study was to compare differences between high and low achievers in the ninth grade on measures of originality and divergent thinking.
• In this study we investigated whether the ability to discriminate among parts of speech increased with chronological age and educational level.
• The purpose of the present research was to investigate the separate and combined effects of the principal components of mastery learning and team learning on student mathematics achievement.
• The purpose is to examine the relationship between rote learning ability and socioeconomic status.
• The main purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of two reading methods, sight and phonics, in increasing verbal comprehension.
• What is the relation between intelligence and achievement?
• Do students learn more from a directive teacher or a non-directive teacher?
• Do students who are described unfavorably by their teacher tend to describe themselves more unfavorably than those students described favorably by their teacher?
• Does the repetitious use of prompting in a learning program impair the effectiveness of programmed materials?
• Are students aged 55 and older more likely to drop out of college than students of ages between 30 and 40?
• Is the relationship between age and dropping-out behavior affected by the student’s perception of the utility of the program to his or her future needs?
• How do three counseling techniques differ in their effectiveness in decreasing test anxiety in high school juniors?
• What is the relationship among leadership skills, intelligence, and achievement motivation of high school seniors?

Examples of Purpose Statements within Opening Sections of a Research Report

In the following examples, the PS is underlined.

Speculation among educators and educational researchers holds that increases in academic standards may have detrimental effects on students, especially academically at-risk students (Johnson, 1994; Jones, 1993). With state mandates requiring increased standards, such as the adoption of minimum competency tests, educational researchers have argued that high school dropout rates will increase substantially once students begin experiencing difficulty passing competency tests (Adam, 1983). The purpose of this study is to investigate whether increased standards, in the form of minimum competency tests, influence students' decisions to leave school before graduation. If increased academic standards do, in fact, influence students' decisions to drop out of school, then policy makers need to reconsider both the goals for, and implementation of, such standards.

(Note. The IV in this PS is increased standards [use of minimum competency tests] and the DV is withdrawing from school.)

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are two eating disorders that affect females in the United States and Europe every year, and both are recognized as major medical and psychiatric problems. Anorexia is a disorder that most commonly affects females in their teenage and young adult years. Leichner and Gertler (1988) estimate that as much as 20% of women on college campuses demonstrate anorectic behaviors. Despite improved therapeutic approaches, the mortality rate of this disorder is between 5% and 20% (Zerbe, 1993). Bulimia, the other eating disorder, also affects adolescent females, and the prognosis for individuals with bulimia is often worse than those with anorexia. Because of the prevalence and severity of eating disorders, psychological researchers desire to learn of the symptoms that precede such eating disorders, how those symptoms develop, and the additional problems that accompany such symptoms.

Clinicians, in an attempt to document symptoms that precede eating disorders, are often confounded by the fact that females are usually secretive in regard to their eating disorders. Adding further to the problem is the fact that many teenagers diet, and eating disorders can sometimes be confused with dieting. Thus, as noted by Zerbe (1993), early signs of eating disorders, such as weight loss, frequently go unnoticed by family members and are ignored by physicians. Since physical and other observable warning signs are often disregarded, and since eating disorders are related to, and perhaps caused by, underlying personality characteristics, emotions, and conflicts, it seems that a method of assessment that would project these underlying tendencies would be helpful in the early diagnosis of eating disorders.

Usually eating disorders are connected to emotional conflicts, personality characteristics, and other psychological problems. Researchers have long used human figure drawings (HFD) for the assessment similar psychological problems in children and adults (Dileo, 1983; Koppitz, 1968), and, according to Klepsch and Logie (1982), such drawings can capture symbolically on paper some of an individual's thoughts, feelings, and present state of mind or attitude. Note that such states or attitudes may be governed by developmental and social-emotional conditions at any given moment (Mortensen, 1984).

Since HFDs may capture various social-emotional conditions on paper, perhaps HFDs may be used as a diagnostic tool in an attempt to differentiate among individuals with and without eating disorders. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation will be to determine whether HFDs, viewed as a diagnostic tool, can adequately identify individuals with eating disorders.

(Note. The IV is HFDs and the DV is identification of eating disorders.)

Hebb (1955) theorized, based on an extensive analysis of all the then currently available data relating performance to arousal, that a curvi-linear relationship existed between arousal and performance. Typically, Hebb postulated, behavioral efficiency, i.e. performance, increases with increasing levels of arousal, but at a certain arousal point performance will begin decreasing even as arousal-levels continue to increase. This relationship holds broad implications, especially when one considers the possible impact upon diagnostic assessments of performance. Since school psychologists frequently administer diagnostic tests to students, and since there is an established non-linear relationship between arousal and performance, controllable factors that may influence children's arousal- or anxiety-levels when administered such tests would prove invaluable to school psychologists in obtaining more accurate and valid diagnostic scores.

Given that excessive levels of arousal or anxiety interact in a negative fashion with performance, it is important to know whether mundane factors, such as school psychologists’ attire or sex, influence students’ arousal-levels. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the dress and/or sex of school psychologists influences children’s levels of arousal during the administration of a diagnostic test. Should the data indicate that attire or sex influences arousal-levels, then further research will be needed to learn methods for best controlling the impact of these factors. Because children with learning disabilities constitute the largest population of special education students, and because the majority of children with learning disabilities are referred for services in the third grade (Kirk, Gallagher, & Anastasiow, 1993), third-graders referred for possible learning disabilities will be targeted in this investigation.

(Note. The IVs are dress and sex and the DV is level of arousal.)

Problem Statements

It is less common to see Problem Statements in today's research. A problem statement identifies for readers the problem the researcher wishes to address through the purpose of the study. Using Example 1 from above, the problem statement could be worded like this:

"High school dropout rates are high, and there is speculation that use of minimum competency tests may be contributing the high rate of school dropout."

A more common approach to identifying problems that will be addressed in a study is to problem a brief introduction to the problem like shown in the examples above. For each example, the introductory material is several sentences or a paragraph (or two) describing the problem in some detail and why it is important to study. Once the problem is identified and explained, one then typically presents the study purpose and this is often followed by study research questions or hypotheses.

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, automatically generate references for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Research process
• How to Write a Problem Statement | Guide & Examples

How to Write a Problem Statement | Guide & Examples

Published on 8 November 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George.

A problem statement is a concise and concrete summary of the research problem you seek to address. It should:

• Contextualise the problem. What do we already know?
• Describe the exact issue your research will address. What do we still need to know?
• Show the relevance of the problem. Why do we need to know more about this?
• Set the objectives of the research. What will you do to find out more?

Table of contents

When should you write a problem statement, step 1: contextualise the problem, step 2: show why it matters, step 3: set your aims and objectives.

Problem statement example

Frequently asked questions about problem statements

There are various situations in which you might have to write a problem statement.

In the business world, writing a problem statement is often the first step in kicking off an improvement project. In this case, the problem statement is usually a stand-alone document.

In academic research, writing a problem statement can help you contextualise and understand the significance of your research problem. It is often several paragraphs long, and serves as the basis for your research proposal . Alternatively, it can be condensed into just a few sentences in your introduction .

A problem statement looks different depending on whether you’re dealing with a practical, real-world problem or a theoretical issue. Regardless, all problem statements follow a similar process.

Prevent plagiarism, run a free check.

The problem statement should frame your research problem, giving some background on what is already known.

Practical research problems

For practical research, focus on the concrete details of the situation:

• Where and when does the problem arise?
• Who does the problem affect?
• What attempts have been made to solve the problem?

Theoretical research problems

For theoretical research, think about the scientific, social, geographical and/or historical background:

• What is already known about the problem?
• Is the problem limited to a certain time period or geographical area?
• How has the problem been defined and debated in the scholarly literature?

The problem statement should also address the relevance of the research. Why is it important that the problem is addressed?

Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you have to do something groundbreaking or world-changing. It’s more important that the problem is researchable, feasible, and clearly addresses a relevant issue in your field.

Practical research is directly relevant to a specific problem that affects an organisation, institution, social group, or society more broadly. To make it clear why your research problem matters, you can ask yourself:

• What will happen if the problem is not solved?
• Who will feel the consequences?
• Does the problem have wider relevance? Are similar issues found in other contexts?

Sometimes theoretical issues have clear practical consequences, but sometimes their relevance is less immediately obvious. To identify why the problem matters, ask:

• How will resolving the problem advance understanding of the topic?
• What benefits will it have for future research?
• Does the problem have direct or indirect consequences for society?

Finally, the problem statement should frame how you intend to address the problem. Your goal here should not be to find a conclusive solution, but rather to propose more effective approaches to tackling or understanding it.

The research aim is the overall purpose of your research. It is generally written in the infinitive form:

• The aim of this study is to determine …
• This project aims to explore …
• This research aims to investigate …

The research objectives are the concrete steps you will take to achieve the aim:

• Qualitative methods will be used to identify …
• This work will use surveys to collect …
• Using statistical analysis, the research will measure …

The aims and objectives should lead directly to your research questions.

Learn how to formulate research questions

You can use these steps to write your own problem statement, like the example below.

Step 1: Contextualise the problem A family-owned shoe manufacturer has been in business in New England for several generations, employing thousands of local workers in a variety of roles, from assembly to supply-chain to customer service and retail. Employee tenure in the past always had an upward trend, with the average employee staying at the company for 10+ years. However, in the past decade, the trend has reversed, with some employees lasting only a few months, and others leaving abruptly after many years.

Step 2: Show why it matters As the perceived loyalty of their employees has long been a source of pride for the company, they employed an outside consultant firm to see why there was so much turnover. The firm focused on the new hires, concluding that a rival shoe company located in the next town offered higher hourly wages and better “perks”, such as pizza parties. They claimed this was what was leading employees to switch. However, to gain a fuller understanding of why the turnover persists even after the consultant study, in-depth qualitative research focused on long-term employees is also needed. Focusing on why established workers leave can help develop a more telling reason why turnover is so high, rather than just due to salaries. It can also potentially identify points of change or conflict in the company’s culture that may cause workers to leave.

Step 3: Set your aims and objectives This project aims to better understand why established workers choose to leave the company. Qualitative methods such as surveys and interviews will be conducted comparing the views of those who have worked 10+ years at the company and chose to stay, compared with those who chose to leave.

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement.

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

Research objectives describe what you intend your research project to accomplish.

They summarise the approach and purpose of the project and help to focus your research.

Your objectives should appear in the introduction of your research paper , at the end of your problem statement .

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

The way you present your research problem in your introduction varies depending on the nature of your research paper . A research paper that presents a sustained argument will usually encapsulate this argument in a thesis statement .

A research paper designed to present the results of empirical research tends to present a research question that it seeks to answer. It may also include a hypothesis – a prediction that will be confirmed or disproved by your research.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.

McCombes, S. & George, T. (2022, November 08). How to Write a Problem Statement | Guide & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved 3 June 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/the-research-process/write-a-problem-statement/

Is this article helpful?

Shona McCombes

Other students also liked, how to choose a dissertation topic | 8 steps to follow, how to define a research problem | ideas & examples, how to write a strong hypothesis | guide & examples.

How To Write A Problem Statement

Research projects are often mandatory and college students need to submit one to earn their degrees. If you’ve submitted a…

Research projects are often mandatory and college students need to submit one to earn their degrees. If you’ve submitted a research project, then you’re probably aware of the need of identifying a problem statement . A problem statement can be anything from an area of concern to a troubling question or a problem that needs to be eliminated.

Similarly, in the corporate world, every business plan starts with solving a problem. The better business leaders articulate the problem statement , the more valuable the solution will be. Read on to explore the meaning of a problem statement and how to write one. You’ll also learn about its significance in contemporary business contexts. 

What Is A Problem Statement?

The need for problem statements, creating your own problem statement, define problems with harappa  .

A problem statement is a formal report written by a professional to define an organization’s challenges or issues. It helps break down complex situations into smaller and achievable solutions or goals. It’s aimed at addressing issues in a timely and effective manner. It also helps propose a detailed way to solve problems and prevent them in the future. Therefore, you can recognize issues and prepare for them in advance across multiple business functions.

A problem statement has been well-known in the research field, but over time, it has gained popularity in the world of work as well. It has become a communication tool that informs leaders and managers about possible threats. The practice of writing a problem statement is beneficial in the long run as it promotes technological innovations and advancements.

Here’s a real-life example of a problem statement that’ll help you understand the concept better:

Netflix, one of the leading streaming services across the globe, wanted to solve the problem of going to video stores to rent a movie. They made it easy for consumers by eliminating the need for video stores and delivering movies to the mailbox. Therefore, Netflix’s problem statement would look something like this—“People don’t like traveling back and forth to video stores only to rent a movie and most of all they don’t enjoy paying late fees.”  

A problem statement is important because it creates the foundation for a project in addition to many other benefits. It helps you do your research and identify potential threats. It provides a comprehensive view of what’s currently going on in an organization and informs everyone of the sizable shift that’s needed and about to happen. The need for problem statements is summarized below:

• It helps examine an issue or a situation from various angles
• It helps identify who the problem affects, what those effects are and why the problem needs to be resolved
• It guides organizations and helps them determine the extent of a problem, therefore, informing employees how to approach the situation
• It sets the tone for dealing with an issue and provides an organization with a framework to navigate future challenges, if any
• Toward a project’s completion, problem statements can help verify if the solution has addressed the problem identified initially

A good problem statement allows individuals to build a strong case. A great problem statement goes beyond that. It has a lot more character and provides an emotional connection to the solution. The way you craft your problem statements will determine how others will respond to them.  

Writing a problem statement involves succinctness and data-backed information. However, if you want to go above and beyond, consider this step-by-step guide that’ll teach you how to make a problem statement :

Step 1: Describe How Things Can Be

If you want to create watertight problem statements, the best way to begin is by stating how things should work. Before mentioning the problem, create an ideal situation where the problem doesn’t exist. This strategy is more effective than jumping straight to the problem as it teases out the issues. By providing context, your audience is more easily convinced.

Step 2: Explain The Problem

Once you’ve set the stage, it’s time to shed light on the main issue at hand. The most important goal of all problem statements is articulating the challenge. The more well-stated it is, the easier it is for your audience to understand. Make sure that you communicate in a way that’s clear, direct and succinct. Cutting to the heart of the issue and emphasizing the most important information is a good way to go about it.

Step 3: Back It Up With Facts

When you start making serious claims about your problem statements, you need to be able to back up your assertions. In other words, you need to be able to support your statements with evidence. For example, in some cases, individuals often support their statements with explicit references—which they identify in other reports or articles—in the form of footnotes or citations. When you back up your research with relevant data, you have a stronger case.

Step 4: Propose A Solution

When you’ve highlighted the what and why of a problem, it’s important to elaborate on how you want to solve it. Just like the problem you’ve identified, your proposed solution should also be simple, clear and direct. While your explanation should be straightforward, you also need to cover important concepts. You can leave the minor details for later.

Step 5: Elaborate On The Benefits

Now that you’ve communicated the solution to your readers, it’s time to convince them. It’s essential to explain why the solution that you proposed is a good idea. Without shedding light on the impact that your solution will create, it’s difficult to get others’ buy-in. For example, if you provide a financial solution, you need to talk about the expenses it will reduce and so on.

Step 6: Define The Next Steps

Once you’ve pulled all the information together and have suggested the positive impact of your proposal, it’s time to describe the plan to move forward toward the solution. Explain to your audience what will come next. Will there be research involved? If yes, what sort of research will it be? Elaborate on the resources you’ll need to successfully overcome the challenge and create timelines to achieve your goals.

When you’ve identified the problem, proposed a solution and communicated ways in which it can benefit the organization, you’re almost done. However, summarizing your main arguments can help in converting the statements into actionable items. Make sure that you’re ready with a concrete gist that nobody can say no to.  

If you still aren’t convinced how to write a problem statement successfully, here is a template that can help you out. Note that there is a common structure to problem statements and this basic template can help you structure such statements  better:

• Problem: Use one sentence to define the problem
• Background: Use evidence or facts to describe and define the problem
• Relevance: Describe why the problem matters and establish a connection
• Objectives: Propose your solution based on research and groundwork

Here is an example to help you understand this better:

The number of customers in a few areas of Mumbai has significantly reduced for XYZ supermart.  

Surveys conducted by XYZ supermart suggest that sales have gone down in areas with people in the age bracket 18-25. This sales pattern is directly impacted by consumer spending in this demographic.

Reports suggest that the younger generation is resorting to online modes for purchasing everyday items. XYZ supermart will need to provide better customer service, keep up with market trends and make space for online shopping. This will also help gain a better understanding of consumer buying behavior.

This research aims to examine the biggest determinants of consumer buying behavior in Mumbai through qualitative and quantitative research. It will also suggest proactive engagement plans to improve sales in respective regions. Interviews will be designed to study the impact of each of the strategies proposed.

Define Problems With Harappa

At the heart of a problem statement lies the effort of defining the problem. You may have excellent communication skills that put your thoughts into words but identifying the issue can get challenging. You need to adopt a critical approach to define your problem statement(s) or things can get tricky.

Harappa’s Defining Problems course will help you strengthen your problem-solving mindset and approach problems in a critical manner. You’ll find details about problems to understand them better and avoid jumping to conclusions. Power-packed frameworks such as Types of Problems and Problem Definition will teach you to identify and define problems smartly. Impress everyone at work with strong problem-solving skills!

Explore Harappa Diaries to learn more about topics such as What Is Decision Making , Problem Solving , Definition Of Problem and Decision Making to classify problems and solve them efficiently.

Celebrating a Legacy of Mentorship: Nicole Hoekstra's 26 Years of Teaching, Research, and Service at WWU

May 29, 2024

by John Misasi

WWU associate professor of Engineering & Design

“Let’s go talk to him, I bet you’ll get an internship."

It was 14 years ago that WWU Professor of Engineering & Design Nicole Hoekstra said those words to me as an undergraduate while at a conference, pulled me away from my friend group, and helped/forced me to go network and speak with my future PhD advisor.

This small act of mentorship and selflessness changed my life, as I am now Nicole’s colleague — teaching and mentoring students in the same program she once taught me. Former students of Nicole’s have countless stories like mine. From helping soon-to-be grads obtain their dream jobs, to encouraging non-traditional students to learn engineering, to finding creative solutions to include pre-majors in research, Nicole Hoekstra is a mentor through-and-through.

So, after 26 years of teaching, service, and mentorship, Polymer Materials Engineering (PME) Professor Nicole Hoekstra will retire from the Engineering & Design department with professor emeritus status this year.

Nicole came to Western in 1998 after a career in industry as a process and design engineer for a medical device manufacturer.

“I taught my first class while in graduate school, and really loved the experience," said Hoekstra.

After graduating with a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, she went to work for IDEX Health and Science, a medical device manufacturer in Oak Harbor. While at IDEX, she worked with numerous WWU engineering alumni who “were all impressive," and in the winter of 1998, she got her first opportunity to teach a night class in PME while still working full time. Since then, she has taught five to six PME classes per year, developed and improved myriad curricula, performed research with engineering undergraduates, and served on countless committees.

Over the years, Nicole has worked hard to teach and mentor industry-ready graduates by establishing consistent and relevant industry-sponsored class, research, and capstone projects. She has taught and made an impact on over 1700 Engineering and Design students. Nicole said she is most proud of her work improving the premajor experience through innovative hands-on class projects, research in plastics recycling, and developing a professional and inclusive culture.

These efforts haven’t gone unnoticed, especially by women and other underrepresented students in engineering, with the Polymer Materials Engineering program having reached gender parity in our student body for the past three years. As an alumna and colleague of Nicole, I can say with the utmost respect and sincerity that Nicole has changed our engineering department and our industry for the better.

In retirement, Nicole plans to travel more with her husband Brian and other family. She also plans to spend a lot more of her time sewing, quilting, gardening, fishing, and volunteering in her community. Since she was granted professor emeritus status this spring, myself, the other faculty, students, and alumni of PME are all excited to know that she also plans on staying connected with the department through continuing to teach industry seminars and perform outreach activities with premajors and the community.

Thank you Nicole for all that you have done for our students, our alumni, our industry, and our community! It is because of you that I am here, and although I am going to miss our spontaneous deliberations, I am excited for your well-deserved retirement with its quilting conclaves, garden projects, and marathon road-trips.

See what others have to say about Nicole’s impacts on the broader WWU community below:

"I was midway through the Plastics Engineering Technology program when Nicole was hired. At the time, there were no other females in my class cohort and I had no female professors teaching my classes, so it was inspiring to have Nicole join the program. She was such a strong, confident, caring person, and had an infectious enthusiasm for engineering. I really admired her ability to really dig into a problem, ask questions and come up with creative solutions. Coming back to WWU many years later as a professor, I have continually been inspired by the dedication that Nicole has for the plastics program and her students. Role models like Nicole were few and far between in my early career, and I am grateful for her encouragement and support. She will be missed!"

- Amanda Murphy, professor of Chemistry, director of AMSEC, 2001 PET Alumna, WWU

"Nicole has been a guiding light for me since my interview and through out my first year at Western. Her support, both professionally and personally, has been invaluable. I'll miss her incredible knowledge and warm personality. Thank you, Nicole for everything."

- Peng Gao, assistant professor of Polymer Materials Engineering, WWU

"Nicole puts the student experience first and foremost. She gives them her full authentic attention, whether it is a freshman who wants to learn more about the engineering labs or a graduating senior who is learning to negotiate their first salary and benefits. Students are her first priority, always. Nicole is one of those mentors that faculty, staff, and students go to when they need advice and a voice of reason. You can count on her to be real with you and to help problem solve the issue. Her door is always open and no matter how busy she is, she will make time for you. No matter what. She is also up for any social gathering and costume party!

I often talk to alumni in the community, and they ask if she is still teaching, and then they tell me she was their favorite professor. She has made an impact on so many people through the years. Nicole will not only leave an empty office behind, but a legacy that will be remembered for a very, very long time."

- Lisa Ochs, pre-major advisor, Engineering & Design, WWU

"Nicole’s mentorship and friendship has been a constant for me. She has been my rock and a driving force to push me out of my comfort zone. This is not something she does just for me; she elevates those around her. Nicole is also the most caring, dedicated and accomplished professor I know. She questions everything and strives to do and learn more to enhance the student experience. She embraces change and welcomes new ideas and input from everyone around her. Nicole is one of the most amazing people that I know."

- Nicole Larson, professor of Polymer Materials Engineering, WWU

"Nicole has been an amazing visionary and leader towards inspiring WWU graduates to consider continuing their educations with an advanced degree. As a result of her effort and starting with John Misasi in 2010, her efforts have led to more than 12 Western students completing their Ph.D.s in Polymer Science and Engineering, leading to profound contributions to science and education.”

- Distinguished Professor Jeff Wiggins, University of Southern Mississippi

"Nicole is leaving WWU but her impact will remain forever. She has helped to create a vibrant and inclusive community of learners and educators in our department. Her contributions are many - from mentoring faculty & students to creating research experiences for students (even premajors!) to transiting our technology programs into accredited engineering programs and many more.

On a personal level, Nicole holds a special place in my heart as a mentor and friend. She was my first ever female role model and has helped me learn how to navigate the challenging landscape of being true to myself while maintaining traditional academic expectations. She reminded often me that my unique ideas and perspectives are important and that I am a valuable member of our department. She showed me that you can trust in the process, take risks, and push boundaries all at the same time. I am thankful for her support, honesty, and guidance and, most importantly, for always taking the time to listen."

- Jill Davishahl, associate professor, First Year Programs, WWU

"Nicole Hoekstra is the best mentor that I have ever seen, and she has helped and inspire an astonishing number of students, staff, and faculty at WWU. Her absence will be felt by her colleagues in ways we can scarcely even imagine, and dare not even think about. Maybe she will read her tributes and change her mind!

- Mark Peyron, Associate Professor, Polymer Materials Engineering, WWU

"Nicole Hoekstra embarked on her academic journey at WWU in the late 90's and showed up as a bright-eyed and motivated professor ready to take on the world. 26 years later, she has infused her faithful minions with that same ambitious drive, and they have literally been changing the world ever since!"

- Arunas Oslapas, professor, Industrial Design, WWU

"Nicole, your mentorship was a cornerstone of my academic journey; I am grateful for your wisdom and advice along the way! Your warm welcome to me, when I joined WWU, helped me navigate a new location and job with ease. Your kindness and support have left an indelible mark on my life. Thank you for everything."

- Sura Alqudah, associate professor of Engineering & Design, WWU

"Nicole could anticipate challenges within the department and then held meetings to try to overcome the challenges. I really appreciate the time she took to mentor new faculty and to provide constructive feedback to tenure track faculty so that they could prepare their research and teaching materials. I appreciate that she helped provide guidance to transition the vehicle program to engineering. She was generous of her time and wisdom."

- Eric Leonhardt, professor, Engineering and Design, WWU

"Over the years, we've loved having Nicole visit our ID class to talk about color in processing. She is engaging, enthusiastic, and filled with expertise."

- Jason Morris, program director, Industrial Design, WWU

"Prof. Hoekstra – Thank you for being such a remarkable teacher, leader and mentor to students, faculty and staff alike. Your vision, creativity and commitment to student success has made WWU a premier institution for Engineering and Materials Science. You leave us with a long list of accomplishments and you have given us lots of momentum for success in the future. Enjoy retirement and keep in touch!"

- David Rider, professor of Chemistry, AMSEC, Polymer Materials Engineering, WWU

Appointments at Mayo Clinic

• Consumer health

What are the benefits of CBD — and is it safe to use?

A prescription cannabidiol (CBD) oil is considered an effective anti-seizure medication. However, further research is needed to determine CBD 's other benefits and safety.

CBD is a chemical found in marijuana. CBD doesn't contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana that produces a high. The usual CBD formulation is oil, but CBD is also sold as an extract, a vaporized liquid and an oil-based capsule. Food, drinks and beauty products are among the many CBD -infused products available online.

Currently, the only CBD product approved by the Food and Drug Administration is a prescription oil called Epidiolex. It's approved to treat two types of epilepsy. Aside from Epidiolex, state laws on the use of CBD vary. While CBD is being studied as a treatment for a wide range of conditions, including Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and anxiety, research supporting the drug's benefits is still limited.

CBD use also carries some risks. Though it's often well-tolerated, CBD can cause side effects, such as dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, drowsiness and fatigue. CBD can also interact with other medications you're taking, such as blood thinners.

Another cause for concern is the unreliability of the purity and dosage of CBD in products. A recent study of 84 CBD products bought online showed that more than a quarter of the products contained less CBD than labeled. In addition, THC was found in 18 products.

If you plan to use products containing CBD , talk to your doctor.

Brent A. Bauer, M.D.

There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form.

From Mayo Clinic to your inbox

Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview.

Error Email field is required

Error Include a valid email address

To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail.

Thank you for subscribing!

You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox.

Sorry something went wrong with your subscription

Please, try again in a couple of minutes

• Candida cleanse diet
• Colloidal silver supplements
• Miller B. Labeling accuracy of cannabidiol extracts sold online. JAMA. 2017;318:1708.
• FDA approves first drug compromised of an active ingredient derived from marijuana to treat rare, severe forms of epilepsy. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm611046.htm. Accessed Nov. 20, 2018.
• State medical marijuana laws. National Conference of State Legislatures. http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx#2. Accessed Nov. 27, 2018.
• Devinsky O, et al. Effect of cannabidiol on drop seizures in the Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2018;378:1888.
• Cannabidiol. Natural Medicines. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed Nov. 5, 2018.
• Cannabidiol. Facts & Comparisons eAnswers. http://www.wolterskluwercdi.com/facts-comparisons-online/. Accessed Nov. 5, 2018.
• Portenoy RK, et al. Cancer pain management: Adjuvant analgesics (coanalgesics). https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 14, 2018.

Products and Services

• The Mayo Clinic Diet Online
• A Book: The Mayo Clinic Diet Bundle
• A Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to Pain Relief
• A very happy brain
• Alternative cancer treatments: 11 options to consider
• Colon cleansing
• Detox foot pads
• Diabetes treatment: Can cinnamon lower blood sugar?
• Do infrared saunas have any health benefits?
• Prickly pear cactus
• Herbal supplements and heart drugs
• Kombucha tea
• Kratom: Unsafe and ineffective
• Kratom for opioid withdrawal
• Learn to reduce stress through mindful living
• Medical marijuana
• Meditation 2.0: A new way to meditate
• Mindfulness exercises
• Natural remedies for depression: Are they effective?
• Tai Chi and Cardiac Rehab
• Valerian: A safe and effective herbal sleep aid?
• Alternative psoriasis treatments
• Do zinc supplements shorten colds?

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

• Opportunities

Mayo Clinic Press

Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press .

• Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Incontinence
• The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press The Essential Diabetes Book
• Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance
• FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment
• Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book
• Healthy Lifestyle
• Expert Answers
• CBD Safe and effective

Your gift holds great power – donate today!

Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine.