Research what is a problem statement

Answered by Hayma Lachume on 28 Oct, This content belongs to the Conducting Research Stage. Confirm that you would also like to sign up for free personalized email coaching for this stage. Statement of the Problem. Q: How to write a problem statement for my research? Answer Follow this Question. Answer: A research problem is an area of concern or a gap in the existing knowledge that points to the need for further understanding and investigation.

Here is a step-by-step guide that will tell you how exactly you can write a great problem statemnt for your paper: The basics of writing a statement of the problem for your research proposal You might find this in-depth course helpful: How to write a statement of the problem.

Answered by Editage Insights on 01 Sep, Resources for authors and journals. Upvote this Answer 80 Comment. Answer: i need a statement of a problem for the title an assessment of domestic violence against women's in kenya. Upvote this Answer Comment. Answer: hello thank you for ask me. Upvote this Answer 99 Comment. Critical Writing and Thinking. The Writing Center. Dean of the College. Brown University; Ellis, Timothy J. Writing Center. University of Wisconsin, Madison; Thesis Statements.

Purdue University; Selwyn, Neil. Types and Content. There are four general conceptualizations of a research problem in the social sciences:. A problem statement in the social sciences should contain :. NOTE : A statement describing the research problem of your paper should not be viewed as a thesis statement that you may be familiar with from high school. Given the content listed above, a description of the research problem is usually a short paragraph in length.

Sources of Problems for Investigation. The identification of a problem to study can be challenging, not because there's a lack of issues that could be investigated, but due to the challenge of formulating an academically relevant and researchable problem which is unique and does not simply duplicate the work of others. To facilitate how you might select a problem from which to build a research study, consider these sources of inspiration:. Deductions from Theory This relates to deductions made from social philosophy or generalizations embodied in life and in society that the researcher is familiar with.

These deductions from human behavior are then placed within an empirical frame of reference through research. From a theory, the researcher can formulate a research problem or hypothesis stating the expected findings in certain empirical situations. Interdisciplinary Perspectives Identifying a problem that forms the basis for a research study can come from academic movements and scholarship originating in disciplines outside of your primary area of study.

This can be an intellectually stimulating exercise. A review of pertinent literature should include examining research from related disciplines that can reveal new avenues of exploration and analysis.

An interdisciplinary approach to selecting a research problem offers an opportunity to construct a more comprehensive understanding of a very complex issue that any single discipline may be able to provide.

Interviewing Practitioners The identification of research problems about particular topics can arise from formal interviews or informal discussions with practitioners who provide insight into new directions for future research and how to make research findings more relevant to practice. Discussions with experts in the field, such as, teachers, social workers, health care providers, lawyers, business leaders, etc. This approach also provides some practical knowledge which may help in the process of designing and conducting your study.

Personal Experience Don't undervalue your everyday experiences or encounters as worthwhile problems for investigation. This can be derived, for example, from deliberate observations of certain relationships for which there is no clear explanation or witnessing an event that appears harmful to a person or group or that is out of the ordinary.

Relevant Literature The selection of a research problem can be derived from a thorough review of pertinent research associated with your overall area of interest. This may reveal where gaps exist in understanding a topic or where an issue has been understudied. Research may be conducted to: 1 fill such gaps in knowledge; 2 evaluate if the methodologies employed in prior studies can be adapted to solve other problems; or, 3 determine if a similar study could be conducted in a different subject area or applied in a different context or to different study sample [i.

Also, authors frequently conclude their studies by noting implications for further research; read the conclusion of pertinent studies because statements about further research can be a valuable source for identifying new problems to investigate.

The fact that a researcher has identified a topic worthy of further exploration validates the fact it is worth pursuing. What Makes a Good Research Statement? A good problem statement begins by introducing the broad area in which your research is centered, gradually leading the reader to the more specific issues you are investigating. The statement need not be lengthy, but a good research problem should incorporate the following features:. Compelling Topic The problem chosen should be one that motivates you to address it but simple curiosity is not a good enough reason to pursue a research study because this does not indicate significance.

Supports Multiple Perspectives The problem must be phrased in a way that avoids dichotomies and instead supports the generation and exploration of multiple perspectives. A general rule of thumb in the social sciences is that a good research problem is one that would generate a variety of viewpoints from a composite audience made up of reasonable people.

Researchability This isn't a real word but it represents an important aspect of creating a good research statement. Work smarter, not harder. Sign up for Flowcite for free today to save time and energy on your next college paper.

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A thesis statement is the answer to your research question. A problem statement is your research problem put into words, including how you plan to get from your research question to your thesis statement. Research Your Problem First No well-developed problem statement can exist without first being backed by research. Contextualise the problem. Lay out the background for your research problem. Sentence 2: What is the problem?

Define exactly what your paper is going to address. If anyone asks what your paper is about, this sentence alone should make it clear to them. Sentence 3: Why does the problem matter? Show why the problem is relevant and needs to be solved.