How to Write a Research Problem Statement

Summary

The video script emphasizes the importance of the problem statement in a dissertation proposal, likening it to a 'true north' guiding the research journey. It clarifies that a problem statement is distinct from a mere question or interest, requiring specificity and relevance to a theoretical or practical issue. The script outlines the three key components of a problem statement: context, knowledge gap, and significance. It advises researchers to use an early draft of the problem statement as a guide during literature review and to continually refine it as they gain deeper insights into their topic. The ultimate goal is to develop a compelling argument that justifies the necessity of the research.

Takeaways

• 🧭 The problem statement is the 'true north' of a dissertation proposal, guiding the entire research process.
• 🔍 It is typically the first section written and serves as a clear identification of the problem to be investigated.
• 🤔 A research problem is distinguished from a mere question or interest by being well-defined, specific, and outlining an issue that needs addressing.
• 📚 The problem statement is situated within the introductory chapter and is crucial for guiding the literature search and proposal writing.
• 🏢 The context component of the problem statement describes the current situation and what is wrong or needs changing.
• 🔍 The knowledge gap is defined by the context and significance, setting the boundaries for the study and preventing it from straying off-topic.
• 📈 The significance of the problem should convey a sense of urgency and importance, often supported by statistics to highlight the scope and consequences.
• 📝 The initial draft of the problem statement is a working tool for the researcher, meant to guide literature review and does not need to be perfect.
• 🔄 The problem statement should evolve as the researcher learns more about the topic, with continuous reading and refinement.
• 🧐 It's important to refer back to the problem statement when stuck to ensure that all research activities are clearly related to the problem at hand.
• 💡 As the literature review is developed, the researcher accumulates knowledge, bringing them closer to becoming an expert on the topic.

Q & A

Why is the problem statement considered the 'true north' of a dissertation proposal?

The problem statement is the 'true north' of a dissertation proposal because it serves as a compass guiding the entire research process, from literature search to the writing of the proposal.

In what chapter of the dissertation is the problem statement typically located?

The problem statement is typically located within the introductory chapter of the dissertation.

What is the primary role of the problem statement in a research proposal?

The primary role of the problem statement is to clearly identify the problem the researcher intends to investigate and to outline an issue that needs to be addressed or changed.

Why is it important to articulate the problem statement effectively?

Articulating the problem statement effectively is important because it helps the reader understand and care about the research, and it guides the researcher in their investigation and contribution to solving the problem or expanding knowledge.

What are the three components of a problem statement?

The three components of a problem statement are context, knowledge gap, and significance.

What does the context component of the problem statement communicate?

The context component communicates the current situation and what is wrong with it or what needs to change, focusing on the present rather than detailing the history.

How is the knowledge gap in a problem statement framed?

The knowledge gap is framed by the context and significance, which sets the terms of the study and helps to keep the research focused and on track.

What is the purpose of stating the significance of the problem in the problem statement?

The purpose of stating the significance of the problem is to convey a sense of urgency to the reader, making them care about the research and understand the scope and consequences of the issue being studied.

Why is it suggested to keep the initial draft of the problem statement for personal use only?

The initial draft of the problem statement is suggested for personal use only because it is meant to guide the researcher during the literature search and development of the literature review, and it does not need to be perfect at this stage.

How should a researcher use the problem statement as they progress through their research?

A researcher should use the problem statement as a reference point, reading and re-reading it to keep their research focused, and allowing it to evolve as they learn more about their topic.

What is the relationship between the problem-posing mentality and a researcher's identity?

The problem-posing mentality is a cornerstone of a researcher's identity because it involves formulating questions, learning, discovering errors, and contributing to solving relevant problems, which are all integral to the research process.

How will the lessons following the script help in developing a problem statement?

The lessons will guide the researcher through the process of developing an early draft of the problem statement, revising it as they learn more about their topic, and thinking through each component to ensure a well-reasoned and credible argument for the need of their study.