The Research Problem & Problem Statement: Plain-Language Explainer (With Examples) + FREE Templates

Summary

This video script discusses the importance of a research problem in academic research, defining it as the core issue a study aims to solve or examine. It differentiates between theoretical and applied research problems and explains their role in shaping research aims and questions. The script also introduces the concept of the problem statement, a concise articulation of the research problem. It further explores the origins of research problems, often stemming from research gaps due to new frontiers, new contexts, or disagreements in existing literature.

Takeaways

• 🔍 A research problem is the core issue that a study aims to solve or examine.
• 📝 It is crucial for setting the direction and focus of any research project, from a small paper to a full-length dissertation.
• 💡 The research problem identifies the gap in the current body of knowledge that the study intends to fill.
• 🌐 Research problems can be theoretical, focusing on expanding knowledge, or applied, aiming to solve practical issues.
• 📈 A clear research problem is necessary to shape research aims, objectives, and questions, as well as the research approach.
• 📑 The problem statement is a concise, one-paragraph summary of the research problem that the study will address.
• 🌐 Research problems often stem from gaps in the literature, which can arise in new frontiers, different contexts, or disagreements in existing research.
• 📚 Research gaps are areas where there is a lack of well-established academic literature, indicating opportunities for new research.
• 🌟 New technologies, discoveries, or breakthroughs can create new research gaps by opening up unexplored areas.
• 🌐 Differences in context or geography can reveal the need for research that considers niche or underrepresented populations.
• 🤔 Disagreements within the research community can highlight areas where further investigation is needed to resolve conflicting viewpoints.

Q & A

What is a research problem?

A research problem is the core issue that a study will try to solve or examine. It is an explicit declaration about the problem that a dissertation, thesis, or research paper will address and identifies the research gap that the study will attempt to fill.

How is a research problem connected to a problem statement?

A research problem is the broader concept that outlines the core issue to be addressed, while a problem statement is a clear, concise summary of that research problem, typically contained within one paragraph. It explicitly states the specific research problem the study will address.

Why is having a clear research problem important?

Having a clear research problem is essential as it sets the direction and focus for any piece of research. It acts as the driving force behind the study, shaping the research aims, objectives, and questions, as well as the research approach.

Can a research problem be theoretical or applied?

Yes, a research problem can be either theoretical, focusing on growing the overall body of knowledge, or applied, focusing on finding practical solutions to real-world problems.

What are the consequences of having a vague research problem?

A vague research problem can lead to unfocused and potentially conflicting research aims, objectives, and questions, which may result in an unclear research direction and ineffective study outcomes.

Where do research problems typically come from?

Research problems typically emerge from research gaps, which can arise from new frontiers, new contexts, or disagreements within existing literature where there is a lack of well-established academic literature.

How can new technologies or discoveries lead to research problems?

New technologies, discoveries, or breakthroughs can open up entirely new frontiers where there is very little existing research, thereby creating fresh research gaps and opportunities for exploration.

What is meant by 'new context' in relation to research problems?

A 'new context' refers to situations where existing research is concentrated on specific contexts or geographies, and there is a lack of research within niche contexts or different geographical areas where results may differ.

Why might disagreements within existing research create research problems?

Disagreements within existing research occur when there are conflicting views between researchers, each presenting strong points that pull in opposing directions. This uncertainty often leaves room for further research to determine which viewpoint, if any, is more accurate.

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

A problem statement plays a crucial role in a research proposal by providing a clear and concise summary of the specific research problem that the study will address, which helps to guide the reader and focus the research direction.

How can the concept of research problems be made more tangible through examples?

The concept of a research problem can be made more tangible through examples that outline the key issue, the consequences thereof, and what the researcher will do in response, such as investigating the challenges faced by first-generation college students when writing their dissertations.