How to write a PROBLEM STATEMENT in your THESIS: Its 2 parts with an EXAMPLE

Summary

This video script emphasizes the importance of a problem statement in a thesis. It outlines the two key components: identifying a substantial problem and explaining the implications of not addressing it. The script uses an example of professors' behavior at a prestigious university to illustrate how a problem statement should be structured, highlighting the need for a clear, well-articulated statement that justifies the study and its relevance.

Takeaways

• 📝 A problem statement is crucial for justifying the need for a study.
• 🎯 It consists of two parts: identifying the problem and explaining the implications of not addressing it.
• 🌟 A clear problem statement helps readers understand the relevance and significance of the issue.
• 📚 The background section should precede the problem statement, providing context and setting the scene.
• 🔍 The background should include literature to support claims and establish the novelty of the study.
• 🏛️ The example used in the script illustrates a problem within a university's economics department, showing a natural transition from background to problem statement.
• 👨‍🏫 The behavior of professors towards students is identified as the problem, with evidence such as rudeness and unfair marking.
• 📉 Not addressing the problem could lead to reputational damage, decreased student applications, and financial loss for the university.
• 👥 The implications of the problem statement are serious, affecting not just the department but the entire university.
• 🔑 The study aims to provide insights into the problem, potentially leading to solutions or a better understanding of the issue.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of a problem statement in a thesis?

The primary purpose of a problem statement in a thesis is to identify and articulate the problem that the study aims to address, solve, or shed more light on, justifying the need for the study.

Why is it important to have a clear problem statement?

A clear problem statement is important because it provides the reader with an understanding of the relevance and significance of the problem, and it sets the stage for the rest of the research.

What are the two parts of a problem statement?

The two parts of a problem statement are: 1) Identifying the actual problem in terms of its magnitude and extent, including the research gap it addresses. 2) Discussing the implications of not addressing the problem.

How does the background of a study relate to the problem statement?

The background of a study provides context and sets the scene for the reader, introducing the players and arguments that are important when discussing the actual problem. It precedes and naturally progresses into the problem statement.

What should be included in the background section of a thesis?

The background section should include contextual information about the study, such as the scope, the key players, and the arguments that lead to the problem. It may also provide some literature to support claims and establish the novelty of the study.

Why is it necessary to establish the magnitude of the problem in the problem statement?

Establishing the magnitude of the problem is necessary to demonstrate that the problem is substantial enough to warrant the study and to provide evidence that the problem exists.

Can you provide an example of how to transition from the background to the problem statement?

In the given script, the transition is made by first discussing the high reputation and credentials of a university's economics department and its professors, then identifying specific complaints and issues with the professors' behavior as the problem.

What are the implications mentioned in the problem statement example about the professors' behavior?

The implications include reputational damage to the department and university, potential decrease in student applications, loss of high-performing students to other universities, deterioration of university rankings, and loss of revenue and grants.

How does the example problem statement conclude?

The example problem statement concludes by stating that the study will identify why the behavior of the professors is not acceptable towards students, thus addressing the problem.

What is the role of evidence in supporting the problem statement?

Evidence is crucial in supporting the problem statement as it provides proof of the problem's existence and its magnitude, helping to convince the reader of the problem's significance.

Why is it important to discuss the consequences of not addressing the problem?

Discussing the consequences of not addressing the problem is important to highlight the urgency and necessity of the study, making the problem more real and relevant to the reader.