How to write a problem statement

Summary

This video script offers essential tips for crafting a persuasive problem statement, a critical component of any thesis, research article, or technical report. It defines a problem statement as a declaration of a current issue needing action, emphasizing the importance of identifying gaps or negative aspects in the current situation. The script outlines the three key parts of a compelling problem statement: the ideal scenario, the reality with its shortcomings, and the proposed improvements. Additionally, it suggests incorporating the five W's (who, what, where, when, and why) for a more engaging statement and advises focusing on a single problem for clarity. The video also touches on two common approaches to writing problem statements: directly addressing the issue or first establishing context for complex topics. These insights aim to guide students and researchers in effectively articulating the problem at hand.

Takeaways

• 📝 A problem statement is a declaration of a current issue needing timely action to improve the situation.
• 🔍 It is related to the current issue or problem that your research will explore and should outline the negative aspects of the current situation.
• 🚀 A good research problem should identify a gap in knowledge in the field and pave the way for further research.
• 📚 The problem statement can be one paragraph or more, depending on the nature of the problem and the objectives of the research.
• 🎯 It should include three parts: the ideal situation, the reality of the situation, and the consequences or proposed improvements.
• 🌟 The 'ideal' part describes the goal or how things should be, highlighting the positive aspects of the research topic.
• 👎 The 'reality' part discusses the current situation's shortcomings and how it falls short of the ideal.
• 🛠️ The 'consequences' part suggests ways to improve the current situation and move it closer to the ideal.
• ❗ Incorporating the five W's (who, what, where, when, and why) can make the problem statement more persuasive.
• 📉 The problem statement should focus on one problem and be precise, without suggesting a solution at this stage.
• 📈 If the problem is technical, it's recommended to first establish the context or background before detailing the problem statement parts.

Q & A

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

The primary purpose of a problem statement is to outline a current issue or problem that requires timely action to improve the situation, highlighting gaps or negative points in the scenario being explored.

Why is it important to address an existing gap in knowledge in a problem statement?

Addressing an existing gap in knowledge ensures that the research is contributing new insights to the field, justifying the need for further investigation.

What are the three main parts of a persuasive problem statement according to the script?

The three main parts of a persuasive problem statement are the ideal situation, the reality of the current situation, and the consequences or the proposed improvements to bridge the gap between the ideal and reality.

What should be included in the 'ideal' part of a problem statement?

The 'ideal' part of a problem statement should describe the goal or the ideal situation of the phenomena being investigated, explaining how things should be and highlighting the positive aspects or the significance of the research problem.

What is the purpose of the 'reality' part in a problem statement?

The 'reality' part is meant to contrast the ideal situation with the actual current state of affairs, identifying the negative points and gaps that exist, and explaining how the current situation falls short of the ideal.

What should be the focus of the 'consequences' part of a problem statement?

The 'consequences' part should propose ways to improve the current situation, moving it closer to the ideal situation, without necessarily providing a solution, as the problem statement is not the place for solution suggestions.

Why is it suggested to use the five W's (who, what, where, when, and why) in writing a problem statement?

Incorporating the five W's helps to generate a comprehensive and persuasive problem statement by ensuring all relevant aspects of the issue are covered, making it easier for readers to understand the scope and context of the research.

Why should a problem statement focus on only one problem?

Focusing on one problem ensures that the problem statement remains clear, precise, and targeted, avoiding confusion and allowing for a more in-depth exploration of the specific issue at hand.

Is it necessary to suggest a solution in the problem statement?

No, the problem statement should not suggest a solution. Its purpose is to identify the ideal situation, the current gaps, and propose improvements, leaving the solution for later stages of the research or thesis.

What is the suggested approach if the problem being researched is technical or difficult for a layperson to understand?

If the problem is technical or complex, it is recommended to first establish the context or background of the problem before presenting the ideal situation and the other parts of the problem statement, to aid understanding for the reader.

How can the tips provided in the script help a student or researcher in writing their thesis or research paper?

The tips provided can guide a student or researcher in structuring a clear and persuasive problem statement, which is crucial for setting the stage for their research and engaging readers, ultimately contributing to the overall quality of their thesis or research paper.