whats the problem? what is a problem in an academic research project?

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

SpatialPlanning&Strategy

What is a ‘problem’ in an academic research project?

DelftUniversity ofTechnology

Prepared by Roberto RoccoGroup Spatial Planning and Strategy

Delft University of Technology

or why do I have to write

a ‘problemstatement’

in a research project?

Image source: koolcatshipchicksblog.com

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/02/15/13-things-you-should-never-say-at-work/

For Darlene Price, author of ‘Well Said! Presentations and Conversations That Get Results’:

“Accentuate the positive”

“Negative words to avoid”

PROBLEM!

Source: Photocave Collection by National Archive

Photo: Rex Features/Aroldo di Crollalanza

The belief that words shape our

thoughts and attitudes comes

from cognitive and behavioural

neuro-science

It is conceivable that avoiding

negative words in social interaction

leads to better results

HOWEVER

Image source: http://www.metrolyrics.com/eartha-kitt-pictures.html

BESIDES

Eartha Kitt in a TV series in 1975 during her stay in Britain. Photograph: ITV/REX

In current common language (English)

ˈ ˌ

"Problem." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2014. <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/problem>.

But there is more to it!

"Problem." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2014. <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/problem>.

The etymology of the word

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In the scientific method

Image source: http://www.historyguy.com/moviesandtvhistory/catwoman_in_movies_and_tv.htm#.UuYGlnmCrUo

Problem statement

This is relevant because...

Image source:The Amazing Eartha Kitt. (PRNewsFoto/FastLane Pictures)

Scientific method

http://www.divasthroughthedecades.com/?_escaped_fragment_=eartha-kitt/zoom/c1ya8/image7rq

Urbanism

Human sciences

Eartha Kitt Photograph by Phillipe Halsman

In the human sciences

In the social sciences

Image source: http://www.historyguy.com/moviesandtvhistory/catwoman_in_movies_and_tv.htm#.UuYGlnmCrUo

Interpretation

http://www.bet.com/news/national/2014/01/17/this-day-in-black-history-jan-17-1927.html

Building on the shoulders of giants

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What about design?

http://fashionbombdaily.com/2013/02/06/black-history-month-on-the-fashion-bomb-eartha-kitts-influence-on-fashion/

Problems are opportunities to

advance knowledge!

Challenge the futureChallenge the future

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