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How to write your problem statement: An exercise

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Interactive session

Steps

1. Write down what you consider the problem to be in one sentence.

2. List three significant pieces of literature that backup the fact that this situation is indeed a problem.

3. Write another sentence that answers the question, “I know this is a problem because…”

Let’s test some out

Writing

Exercise

This situation in/within ____ (societal organization/institution/ policy, etc.) has created a problem_____ (describe it in a few words). In ____(name the context of your study), this problem plays

out and creates this situation ____(be specific and give data to quantify the issue). While it is being

addressed in this manner ____(describe current activities), however, there is need for this study

to ____(discuss purpose of study generally). This problem impacts _____ (name population)

because _____ (describe impact). Literature discusses the following as being likely to impact the issue ____(describe variables and cite references). This study contributes to the body of knowledge needed to address this problem by answering the following questions ____(the research

questions)

Pages 69,70 NOTE: Literature often comes first – so play with the order until you like how it reads

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Criteria/Checklist

Note: Because of the brevity required in a problem statement, all of the following are given only one to two sentences.

A smooth introduction that synthesizes past research

A clear explanation of the local problem, which can be addressed through this research

Evidence or data on which that problem is founded

A clear explanation of the goals of the research; these may be stated as purpose and focus for the study

The literature of the field making it evident that your study either builds upon or has the potential to derive new understanding in the field

A clear explanation of the theoretical foundation is included

Research questions or hypotheses around which the study revolves

Objectives for the study or contributions to your field

Potentially a statement for the implications for positive social change

Page 71

Discussion

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