Another word for problem statement

problem statement

постановка задачи

We need to determine what’s relevant in the problem statement and what we can ignore. — Необходимо определить, что следует обязательно учесть при постановке задачи, а что можно игнорировать problem definition

Англо-русский толковый словарь терминов и сокращений по ВТ, Интернету и программированию. .
1998-2007.

Смотреть что такое «problem statement» в других словарях:

  • Problem statement — A problem statement is a clear concise description of the issues that need to be addressed by a problem solving team and should be presented to them (or created by them) before they try to solve the problem. When bringing together a team to… …   Wikipedia

  • problem statement — uždavinio sąlyga statusas T sritis fizika atitikmenys: angl. problem statement vok. Voraussetzung der Aufgabe, f rus. условие задачи, n pranc. condition du problème, f …   Fizikos terminų žodynas

  • Problem solving — forms part of thinking. Considered the most complex of all intellectual functions, problem solving has been defined as higher order cognitive process that requires the modulation and control of more routine or fundamental skills (Goldstein Levin …   Wikipedia

  • Problem finding — means problem discovery. It is part of the larger problem process that includes problem shaping and problem solving. Problem finding requires intellectual vision and insight into what is missing. This involves the application of creativity.… …   Wikipedia

  • Problem shaping — means revising a question so that the solution process can begin or continue. It is part of the larger problem process that includes problem finding and problem solving. Problem shaping (or problem framing) often involves the application of… …   Wikipedia

  • Statement analysis — is a learned technique, utilised to examine a person s words todetect for concealed information, missing information and whether the information that person provided is true or false. Anytime someone who is lying or withholding sensitive… …   Wikipedia

  • Problem of Apollonius — In Euclidean plane geometry, Apollonius problem is to construct circles that are tangent to three given circles in a plane (Figure 1); two circles are tangent if they touch at a single point. Apollonius of Perga (ca. 262 BC ndash; ca. 190 BC)… …   Wikipedia

  • problem — n. unsettled question source of difficulty 1) to cause, create, pose, present a problem 2) to address, tackle; bring up, raise; resolve, settle, solve a problem 3) an acute, difficult, major, pressing, serious; insoluble, insurmountable problem… …   Combinatory dictionary

  • Statement Coverage — Die kontrollflussorientierten Testverfahren, auch Überdeckungstests genannt, gehören zu der Gruppe der strukturorientierten Testmethoden. Die kontrollflussorientierten Testverfahren orientieren sich am Kontrollflussgraphen des Programms. Es… …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • problem — /prob leuhm/, n. 1. any question or matter involving doubt, uncertainty, or difficulty. 2. a question proposed for solution or discussion. 3. Math. a statement requiring a solution, usually by means of a mathematical operation or geometric… …   Universalium

  • Problem of future contingents — The problem of future contingents is a logical paradox first posed by Diodorus Cronus from the Megarian school of philosophy, under the name of the dominator , and then reactualized by Aristotle in chapter 9 of On Interpretation . It was later… …   Wikipedia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A problem statement is a concise description of an issue to be addressed or a condition to be improved upon. It identifies the gap between the current (problem) state and desired (goal) state of a process or product. Focusing on the facts, the problem statement should be designed to address the Five Ws. The first condition of solving a problem is understanding the problem, which can be done by way of a problem statement.[1]

Problem statements are widely used by most businesses and organizations to execute process improvement projects. A simple and well-defined problem statement will be used by the project team to understand the problem and work toward developing a solution. It will also provide management with specific insights into the problem so that they can make appropriate project-approving decisions. As such, it is crucial for the problem statement to be clear and unambiguous.[2]

Purpose[edit]

The main purpose of the problem statement is to identify and explain the problem. This includes describing the existing environment, where the problem occurs, and what impacts it has on users, finances, and ancillary activities.[3] Additionally, the problem statement is used to explain what the expected environment looks like. Defining the desired condition provides an overall vision for the process or product. It makes clear the purpose for initiating the improvement project and the goals that it is meant to accomplish.[4]

Another important function of the problem statement is to be used as a communication device. A problem statement helps with obtaining buy-in from those involved in the project.[3] Before the project begins, the stakeholders verify the problem and goals are accurately described in the problem statement. Once this approval is received, the project team reviews it to ensure everyone understands the issue at hand and what they are trying to accomplish. This also helps define the project scope, which keeps the project concentrated on the overall goal.[5]

The problem statement is referenced throughout the project to establish focus within the project team and verify they stay on track. At the end of the project, it is revisited to confirm the implemented solution indeed solves the problem. A well-defined problem statement can also aid in performing root-cause analysis to understand why the problem occurred and ensure measures can be taken to prevent it from happening in the future.[2]

It is important to note that the problem statement does not define the solution or methods of reaching the solution. The problem statement simply recognizes the gap between the problem and goal states. It can be said that «a problem well stated is half solved».[4] However, there are often multiple, viable solutions to a problem. Only after the problem statement is written and agreed upon should the solution(s) be discussed and the resulting course of action determined.[6]

Defining the problem[edit]

Before the problem statement can be crafted, the problem must be defined. It is human nature to want to begin working on a solution as soon as possible and neglecting the definition of the true problem to be solved. However, a poorly defined problem increases the risk of implementing a solution that does not fully meet the expected results. A problem cannot be solved if it is not completely understood.[7]

The process of defining the problem is often a group effort. It starts with meeting with the stakeholders, customers, and/or users affected by the issue (if possible) and learning about their pain points.[8] Since people often struggle with effectively communicating their issues, particularly to someone outside of the process, it is helpful to ask a series of «why» questions until the underlying reasoning is identified. This method, known as the five whys, helps drill down to the core problem as many of the experienced frustrations could be mere symptoms of the actual problem.[6] Asking these additional questions as well as paraphrasing what the stakeholder had said demonstrates a degree of empathy and understanding of the problem.[5]

The information collected from these initial interviews is only one part of problem analysis. Many times the problem extends to multiple areas or functions to which the stakeholders, customers, and users are unaware. They may also be familiar with what is happening on the surface but not necessarily the underlying cause. Therefore, it is just as essential to gather knowledge, information, and insights from project team members and subject matter experts concerning the problem.[8] Additional research materials, including work instructions, user manuals, product specifications, workflow charts, and previous project plans may also need to be consulted. Like most other stages in the process improvement project, defining the problem is often iterative as several rounds of discussions may be needed to get the full picture.[2]

Once the problem is understood and the circumstances driving the project initiation are clear, it is time to write the problem statement.

Writing the problem statement[edit]

The problem statement will be used to gain project support and approval from stakeholders. As such, it must be action-oriented.[3] More importantly, the problem statement must be written clearly and accurately in order to deliver successful results. A poorly crafted or incorrect problem statement will lead to a faulty solution, as well as wasted time, money, and resources.[1]

There are several basic elements that can be built into every problem statement to decrease the risk of project failure. First, the problem statement must focus on the end user. A common mistake is focusing on how a problem will be solved rather than the current gap. Second, the problem statement should not be too broad. A benefit of using the five whys approach is that it avoids over-simplicity by providing the details needed for understanding the problem and developing an appropriate solution. Finally, the problem statement should not be too narrow. Solution-bias stifles the creativity that arises while brainstorming a solution, which may result in less-than-optimal experience for the user.[8]

It is useful to design and follow a specific format when writing a problem statement. While there are several options for doing this, the following is a simple and straightforward template often used in business analysis to maintain focus on defining the problem.

  1. Ideal: This section is used to describe the desired or «to be» state of the process or product. It identifies the goals of the stakeholders and customers as well as assists in defining scope. At large, this section should illustrate what the expected environment would look like once the solution is implemented.
  2. Reality: This section is used to describe the current or «as is» state of the process or product. It explains pain points expressed by the stakeholders and customers. It should also include the insights and expertise of the project team and subject matter experts provided during problem analysis.
  3. Consequences: This section is used to describe the impacts on the business if the problem is not fixed or improved upon. This includes costs associated with loss of money, time, productivity, competitive advantage, and so forth. The magnitude of these effects will also help determine the priority of the project.
  4. Proposal: This section is used to describe potential solutions. Once the ideal, reality, and consequences sections have been completed, understood, and approved, the project team can start offering options for solving the problem. It can also include suggestions by the stakeholders and customers, although further discussions and research will be needed before a specific course of action can be determined.[7]

Following this format will result in a workable document that can be used by all parties to understand the problem and elicit requirements that will lead to a winning solution.

Example[edit]

Problem statements can vary in length, depending on the complexity of the problem. The following is an example of a simple problem statement for the creation of a single sign-on capability:

Ideal:

  • Ideally, users would be able to sign into their laptops and then automatically have access to all of the applications they need to use.

Reality:

  • In reality, at least three applications are used every day to accomplish the work. Each application is protected by a password with different requirements for username and password length. Passwords also expire at different times.

Consequences:

  • Users waste approximately two minutes per day logging into multiple applications (if there are 500 users, then 500 users * 2 minutes per day = 1000 minutes in lost productivity; 1000 minutes = 16.67 hrs per day * $75/hr = $1250 per day).
  • Help desk resolves approximately 6,000 calls per year to reset forgotten passwords and unlock accounts.
  • Security risk as users will continue to write usernames and passwords on sticky notes on their desks

Proposal:

  • Have a software developer, network administration and business stakeholders collaboration to evaluate potential solutions for a single-sign on capability.

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Kush, Max (June 2015). «The Statement Problem». Quality Progress. 48 (6).
  2. ^ a b c Annamalai, Nagappan; Kamaruddin, Shahrul; Azid, Ishak Abdul; Yeoh, TS (September 2013). «Importance of Problem Statement in Solving Industry Problems». Applied Mechanics and Materials. Zurich. 421: 857–863. doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.421.857. S2CID 60791623.
  3. ^ a b c Gygi, Craig; DeCarlo, Neil; Williams, Bruce (2015). Six sigma for dummies. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. pp. 76–78.
  4. ^ a b Lindstrom, Chris (2011-04-24). «How To Write A Problem Statement». www.ceptara.com. Retrieved 2018-04-10.
  5. ^ a b Perry, Randy; Bacon, David (2010). Commercializing Great Products with Design for Six Sigma. Prentice Hall. p. 18.
  6. ^ a b Shaffer, Deb (2017-07-12). «How to Write a Problem Statement». ProProject Manager. Retrieved 2018-04-10.
  7. ^ a b Shaffer, David (2015-12-21). «Cooking Up Business Analysis Success». BA Times. Retrieved 2018-04-10.
  8. ^ a b c Widen, Steven (2018-04-02). «Take These Steps To Define Your UI/UX Problem And Avoid Haphazard Changes». Forbes. Retrieved 2018-04-10.


На основании Вашего запроса эти примеры могут содержать грубую лексику.


На основании Вашего запроса эти примеры могут содержать разговорную лексику.

постановка задачи f

постановка проблемы

постановке проблемы

постановки задачи

постановки проблемы

постановку задачи

постановке задачи

постановку проблемы

изложение проблемы

постановки задач

изложение проблем

постановкой проблемы

Описание проблемы

формулировку проблемы


So, we’ve taken that initial problem statement and we’ve made it more general.



Итак мы взяли что первоначальная постановка задачи, и мы сделали его более общего.


Mathematical problem statement of adaptive communication sessions scheduling is given.



Дается математическая постановка задачи адаптивного планирования сеансов связи.


A well-thought-out problem statement from, for example, an insurance company can significantly reduce payments based on their research.



Продуманная постановка проблемы со стороны, например, страховой компании может значительно уменьшить выплаты на основе проведенных ими исследований.


Such problem statement aggravates the question of value of national cultures, traditions and languages.



Такая постановка проблемы обостряет вопрос о ценности национальных культур, традиций, языков.


A problem statement outlines the need for the action plan; an essential fact for decision makers.



Постановка проблемы указывает на необходимость в плане действий, что является существенным фактом для лиц, принимающих решения.


The Department must specifically approve of the field of study, the research topic, methodology and problem statement before the candidate may register.



Департамент должен конкретно одобряет области изучения, темы исследования, методология и постановка задачи перед кандидатом может зарегистрировать.


The PBL method encourages students to think trivial. Properly organized problem statement stimulates students to search for non-standard solutions.



Метод PBL стимулирует студентов нетривиально мыслить, а правильно организованная постановка проблемы к поиску нестандартных решений.


A problem statement is a brief description of the specific problem that the action plan will address.



Постановка проблемы — это краткое описание конкретной проблемы, которая будет рассмотрена в плане действий.


The accurate formulation of a problem and problem statement is important for


This was difficult because the problem statement was implicit and involved multiple steps and multiple constraints.



Это было трудно, потому что постановка задачи была неявной и включает несколько шагов и несколько ограничений.


papers in which the title and/or the problem statement do not correspond to the main texts and conclusions



работы, в которых заглавие и/или постановка проблемы не соответствуют основной части текста и выводам


The fact that our problem statement is so different than so many other researchers allows the lab to make a huge impact in autonomous systems research.



Тот факт, что наша постановка проблемы настолько отличается от многих других исследователей, позволяет ARL оказывать огромное влияние на исследования автономных систем.


It is proposed a problem statement of geospatial risks assessment, related to natural disasters, and demonstrated the methodology of solution using diverse information (satellite and ground data, data modeling).



Предлагается постановка задачи геопространственной оценки рисков, связанных со стихийными бедствиями, и приведена методология ее решения на основе использования разнородной информации (спутниковых и наземных данных, а также данных моделирования).


Sometimes, test takers spend your time reading problem statement over and over again because they were not capable to have an understanding of the question fully the first time.



Иногда, испытательных берущих потратить время, читая постановка задачи снова и снова, потому что они не были способны иметь понимание вопроса полностью в первый раз.


Manuscripts must be up-to-date, significant from the scientific and practical points of view, and have a clear-cut compositional structure (problem statement, solutions, conclusions and proposals).



Рукописи должны быть актуальными по тематике, значимыми с научной и практической точек зрения, чётко структурированными композиционно (постановка проблемы, пути решения, выводы и предложения).


Usacheva E. (Voronezh) Social fatherhood (motherhood): the problem statement



Усачева Е. А. (Воронеж) Социальное отцовство (материнство): постановка проблемы


15:00Actualization of the topic, problem statement.


The plans of action reproduced below therefore comprise only the problem statement and objectives, with an indication of the agencies involved.



Поэтому приводимые ниже планы действий содержат лишь изложение проблемы и информацию о целях, и при этом указаны учреждения, участвующие в осуществлении мероприятий.


I guess I should have started with the problem statement.


Your proposal should be as specific as possible, especially in the problem statement.



Предложение должно быть насколько возможно более конкретным, особенно в части формулировки проблемы.

Ничего не найдено для этого значения.

Результатов: 177. Точных совпадений: 177. Затраченное время: 149 мс

Documents

Корпоративные решения

Спряжение

Синонимы

Корректор

Справка и о нас

Индекс слова: 1-300, 301-600, 601-900

Индекс выражения: 1-400, 401-800, 801-1200

Индекс фразы: 1-400, 401-800, 801-1200

Published on
November 6, 2022
by

Shona McCombes
and

Tegan George.

Revised on
November 28, 2022.

A problem statement is a concise and concrete summary of the research problem you seek to address. It should:

  • Contextualize the problem. What do we already know?
  • Describe the exact issue your research will address. What do we still need to know?
  • Show the relevance of the problem. Why do we need to know more about this?
  • Set the objectives of the research. What will you do to find out more?

Table of contents

  1. When should you write a problem statement?
  2. Step 1: Contextualize the problem
  3. Step 2: Show why it matters
  4. Step 3: Set your aims and objectives
  5. Problem statement example
  6. Frequently asked questions about problem statements

When should you write a problem statement?

There are various situations in which you might have to write a problem statement.

In the business world, writing a problem statement is often the first step in kicking off an improvement project. In this case, the problem statement is usually a stand-alone document.

In academic research, writing a problem statement can help you contextualize and understand the significance of your research problem. It is often several paragraphs long, and serves as the basis for your research proposal. Alternatively, it can be condensed into just a few sentences in your introduction.

A problem statement looks different depending on whether you’re dealing with a practical, real-world problem or a theoretical issue. Regardless, all problem statements follow a similar process.

Step 1: Contextualize the problem

The problem statement should frame your research problem, giving some background on what is already known.

Practical research problems

For practical research, focus on the concrete details of the situation:

  • Where and when does the problem arise?
  • Who does the problem affect?
  • What attempts have been made to solve the problem?
Example
Voter turnout in the Southeast has been decreasing steadily over the past ten years, in contrast to other areas of the country. According to surveys conducted by local nonprofits, turnout is lowest among those under 25 years of age. There have been some effective attempts at engaging these groups in other regions, and in the last two elections, major parties increased their campaigning efforts. However, these interventions have yet to have any significant effect on turnout.

Theoretical research problems

For theoretical research, think about the scientific, social, geographical and/or historical background:

  • What is already known about the problem?
  • Is the problem limited to a certain time period or geographical area?
  • How has the problem been defined and debated in the scholarly literature?
Example
In the past ten years, the “gig economy” has become an increasingly important segment of the labor market. People under 30 are now more likely to engage in freelance arrangements (rather than full-time jobs) than in the past. Research on the reasons for and consequences of this shift has focused on objective measures of income, working hours, and employment conditions. However, there has been little work exploring young people’s subjective experiences of the gig economy.

Step 2: Show why it matters

The problem statement should also address the relevance of the research. Why is it important that the problem is addressed?

Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you have to do something groundbreaking or world-changing. It’s more important that the problem is researchable, feasible, and clearly addresses a relevant issue in your field.

Practical research problems

Practical research is directly relevant to a specific problem that affects an organization, institution, social group, or society more broadly. To make it clear why your research problem matters, you can ask yourself:

  • What will happen if the problem is not solved?
  • Who will feel the consequences?
  • Does the problem have wider relevance? Are similar issues found in other contexts?
Example
Low voter turnout has been shown to have negative associations with overall civic engagement. It is becoming an area of increasing concern in many European democracies. When specific groups of citizens lack political representation, they are likely to become more excluded over time, leading to an erosion of trust in democratic institutions. Addressing this problem will have practical benefits for the Southeastern US as well, and will contribute to understanding of this widespread phenomenon.

Theoretical research problems

Sometimes theoretical issues have clear practical consequences, but sometimes their relevance is less immediately obvious. To identify why the problem matters, ask:

  • How will resolving the problem advance understanding of the topic?
  • What benefits will it have for future research?
  • Does the problem have direct or indirect consequences for society?
Example
Literature on the gig economy characterizes these new forms of employment sometimes as a flexible, active choice and sometimes as an exploitative last resort. To gain a fuller understanding of why young people engage in the gig economy, in-depth qualitative research is required. Focusing on workers’ experiences can help develop more robust theories of flexibility in contemporary employment, as well as potentially informing future policy objectives.

Step 3: Set your aims and objectives

Finally, the problem statement should frame how you intend to address the problem. Your goal here should not be to find a conclusive solution, but rather to propose more effective approaches to tackling or understanding it.

The research aim is the overall purpose of your research. It is generally written in the infinitive form:

  • The aim of this study is to determine
  • This project aims to explore
  • This research aims to investigate

The research objectives are the concrete steps you will take to achieve the aim:

  • Qualitative methods will be used to identify
  • This work will use surveys to collect
  • Using statistical analysis, the research will measure
Practical research aims and objectives
The aim of this research is to investigate effective engagement strategies to increase voter turnout in the Southeast. It will identify the most significant factors in non-voting using surveys and interviews, followed by conducting experiments to measure the effectiveness of different strategies.
Theoretical research aims and objectives
This project aims to better understand young people’s experiences in the gig economy. Qualitative methods will be used to gain in-depth insight into the motivations and perceptions of those under 30 engaged in freelance work across various industries. This data will be contextualized with a review of recent literature on the gig economy and statistical analysis of demographic changes in the workforce.

The aims and objectives should lead directly to your research questions.

Learn how to formulate research questions

Problem statement example

You can use these steps to write your own problem statement, like the example below.

Problem statement example

Step 1: Contextualize the problem
A family-owned shoe manufacturer has been in business in New England for several generations, employing thousands of local workers in a variety of roles, from assembly to supply-chain to customer service and retail. Employee tenure in the past always had an upward trend, with the average employee staying at the company for 10+ years. However, in the past decade, the trend has reversed, with some employees lasting only a few months, and others leaving abruptly after many years.

Step 2: Show why it matters
As the perceived loyalty of their employees has long been a source of pride for the company, they employed an outside consultant firm to see why there was so much turnover. The firm focused on the new hires, concluding that a rival shoe company located in the next town offered higher hourly wages and better “perks”, such as pizza parties. They claimed this was what was leading employees to switch. However, to gain a fuller understanding of why the turnover persists even after the consultant study, in-depth qualitative research focused on long-term employees is also needed. Focusing on why established workers leave can help develop a more telling reason why turnover is so high, rather than just due to salaries. It can also potentially identify points of change or conflict in the company’s culture that may cause workers to leave.

Step 3: Set your aims and objectives
This project aims to better understand why established workers choose to leave the company. Qualitative methods such as surveys and interviews will be conducted comparing the views of those who have worked 10+ years at the company and chose to stay, compared with those who chose to leave.

Frequently asked questions about problem statements


How do I write a research objective?

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives, you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement.

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

Example: Verbs for research objectives
I will assess

I will compare

I will calculate

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

McCombes, S.
& George, T.
(2022, November 28). How to Write a Problem Statement | Guide & Examples. Scribbr.
Retrieved April 13, 2023,
from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/problem-statement/

Is this article helpful?

You have already voted. Thanks :-)
Your vote is saved :-)
Processing your vote…

The statement of the problem is one of the first things that a colleague or potential client will read. With the vastness of the information available at one’s fingertips in the online9 world, your work may have just a few seconds to draw in a reader to take a deeper look at your proposal before moving on to the next option. It explains quickly to the reader, the problem at hand, the need for research, and how you intend to do it.

A strong, clear description of the problem that drew you to your research has to be straightforward, easy to read and, most important, relevant. Why do you care about this problem? How can solving this problem impact the world? The problem statement is your opportunity to explain why you care and what you propose to do in the way of researching the problem.

A problem statement is an explanation in research that describes the issue that is in need of study. What problem is the research attempting to address? Having a Problem Statement allows the reader to quickly understand the purpose and intent of the research. The importance of writing your research proposal cannot be stressed enough. Check for more information on Writing a Scientific Research Project Proposal.

It is expected to be brief and concise, and should not include the findings of the research or detailed data. The average length of a research statement is generally about one page. It is going to define the problem, which can be thought of as a gap in the information base. There may be several solutions to this gap or lack of information, but that is not the concern of the problem statement. Its purpose is to summarize the current information and where a lack of knowledge may be presenting a problem that needs to be investigated.

The purpose of the problem statement is to identify the issue that is a concern and focus it in a way that allows it to be studied in a systematic way. It defines the problem and proposes a way to research a solution, or demonstrates why further information is needed in order for a solution to become possible.

What is Included in a Problem Statement?

Besides identifying the gap of understanding or the weakness of necessary data, it is important to explain the significance of this lack.

-How will your research contribute to the existing knowledge base in your field of study?

-How is it significant?

-Why does it matter?

Not all problems have only one solution so demonstrating the need for additional research can also be included in your problem statement. Once you identify the problem and the need for a solution, or for further study, then you can show how you intend to collect the needed data and present it.

How to Write a Statement of Problem in Research Proposal

It is helpful to begin with your goal. What do you see as the achievable goal if the problem you outline is solved? How will the proposed research theoretically change anything? What are the potential outcomes?

Then you can discuss how the problem prevents the ability to reach your realistic and achievable solution. It is what stands in the way of changing an issue for the better. Talk about the present state of affairs and how the problem impacts a person’s life, for example.

It’s helpful at this point to generally layout the present knowledge and understanding of the subject at hand, before then describing the gaps of knowledge that are currently in need of study. Your problem statement is a proposed solution to address one of these gaps.

A good problem statement will also layout the repercussions of leaving the problem as it currently stands. What is the significance of not addressing this problem? What are the possible future outcomes?

Example of Problem Statement in Research Proposal

If, for example, you intended to research the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the immune system, you would begin with a review of the current knowledge of vitamin D’s known function in relation to the immune system and how a deficiency of it impacts a person’s defenses.

You would describe the ideal environment in the body when there is a sufficient level of vitamin D. Then, begin to identify the problems associated with vitamin D deficiency and the difficulty of raising the level through supplementation, along with the consequences of that deficiency. Here you are beginning to identify the problem of a common deficiency and the current difficulty of increasing the level of vitamin D in the blood.

At this stage, you may begin to identify the problem and narrow it down in a way that is practical to a research project. Perhaps you are proposing a novel way of introducing Vitamin D in a way that allows for better absorption by the gut, or in a combination with another product that increases its level in the blood.

Describe the way your research in this area will contribute to the knowledge base on how to increase levels of vitamin D in a specific group of subjects, perhaps menopausal women with breast cancer. The research proposal is then described in practical terms.

How to write a problem statement in research?

Problem statements differ depending on the type and topic of research and vary between a few sentences to a few paragraphs.

However, the problem statement should not drag on needlessly. Despite the absence of a fixed format, a good research problem statement usually consists of three main parts:

Context: This section explains the background for your research. It identifies the problem and describes an ideal scenario that could exist in the absence of the problem. It also includes any past attempts and shortcomings at solving the problem.

Significance: This section defines how the problem prevents the ideal scenario from being achieved, including its negative impacts on the society or field of research. It should include who will be the most affected by a solution to the problem, the relevance of the study that you are proposing, and how it can contribute to the existing body of research.

Solution: This section describes the aim and objectives of your research, and your solution to overcome the problem. Finally, it need not focus on the perfect solution, but rather on addressing a realistic goal to move closer to the ideal scenario.

Here is a cheat sheet to help you with formulating a good problem statement.

1. Begin with a clear indication that the problem statement is going to be discussed next. You can start with a generic sentence like, “The problem that this study addresses…” This will inform your readers of what to expect next.

2. Next, mention the consequences of not solving the problem. You can touch upon who is or will be affected if the problem continues, and how.

3. Conclude with indicating the type of research/information that is needed to solve the problem. Be sure to reference authors who may have suggested the necessity of such research.

This will then directly lead to your proposed research objective and workplan and how that is expected to solve the problem i.e., close the research gap.

Language Editing Plus

Elsevier Language Editing Plus service will provide you with a thorough language review of your thesis, article or presentation. It offers review of logic and flow, reference checks, document formatting, a customized cover letter and more.

Type in wordcount for Plus

Follow this link if your manuscript is longer than 9,000 words.

Upload

Понравилась статья? Поделить с друзьями:
  • Another word for possible
  • Another word for porn
  • Another word for popular
  • Another word for pleasing you
  • Another word for playing with