Standards of Adequacy for Problem Statement

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Standards of Adequacy for Problem Statement

A problem statement in research is a clear description of the issue(s) that need(s) to be addressed and solved by the researcher. Research problems are critically evaluated for focusing on three elements:

1.     statement of the general research problem;
2.     specific research purpose/question/hypothesis; and
3.     significance of the question.

1. General Research Area

Does the general statement of the research area imply the possibility of empirical investigation?
Does the problem statement restrict the scope of the study?
Does the problem statement give the context in which the problem lies?

2. Specific Research Question

Is the research question one that permits the collection of data which will yield an answer?
If so, is the data collectable under the present circumstances?
Is the logic of the research clear and explicit?

      3. Significance of Problem Will the research: (one or more)
Develop knowledge of an enduring practice?
Develop theory?
Expand knowledge or theory?
Provide an extension of understandings?
Advance methodology?
Be related to a current social or political issue?
Evaluate a specific practice or policy at a given site?
Be exploratory research?

Ethics

Is the question and associated data collection method ethical?

Reporting

Does the statement for research indicate the framework for reporting the findings?

Questions to consider:
When writing a problem statement, the researcher may consider the following:

1. Who: Who is affected by the problem? Are students, teachers, scientists, administrators, specific groups, and organizations affected by the problem?

2. What: What is the issue? What is the impact of the issue? What will happen if the issue is not addressed and solved? What will happen if the issue is solved?

3. When: When does the issue occur? How frequently does it occur? When does the issue need to be solved?

4. Where: Where does the issue occur? Does the issue occur only in research labs, classrooms, offices?

5. Why: Why is it important to address the issue? (see #2 above)

Your problem statement and its solution should be plausibly attainable. In other words, it should be possible to offer a potential solution to the problem statement you have formulated.  

“A problem well stated is half solved.”

Wally Davis

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