Understanding and Developing a Problem Statement: A Guideline for Novice Researchers

Abstract

A problem statement is one of the most crucial and least understood research components for young scholars or early-career researchers. These novice researchers, mostly undertaking tertiary education with the requirements of dissertation and thesis writing or attempting to draft their first journal manuscript(s), often encounter this common dilemma. Thus, the process of reflecting, defining, and formulating a sound research proposal is perhaps one of their most confusing, traumatic, and dreaded nightmares. Often confused by many as synonymous with a statement of purpose and research questions, a problem statement is quite different and unique, as outlined in this article. Accordingly, this paper systematically unpacks the basic constituents of a problem statement, provides a step-by-step procedure for its formulation, and provides a vivid illustration. Overall, this paper lays out a basic framework that can be used in any social science and humanities research endeavor but cautions the need for modification to suit specific fields.