PROBLEM STATEMENT

INTRODUCTION:  As we have discussed several components of Chapter one in writing a research proposal, one of the most immediate step in the process is formulation of a research problem or sometimes referred to as a “problem statement”.  This is an expression of the dilemma or disturbing situation that needs investigation for the purposes of providing understanding and direction.  A problem statement identifies the nature of the problem that is being addressed in the study and, typically, its context and significance.  In general, the problem statement should be broad enough to include central concerns, but narrow enough in scope to serve as a guide to study design.

What are some of the expectations in the problem statement?  Well, like the statement says, it is a brief description of the trigger the researcher encountered, and therefore a quest to carry out the research study.

How long should a problem statement be?  For a precise and clear context, a good problem statement should be not more than a single paragraph, about half a page.  Many times research students tend to be wordy and write very long problem statements but always remember, this is not Problem literature.  Actually the much you put in there will suite very well in Literature review, in Chapter two.

What should be the scope of the data in my problem statement?  It is usually important to state the magnitude of the problem stating with the global basis, then down to continental or regional, and then look at the areas around the expected data collection area or study area.  It may however be noted that, when you start with the problem burden on a global scale, it may introduce bias because some variables may not have generalizability.  Therefore it is always important to have prior knowledge and data about the principle to be investigated.

RELATED;

1.  FORMULATING A RESEARCH PROBLEM

2.  PREVAILING RESEARCH PROBLEMS 2022

3.  HOW TO WRITE A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

4.  RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

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