A problem statement is a concise and concrete summary of the research problem you seek to address. It should contextualize the problem, describe the issue, show its relevance, and set the objectives of the research (Scribbr, 2023).
Key Facts
- A problem statement is a concise and concrete summary of the research problem you seek to address.
- It contextualizes the problem, describes the issue, shows its relevance, and sets the objectives of the research.
Step 2: Contextualize the Problem
- Provide background information on what is already known about the problem.
- For practical research, focus on the concrete details of the situation, such as where and when the problem arises, who it affects, and previous attempts to solve it.
- For theoretical research, consider the scientific, social, geographical, or historical background of the problem.
Step 3: Show Why It Matters
- Address the relevance of the research and explain why it is important to address the problem.
- For practical research, discuss the consequences of not solving the problem, who will be affected, and whether similar issues exist in other contexts.
- For theoretical research, explain how resolving the problem will advance understanding of the topic, benefit future research, or have consequences for society.
Step 4: Set Your Aims and Objectives
- Frame how you intend to address the problem by stating the research aim and objectives.
- The research aim is the overall purpose of your research, written in the infinitive form.
- The research objectives are the concrete steps you will take to achieve the aim.
Example Problem Statement:
“A study aims to determine the impact of social media usage on the mental health of adolescents in urban areas. The research objectives include identifying the frequency and duration of social media usage among adolescents, assessing their mental health status using standardized measures, and examining the relationship between social media usage and mental health outcomes.”
Step 1: Contextualize the Problem
Provide background information on what is already known about the problem. For practical research, focus on the concrete details of the situation, such as where and when the problem arises, who it affects, and previous attempts to solve it. For theoretical research, consider the scientific, social, geographical, or historical background of the problem (Scribbr, 2023).
Step 2: Show Why It Matters
Address the relevance of the research and explain why it is important to address the problem. For practical research, discuss the consequences of not solving the problem, who will be affected, and whether similar issues exist in other contexts. For theoretical research, explain how resolving the problem will advance understanding of the topic, benefit future research, or have consequences for society (Scribbr, 2023).
Step 3: Set Your Aims and Objectives
Frame how you intend to address the problem by stating the research aim and objectives. The research aim is the overall purpose of your research, written in the infinitive form. The research objectives are the concrete steps you will take to achieve the aim (Scribbr, 2023).
Example Problem Statement
A study aims to determine the impact of social media usage on the mental health of adolescents in urban areas. The research objectives include identifying the frequency and duration of social media usage among adolescents, assessing their mental health status using standardized measures, and examining the relationship between social media usage and mental health outcomes.
References
Nova Southeastern University. (n.d.). From Problem Statement to Research Questions. https://education.nova.edu/Resources/uploads/app/35/files/arc_doc/from_problem_statement_to_research_questions.pdf
Scribbr. (2023, November 20). How to Write a Problem Statement | Guide & Examples. https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/problem-statement/
Northcentral University. (n.d.). Problem Statement – Chapter 1 – LibGuides at Northcentral University. https://resources.nu.edu/c.php?g=1006886&p=7294692
FAQs
What is a problem statement in quantitative research?
A problem statement in quantitative research is a concise and concrete summary of the research problem that you seek to address. It should contextualize the problem, describe the issue, show its relevance, and set the objectives of the research.
What are the steps to writing a problem statement for quantitative research?
The steps to writing a problem statement for quantitative research are:
- Contextualize the problem by providing background information and identifying the specific issue you will address.
- Show why the problem is important by discussing its relevance and potential consequences.
- Set your aims and objectives by stating the overall purpose of your research and the specific steps you will take to achieve that purpose.
What should a problem statement for quantitative research include?
A problem statement for quantitative research should include:
- A clear and concise statement of the research problem
- A description of the context and background of the problem
- An explanation of the relevance and significance of the problem
- A statement of the research aim and objectives
What are some examples of good problem statements for quantitative research?
Examples of good problem statements for quantitative research include:
- “This study aims to determine the impact of social media usage on the mental health of adolescents in urban areas.”
- “This research seeks to investigate the relationship between job satisfaction and employee productivity in the manufacturing industry.”
- “The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a new educational intervention in improving student achievement in mathematics.”
How long should a problem statement for quantitative research be?
The length of a problem statement for quantitative research can vary, but it should generally be concise and to the point. A good rule of thumb is to keep it within 250-300 words.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a problem statement for quantitative research?
Some common mistakes to avoid when writing a problem statement for quantitative research include:
- Being too vague or general
- Failing to identify a specific research problem
- Not providing sufficient background information or context
- Not explaining the relevance or significance of the problem
- Setting unrealistic or unfeasible research objectives
How can I make sure my problem statement is effective?
To make sure your problem statement is effective, you should:
- Clearly and concisely state the research problem
- Provide sufficient background information and context
- Explain the relevance and significance of the problem
- Set realistic and feasible research objectives
- Use clear and concise language
What are some additional resources that can help me write a problem statement for quantitative research?
Some additional resources that can help you write a problem statement for quantitative research include:
- The Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL): https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/conducting_research/finding_and_using_sources/the_problem_statement.html
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Writing Center: https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/problem-statements/
- The University of California, Berkeley Library: https://www.lib.berkeley.edu/instruction/guides/writing-problem-statement