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Research Paper Problem Statement

Last updated on: Dec 19, 2024

How To Write A Problem Statement For A Research Paper with Examples

By: Barbara P.

13 min read

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Published on: Dec 20, 2024

Writing a clear and focused problem statement is essential for any research paper, thesis, or proposal.

Think of it as the foundation that guides your entire study, helping you define the issue you’re addressing and why it matters. Without a strong problem statement, research can lack direction and purpose.

In this guide, we’ll explain what a problem statement is, why it’s important, and how you can write one step-by-step. With these tips and examples, you’ll be able to create a problem statement that keeps your research clear and on track.

Let’s get into it!

how to write a problem statement for a research paper

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What is a Problem Statement?

A problem statement is a brief explanation of the issue your research paper will address. When writing a research paper, the problem statement sets the stage by clearly defining the problem you’re focusing on.

It is usually placed in the research paper introduction section. It helps readers understand why your study matters and what specific gap or question you’re aiming to solve. A good statement should:

Contextualize the problem: What do we already know about the topic?
Describe the issue: What exact problem will your research address?
Show the relevance: Why is this problem important to explore?
Set the objectives: What will your research aim to discover or solve?

How Long Should A Research Problem Statement Be?

A research problem statement should usually be 1 to 3 paragraphs long. For most papers, aim for 3 to 5 clear sentences that explain the problem, its context, and why it's important.

If the issue is more complex, you can make it longer, but keep it concise and focused without adding unnecessary details.

Steps to Write a Problem Statement

Writing a strong problem statement for a research paper involves a systematic approach. Here are the detailed steps to guide you through the process:

Step 1: Contextualize the Problem

Start by providing context for your research problem. This helps readers understand what is already known and highlights the gap your research aims to fill.

Practical Research Problems

For practical research, focus on the specific details of the problem, such as:

Where and when does the problem occur?
Who is affected by the problem?
What efforts have been made to solve it?

Example:

Air pollution in urban areas has increased significantly in the last decade. Despite government initiatives to reduce vehicle emissions, air quality in cities like New York and Los Angeles continues to deteriorate. Local health organizations have reported a rise in respiratory diseases, especially among children. While cleaner transportation options have been tested in smaller cities, larger urban areas have not seen the same positive results.

Theoretical Research Problems

For theoretical research, focus on the existing knowledge and debates surrounding the problem:

What do we already know about the problem?
What has been studied in the past?
Are there geographical or temporal boundaries to this problem?

Example:

In recent years, social media has transformed how people communicate. While research has focused on its effects on mental health, little attention has been given to how social media usage influences relationships between young adults. Exploring this gap could help us understand the deeper psychological and social impacts of digital communication.

Step 2: Show Why It Matters

Next, an important part of the problem statement is to emphasize why the issue needs to be addressed. Why is it important for research?

Practical Research Problems

For practical research, the relevance can be shown by asking:

What will happen if the problem is not solved?
Who will suffer the consequences?
Does the problem affect a larger community?

Example:

The rising levels of air pollution not only worsen public health but also contribute to environmental degradation. If this issue remains unaddressed, we can expect more widespread health problems and higher medical costs, especially for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. Tackling this problem will benefit urban populations and contribute to long-term sustainability efforts globally.

Theoretical Research Problems

For theoretical research, ask:

How will solving the problem deepen our understanding of the topic?
How does it contribute to future research or societal improvements?

Example:

Studying how social media impacts young adults’ relationships can advance theories of social interaction in the digital age. By exploring the nuances of online versus in-person interactions, this research could inform policies aimed at promoting healthier digital communication habits, which could lead to stronger relationships and improved mental health.

Step 3: Set Your Aims and Objectives

The final step is to clearly define how you will address the problem in your research. This is where you outline your research aim and objectives.

Research Aim

The research aim is the overall goal of your study. It is typically written in the infinitive form:

The aim of this study is to explore...
This research aims to investigate...
The goal of this research is to determine...

Example:
The aim of this research is to investigate the factors contributing to poor air quality in large urban areas and to assess the effectiveness of current pollution control measures.

Research Objectives

The research objectives are the concrete steps you will take to achieve the aim. They break down the broader aim into smaller, achievable tasks:

This study will use air quality monitoring data to analyze pollution sources.
Surveys will be conducted to understand public perceptions of air quality and health impacts.
Statistical methods will be employed to measure the correlation between air pollution and respiratory health.

Example:
This research will first conduct a comprehensive review of existing pollution control measures. Then, it will survey residents in major cities like New York to assess their awareness and concerns about air quality. Finally, data will be analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of policy measures and suggest new strategies.

Step 4: Narrow the Scope

Once you have a clear understanding of your problem, it’s important to narrow the focus. A broad problem statement can make it difficult to conduct focused research and may result in a paper that lacks depth.

Here’s how to narrow the scope:

Be specific: Avoid generalizing. Focus on a specific aspect of the problem.
Set boundaries: Consider limiting your study geographically, temporally, or by a particular group of people.
Focus on one issue at a time: Pick one problem to research thoroughly.

Step 5: Frame the Problem Properly

Frame your problem in a way that avoids bias and opens up avenues for further exploration. Test your problem statement by asking:

Does it suggest only one solution, or are there multiple options?
Is it focusing on symptoms rather than the root cause?
Does it stimulate discussion and exploration?

For example, instead of saying "The air quality is poor because of too many cars," you might ask,

What are the factors contributing to poor air quality, and how effective are current policies in addressing these issues?

Step 6: Draft the Problem Statement

Now that you've gathered all the necessary information, it's time to draft your problem statement. This is where you clearly explain the issue you're addressing and why it matters.

Use a clear, concise, and formal tone. Avoid jargon and complex language. Keep the tone professional but simple, making it easy for your readers to understand the problem.

Your problem statement should include:

The problem you're addressing.
The importance of solving it.
The gap your research will fill.

Stick to the narrowed scope of your research to ensure your statement is specific and achievable.

Example:

Air pollution in urban areas like New York has worsened over the past decade. Despite government policies targeting emissions, the health risks, especially among children, remain high. This study will assess current policies' effectiveness and propose new strategies for improving air quality.

Step 7: Test Your Problem Statement

Once you’ve drafted your problem statement, test it by asking yourself:

Does it clearly define the issue?
Does it specify why the problem is important?
Does it identify what’s missing in current research?
Does it provide a direction for your study?

If your problem statement passes these checks, it’s ready to guide your research.

Step 8: Revise and Refine

After writing your problem statement, take time to revise it. Make sure it is clear, concise, and free of unnecessary jargon. A well-written problem statement helps readers quickly grasp the research issue. Ask for feedback from peers or professors to ensure it is effective and easy to understand.

Here are some tips to revise and refine your statement:

Read aloud to check for clarity.
Eliminate vague terms and keep it focused.
Seek feedback from others for a fresh perspective.
Refine to ensure the scope is manageable.

Problem Statement Examples

Let's take a look at some examples to see how a problem statement is written for different types of research.

Example of Problem Statement in Research Paper

Here’s an example of a problem statement to help you understand how it’s done.

Contextualize the problem

A local bakery, well-known in the community for its quality pastries and loyal customer base, has been struggling with a decline in sales over the past two years. Despite consistent product quality, customer visits have decreased, and several competitors have opened nearby, offering similar products at lower prices. The bakery has traditionally relied on word-of-mouth marketing and a strong local presence, but these factors seem less effective now.

Show why it matters

This decline in sales is concerning as the bakery is a family-owned business that has been serving the community for over 30 years. The owner suspects that customer preferences may have shifted, and traditional marketing strategies may no longer be enough. Understanding the reasons behind the decline is crucial not only for improving sales but also for ensuring the survival of the business in a more competitive market. Research focused on customer perceptions and competitive advantages could provide valuable insights.

Set your aims and objectives

This research aims to explore the factors contributing to the bakery’s declining sales. Surveys and interviews will be conducted with current customers and former patrons to gather feedback on their reasons for visiting competitors. Additionally, a competitive analysis will be carried out to identify market trends and customer preferences. The goal is to uncover specific areas for improvement, such as product offerings, customer service, or marketing strategies.

Problem Statement Examples PDFs

Here are some PDF examples of problem statements to help guide your research paper writing.

Example of Problem Statement in Research Proposal

Statement of The Problem Example Qualitative Research

Statement of The Problem Example Quantitative Research

Statement of The Problem Example Thesis

To wrap up, writing a problem statement is an important part of your research paper. It helps you clearly define what your research is about and why it matters. To create a strong problem statement, start by explaining the background, show why the problem is important, outline your research goals, and narrow down the scope.

Keep it simple, clear, and focused. Once you’re done, revise it to make sure it's easy to understand and in line with your research.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three parts to the problem statement?

A well-crafted problem statement typically includes three key parts:

The Problem: This defines the specific issue or challenge that needs to be addressed.
The Importance: This explains why the problem is significant and needs to be researched.
The Research Gap: This identifies what’s missing in existing research or current solutions, and how your study will fill that gap.

How to find the problem statement in a research article?

To find the problem statement in a research article, look for the following:

Introduction Section: Researchers often describe the problem early in the introduction, outlining the background and the context of the study.
Literature Review: In this section, you might find a discussion of what has been done before, highlighting the gaps that the current research aims to address.
Research Objectives or Questions: These are often directly linked to the problem statement, as they indicate the focus of the study.

What is the 5 Why problem statement?

The 5 Whys is a problem-solving technique used to explore the root cause of an issue. It involves asking "why" five times (or more) to dig deeper into the cause of a problem. This method helps identify the underlying issue rather than just addressing symptoms. In a problem statement, this technique might be used to break down a complex problem into simpler, manageable components.

What does a good problem statement look like?

A good problem statement is:

Clear and Concise
Specific
Focused on the Gap
Impactful

Example: Despite significant advancements in air quality regulations, urban centers like New York continue to suffer from high levels of pollution, which pose serious health risks to vulnerable populations. This study aims to identify the causes of persistent pollution and evaluate the effectiveness of existing measures to mitigate these risks.

Barbara P.

Literature

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.