How to Write a Strong Problem Statement
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How to Write a Strong Problem Statement
The heartbeat of a research proposal is the problem statement.
A strong problem statement is one supported by a thorough review of relevant study results and literature related to the study. Only by exploring the literature can we know what we need to find out or what the problem is.
Ask yourself, why is this study important?
Your problem statement must identify the undesirable gap in current knowledge and/or practice that exists, that must be addressed through your study.
The problem statement is often one paragraph.
It tells why your study matters to society.
It tells of the issue that gives rise to the study.
Problem Statement 1: Teenage Smoking
Smoking among teenagers presents serious health hazards. “Exposure to nicotine can have lasting effects on adolescents brain development” (http://www.cdc.gov/tips). Long lasting effects of smoking among teenagers are developing addiction, lung disease and cardiovascular damage as adults. Because of these health risks, it is critical that smoking among teenagers be addressed now.
The public-school districts need to determine which of the three different approaches, the fact approach, the scare approach, or the attitude approach is most effective at helping to curb smoking among teenagers enrolled in public schools.
Motorcycle Accidents in Michigan: Problem Statement 2
According to data from the Michigan State Police, “166 people died in motorcycle accidents during 2021” (https://www.michiganautolaw.com). However, this is nothing new, as this deadly trend of numerous persons dying from motorcycle accidents in Michigan began three decades ago. Also, statistics show that 47 persons who died in 2021, were between ages 25-34. Forty-five (45) were male and two (2) were female. Further, 34 persons who died in 2021, were between ages 35-44; thirty-one were male and three (3) were female. In the 45-64 age group most who died were males. According to the most recent data from the Michigan State Police alcohol was a factor in the deaths of 30% of the 166 persons who died. It seems that immaturity whether by age or by inability to recognize the danger of drinking and driving is an important factor. Accident involvement and emotional maturity of male motorcycle operators in Michigan seems to be the issue.
Anxiety and Cesarean Delivery: Problem Statement 3
“Reports of different studies show that 73% to 86% of women undergoing cesarean delivery experience preoperative anxiety (Fentie, Yetneberk, & Gelaw, 2022). Common symptoms of anxiety include worrying, restlessness, irritability, difficulty falling asleep and so on. Untreated anxiety may negatively affect both the mother and the fetus leading to preterm birth, smaller brain size, low birth weight and other problems. Although there are anti-anxiety medications, that is not an option during pregnancy as the medications can adversely affect the fetus. Health education techniques should be used to reduce anxiety in pregnant women who face undergoing a cesarean section.
Test your problem statement by asking the following questions:
1. How will my study advance the field of interest?
2. Is it timely?
3. Is the problem worth solving now?
4. Is the statement precise and concise?
5. Does it specify a minimum of two (2) variables and a potential relationship between them?
6. Is the intention of the study crystal clear?
7. Are the dimensions of the statement logical and sequential?
8. Is the direction of the analysis explicit?
The heartbeat of a research proposal is the problem statement.
A strong problem statement is one supported by a thorough review of relevant study results and literature related to the study. Only by exploring the literature can we know what we need to find out or what the problem is.
Ask yourself, why is this study important?
Your problem statement must identify the undesirable gap in current knowledge and/or practice that exists, that must be addressed through your study.
The problem statement is often one paragraph.
It tells why your study matters to society.
It tells of the issue that gives rise to the study.
Problem Statement 1: Teenage Smoking
Smoking among teenagers presents serious health hazards. “Exposure to nicotine can have lasting effects on adolescents brain development” (http://www.cdc.gov/tips). Long lasting effects of smoking among teenagers are developing addiction, lung disease and cardiovascular damage as adults. Because of these health risks, it is critical that smoking among teenagers be addressed now.
The public-school districts need to determine which of the three different approaches, the fact approach, the scare approach, or the attitude approach is most effective at helping to curb smoking among teenagers enrolled in public schools.
Motorcycle Accidents in Michigan: Problem Statement 2
According to data from the Michigan State Police, “166 people died in motorcycle accidents during 2021” (https://www.michiganautolaw.com). However, this is nothing new, as this deadly trend of numerous persons dying from motorcycle accidents in Michigan began three decades ago. Also, statistics show that 47 persons who died in 2021, were between ages 25-34. Forty-five (45) were male and two (2) were female. Further, 34 persons who died in 2021, were between ages 35-44; thirty-one were male and three (3) were female. In the 45-64 age group most who died were males. According to the most recent data from the Michigan State Police alcohol was a factor in the deaths of 30% of the 166 persons who died. It seems that immaturity whether by age or by inability to recognize the danger of drinking and driving is an important factor. Accident involvement and emotional maturity of male motorcycle operators in Michigan seems to be the issue.
Anxiety and Cesarean Delivery: Problem Statement 3
“Reports of different studies show that 73% to 86% of women undergoing cesarean delivery experience preoperative anxiety (Fentie, Yetneberk, & Gelaw, 2022). Common symptoms of anxiety include worrying, restlessness, irritability, difficulty falling asleep and so on. Untreated anxiety may negatively affect both the mother and the fetus leading to preterm birth, smaller brain size, low birth weight and other problems. Although there are anti-anxiety medications, that is not an option during pregnancy as the medications can adversely affect the fetus. Health education techniques should be used to reduce anxiety in pregnant women who face undergoing a cesarean section.
Test your problem statement by asking the following questions:
1. How will my study advance the field of interest?
2. Is it timely?
3. Is the problem worth solving now?
4. Is the statement precise and concise?
5. Does it specify a minimum of two (2) variables and a potential relationship between them?
6. Is the intention of the study crystal clear?
7. Are the dimensions of the statement logical and sequential?
8. Is the direction of the analysis explicit?
