the problem statement is the heart of a doctoral dissertation, theses, or indeed any research paper. These slides were done for a presentation I doctoralnet limited online April 20, 2014. You can find more interactive components and tools on our website @ HT TP://doctoralnet.com

1. We will start in just a moment
How to write your problem
statement: An exercise
www.doctoralnet.com

2. Interactive
session

3. Steps
1. Write down what you
consider the problem
to be in one sentence.
2. List three significant
pieces of literature
that backup the fact
that this situation is
indeed a problem.
3. Write another
sentence that
answers the question,
“I know this is a
problem because…”

4. Let’s test some out

5. Writing

6. Exercise
This situation in/within ____ (societal organization/institution/
policy, etc.) has created a problem_____ (describe it in a
few words). In ____(name the context of your study), this
problem plays
out and creates this situation ____(be specific and give data to
quantify the issue). While it is being
addressed in this manner ____(describe current activities),
however, there is need for this study
to ____(discuss purpose of study generally). This problem
impacts _____ (name population)
because _____ (describe impact). Literature discusses the
following as being likely to impact the issue ____(describe
variables and cite references). This study contributes to
the body of knowledge needed to address this problem
by answering the following questions ____(the research
questions)
Pages 69,70 NOTE: Literature often comes first – so play
with the order until you like how it reads
Go HERE to use our Automation© Tool to help

7. Criteria/Checklist
Note: Because of the brevity required in a problem statement, all of the
following are given only one to two sentences.
A smooth introduction that synthesizes past research
A clear explanation of the local problem, which can be addressed
through this research
Evidence or data on which that problem is founded
A clear explanation of the goals of the research; these may be stated
as purpose and focus for the study
The literature of the field making it evident that your study either
builds upon or has the potential to derive new understanding in the
field
A clear explanation of the theoretical foundation is included
Research questions or hypotheses around which the study revolves
Objectives for the study or contributions to your field
Potentially a statement for the implications for positive social
change
Page 71

8. Discussion
Was this helpful for you?
What questions still
remain?

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