How to write a PhD thesis problem statement

What is a problem statement?

The term “research” refers to a systematic investigation procedure used to add to or update existing knowledge through the discovery of new facts. It may be classified into two broad categories: (1) fundamental research, which is focused on expanding scientific knowledge, and (2) applied research, which is focused on using basic research to solve problems or develop new processes, products, or procedures.

The first and most critical stage in doing any research work is defining and defining the research problem: that is, what the researcher intends to solve and what questions he or she wishes to answer. A research problem may be characterized as an area of concern, a knowledge gap, or a divergence from the norm or standard that indicates the need for more understanding and inquiry. While many issues have many solutions (the means to close the gap or correct the deviation), challenges emerge when the methods to close the gap or correct the deviation are either not evident or not immediately available. This therefore needs more study in order to arrive at a feasible answer.

A thesis research problem statement is a short paragraph that defines the scope of the research. It should include the problem, relevant issue, and how it can be solved. The thesis research problem statement should be able to answer some of these questions:

-What is the current situation?
-What are some of the problems with the current situation?
-How can I solve this problem?

When do you need a problem statement?

There are several instances where you may be required to create a problem statement. Writing a problem statement is a critical stage in business and other organizations’ improvement efforts. It is critical to have a well-defined and well-understood problem in order to identify and implement successful solutions. Typically, the problem statement is a self-contained document in this situation.

Writing a problem statement might assist you in contextualizing and comprehending the relevance of your research topic in academic research. A problem statement might be many pages lengthy and serve as the foundation for your research proposal, or it can be reduced into a few words for your paper or thesis’s introduction. The problem statement will vary based on whether you are addressing a practical real-world issue or a theoretical scientific one. However, all issue statements are created in a same manner.

Why is the problem statement important?

The issue statement should also highlight the research’s relevance: why is it critical to tackle the problem?

This does not need you to accomplish anything revolutionary or world-changing. It is more critical that the challenge be researchable, practical, and directly address a pertinent issue in your profession.

Define your research objectives

Finally, the problem statement should define your approach to resolving the issue. Your objective should not be to discover a definite answer, but to ascertain the underlying causes of the problem and to offer more effective strategies for resolving or comprehending it. The objective is the overarching goal of your research. Typically, it is written in an infinitive manner like “This work aims to investigate or explore or propose or develop”.

Conclusion

Once you’ve created your issue statement, you may begin writing the remainder of your paper. From this point on, you’ll be detailing your methods, presenting the findings of your study, and reporting your conclusions, all of which will be founded in a solid issue statement that established the thesis’s purpose from the start.