How to write a

statement problem
WHAT IS A PROBLEM STATEMENT?

A problem statement is the description of an issue currently

existing which needs to be addressed. It provides the context
for the research study and generates the questions which the
research aims to answer. The statement of the problem is the
focal point of any research. A good problem statement is just
one sentence (with several paragraphs of elaboration). For
example it could be: "The frequency of job layoffs is creating
fear, anxiety, and a loss of productivity in middle management
workers."
WHERE DOES A PROBLEM STATEMENT
ORIGINATE FROM?

(a) A good problem originates from a research question

formulated out of observation of the reality.
(b) A literature review and a study of previous
experiments, and research, are good sources of research
questions that are converted to statements of problem.
Many scientific researchers look at an area where a
previous researcher generated some interesting results,
but never followed up.
(c) It could be an interesting area of research, which
nobody else has fully explored.
WHAT ARE KEY COMPONENTS OF THE STATEMENT PROBLEM? Problem
statements often have three elements:

The problem itself, stated clearly and with enough contextual detail to establish
why it is important
The method of solving the problem, often stated as a claim or a working thesis
The purpose, statement of objective and scope of the project being proposed.
These elements should be brief so that the reader does not get lost. One page is
enough for a statement problem. The statement of the problem should clearly
indicate what is to be investigated.
What is the format for writing a statement of the problem?
A persuasive statement of problem is usually written in three parts:

Part A (The ideal):

Describes a desired goal or ideal situation; explains how things
should be.
According to the XY university mission statement, the university
seeks to provide students with a safe, healthy learning environment.
Dormitories are one important aspect of that learning environment,
since 55% of XY students live in campus dorms and most of these
students spend a significant amount of time working in their dorm
rooms.
Part B (The reality): Describes a condition that prevents the goal, state, or
value in Part A from being achieved or realized at this time; explains how the
current situation falls short of the goal or ideal.

Part A: According to the XY university mission statement, the university seeks to provide
students with a safe, healthy learning environment. Dormitories are one important aspect of
that learning environment, since 55% of XY students live in campus dorms and most of these
students spend a significant amount of time working in their dorm rooms.

Part B: However, students living in dorms A B C, and D currently do not

have air conditioning units, and during the hot seasons, it is common for
room temperatures to exceed 80 degrees F. Many students report that they
are unable to do homework in their dorm rooms. Others report having
problems sleeping because of the humidity and temperature. The rooms are
not only unhealthy, but they inhibit student productivity and academic
achievement.
Part C (The consequences): Identifies the way you propose to improve the
current situation and move it closer to the goal or ideal.
According to the XY university mission statement, the university seeks to provide students with a safe, healthy
learning environment. Dormitories are one important aspect of that learning environment, since 55% of XY
students live in campus dorms and most of these students spend a significant amount of time working in their dorm
rooms.

However, students living in dorms A B C, and D currently do not have air conditioning units, and during the hot
seasons, it is common for room temperatures to exceed 80 degrees F. Many students report that they are unable to
do homework in their dorm rooms. Others report having problems sleeping because of the humidity and
temperature. The rooms are not only unhealthy, but they inhibit student productivity and academic achievement.
Part C: In response to this problem, our study proposes to investigate several
options for making the dorms more hospitable. We plan to carry out an all-
inclusive participatory investigation into options for purchasing air conditioners
(university-funded; student-subsidized) and different types of air conditioning
systems. We will also consider less expensive ways to mitigate some or all of the
problems noted above (such as creating climate-controlled dorm lounges and
equipping them with better study areas and computing space).
IN SUMMARY:

Step 1 (Statement 1): Describe a goal or desired state of a given

situation, phenomenon etc. This will build the ideal situation (what should
be, what is expected or desired)
Step 2 (Statement 2): Describe a condition that prevents the goal, state,
or value discussed in Step 1 from being achieved or realized at the present
time. This will build the reality or the situation as it is and establish a gap
between what ought to be and what is.
Step 3: Connect steps 1 and 2 using a connecting term such as "but,"
"however," “unfortunately,” or “in spite of.”
Step 4 (Statement 3): Using specific details, show how the situation in
step 2 contains little promise of improvement unless something is done.
Then emphasize the benefits of research by projecting the consequences of
possible solutions.
There are, however, frequent and severe
disciplinary actions, absenteeism, as well
as various forms of unrest in public
universities which affect the Without effective motivational
accomplishment of the set missions. Our packages and procedures, the said
preliminary investigation reveals that both vices are likely to continue and
non-management and management staff retard the achievement of the
are under motivated.
universities’ missions.

In order to accomplish their

missions, public Thus, there is a need to examine the
universities need motivated public universities’ motivation
workforces. systems and procedures, which is
the aim of the proposed research.
IMPORTANT NOTES IN WRITING A PROBLEM STATEMENT

 When you set up to write a statement problem you should know that you are looking for
something wrong… or something that needs close attention.

 It is not just your topic, but what you are saying about your topic

 The problem statement should. persuasively indicate that major variables can be measured in
some meaningful way. If you can identify likely objections to the study, identify and respond to
them here. The problem statement could close with a question. Typically, the question could
contain two variables, a measurable relationship, and some indication of population. The
purpose of the literature review that follows thereafter is to answer the research problem question.

EXAMPLE: "What is the relationship

between the students exposure on
social media and their academic
performance?
A bad example: “Problematic teaching of biology”

It is not obvious what is going to be explored: whether the characteristics of

the teacher (age, gender, experience) can affect the use of problematic
teaching; or the procedures of the teacher in problematic teaching. Or how
the students accept this teaching method etc.

A bad example: “Does home reading help to develop a student?”

“Are elementary school teachers creative?”
A quantitative Statement of the Problem
Identity fraud is one of the fastest growing crimes in America (Adams, 2002). In 2003, at least 7 million
Americans were victims of identity fraud, an increase of 79% from 2002 (AFP, 2003) The nation’s system
of personal identification and verification failed to stop the 9/11 terrorists, and according to the 9/11
Investigations report (Strasser, 2004), some of the 19 hijackers of the 9/11 attacks had fraudulent
identification, passports, and other travel documents (Wang, 2004). (Note: GENERAL PROBLEM
SUPPORTED BY LITERATURE) Seven of the 19 hijackers fraudulently obtained and used drivers’
licenses as identification to board commercial aircraft (Driver’s License Fraud, 2003). Drivers licenses can
still be obtained or made fraudulently and are still used as a de facto form of national identification
(Etzioni, 2004). Specific problem with citation The 9/11 Commission Report (9/11 Commission, 2004)
recommended using an NBIC system as a more reliable and secure means of fighting terrorism. One
associated problem of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation is that various civil liberty advocates
oppose the use of a compulsory NBIC, arguing that compulsory use of NBICs may have a potential to
deprive citizens of their civil rights and invade individual privacy (Eaton, 2003). The purpose of this
research study will be to examine the motivational factors necessary for the public to use voluntary
NBICs as a more reliable and secure means of preventing identity fraud. To fulfill this purpose, a
quantitative (TYPE OF STUDY) research study will survey students, faculty, administrative personnel, and
employees of two community colleges in Los Angeles County, California. (GEOGRAPHICAL
LOCATION)
EXAMPLE 1: (A qualitative problem statement)

Brain drain in the Philippines is increasing (GENERAL PROBLEM). Every year about 50
professionals migrate abroad due to unsatisfactory working conditions (SPECIFIC
PROBLEM WITH NUMBERS and supported with a citation). This brain drain is different
from previous shortages, because it involves not only fresh graduates but also seasoned
professionals (quote). This crisis in the professionals’ industry requires innovative
solutions. One innovative solution may be a less structured leadership style, such as
steward leadership (quote). This qualitative case study (DESCRIPTION OF STUDY
TYPE) will explore perceptions of professionals in the Philippines (POPULATION
BEING STUDIED) about steward leadership as a strategy to alleviate or reduce factors
contributing to the brain drain among professionals in REGION 8 (GEOGRAPHICAL
LOCATION OF STUDY) The data to be gathered in this study may provide leaders with
information relating to how they may address or mitigate factors contributing to the
current brain drain.
Areas of Research:

Comm Arts

Readership Of The Uplb Horizon Among Selected Uplb Instructors

Organization
 Communication Network And Participation Of People's Organization In Community-based
Forest Management In Liliw, Laguna
 Communication Strategies Used In Disseminating Environmental Information- The Case Of
Haribon Foundation -
 Profile and Status of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) Practicing Development
Communication in Bayawan City, Oriental Negros
 Extent Of Community Participation In The Whale Shark Ecotourism Project In Donsol,
Sorsogon -



Science
 Status of Science Education
in Selected Public
Elementary Schools in
Batangas
 Science And Technology
Information Searching
Practices Of Public High
School Students In Linga,
Pila, Laguna
Education
 Teaching Science Through The Use Of
Children's Books: The Case Of Sppecc And
Dila Elementary School Sta. Rosa City,
Laguna
 Profile and Needs of Science Teaching in
Region IV-A, Division of Calamba City,
East District
 Non-Science vs. Science-Oriented Private
High Schools- A Comparative Analysis of
the Science Curriculum, Communication
Support, and Student Performance
 Use Of Filipino Language And Interactive
Multimedia In Teaching Science To Grade
Iii Students Of Santa Rosa Elementary
School Central (sresc) Iii, Santa Rosa City,
Laguna, Philippines
Interpersonal

'Almost Friends': Interpersonal Communication Between Students With

Disabilities And Regular Students In A High School Inclusion Class
Communication Behavior and Entrepreneurial Traits of Selected Micro-
Entrepreneurs in Malaybalay City, Philippines

Mass Communication

Influence Of Socio-demographic Characteristics On The Internet Use Of

High School Teachers In Malvar, Batangas
A Content Analysis of Gender Representation in Children's TV
Commercials

A Case Study Of Mass Media As A Source Of Health Knowledge In A

Coastal Village In Victoria, Laguna
Environment

The Effectiveness Of The Information Education (ie) Campaign Of Denr In The

Implementation Of Community Based Forest Management (cbfm) Program

Farmers' Interpretations of Climate Change through Photographs

How to Communicate Climate Change Adaptation to Laguna Farmers- A Survey

on their Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude, Media Habits and Preferences, and
Communication Needs

Level Of Participation Of Guagua Townsfolk In The Municipal Government's

Planning And Decision-making Processes Towards Disaster Risk Management
Health

Readership and Usefulness of the Bird Flu Updates among Selected Members of the Avian
Influenza Inter-agency Task Force of the Bureau of Animal Industry

Storage And Retrieval Of Health Information In A Coastal Community In Victoria, Laguna

POLITICAL SCIENCE

Propaganda in Politics: the Use of Language for effect in electioneering campaign

The effect of social media on Voting Behaviour in Selected Voters: A Case Study
SIMPLE STATEMENT PROBLEM TEMPLATE

This template should help you to draft your first problem statement.

Describe unchanging facts about the topic/problem. For many years, people have debated about ______________________.
Or ____________________ has been controversial because ________________________________. Or
______________________ has dominated discussions of _____________(Status Quo State common but incorrect or
incomplete assumptions) Many people think __________________________________. Or At first glance, it may seem like
______________________________. (Describe something that reveals the status quo assumptions to be incomplete or
inaccurate.) This initial perception fails to take into accounT_______________________________. Or This theory can't
explain __________________________________________________________. Or People have failed to notice, however,
__________________________________________________________.

(Consequences: Show readers why they should care: what bad things will happen if people continue to believe the status quo?
What good things will happen once they stop believing it?)

If we continue to believe _______________, we'll never understand the larger question of

______________________________. Or Unless we change _____________________, we will continue to have trouble with
__________________________________________________________. Or once we understand ___________________, we'll
begin to see the answer to the problem __________________________________________________________. Or By
rethinking our approach to ___________________, we can fix ________________.

(Resolution Provide a better theory/explanation to replace the status quo. State your claim)

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
SAMPLE STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

There is a problem in______________________(e.g.

organization or situation where problem is occurring). Despite
___________________________(efforts to prevent or deter),
_____________________(something undesirable or
unexpected) is occurring (provide evidence). This problem has
negatively affected_____________(victims of the problem)
because_____________________________. A possible cause
of this problem is ___________________________. Perhaps a
study which investigates_________________ by a
___________(paradigm/method) could help resolve the situation.
Writing Good Quantitative Research Questions

Three Basic Research Outcomes

Research Outcome Number 1. Come up with a description.

Example Research Questions

 What is the demographic profile of the teachers in terms of age, gender,
educational attainment, civil status, and number of training attended?
 How much time do teachers devote in preparing their lessons?
 What teaching styles are used by teachers in managing their students?
Research Outcome Number 2. Determine differences between
variables
Example Research Questions
 Non-directional: Is there a significant difference in long quiz score
between students who study early in the morning and students
who study at night?
 Directional: Are the quiz scores of students who study early in the
morning higher than those who study at night?
Research Outcome Number 3. Find out correlations or
relationships between variables.

Example Research Questions

 Is there a significant relationship between teaching style and
long quiz score of students?
 Is there a significant association between the student’s long
quiz score and the teacher’s age, gender, and training
attended?
 Is there a relationship between the long quiz score and the
number of hours devoted by students in studying their lessons?
Causal questions are exactly what they sound like – a question that
tries to compare two or more phenomena and determine (or at least
suggest) a relationship between the two (or more).

Generally the script for a causal question follows this formula:

Does the ________________ (change) in _________________ (independent variable) produce
change (increase, decrease, not affect) the _______________ (a dependent variable)?
Descriptive Questions
Once again, these are pretty much what you would expect them to be:
descriptive research questions ask “how often?”, “how much?”, or “what is
the change over time or in a different situation?” questions.

Generally the script for a descriptive question follows this formula:

How often do ________________ (participants) do ________________ (variable being studied) at
________________ (research site)?
Predictive Questions
Predictive questions are questions that try to predict (no way!) whether
one or more variables can be used to predict an outcome.

Generally the script for a predictive question follows this formula:

Does ________________ (cause variable) lead to/create _____________ (outcome
variable) in ________________ (setting)?
For example: “Does the color of a person’s hair lead to higher grades in school?”
Research objectives

Express clearly the anticipated achievements of the study

Provide a measure of success for the study; before concluding,
readers will ask, “is this study able to achieve its aim?”
Should be consistent with research problems (two levels)
Should be clearly and logically expressed in the Introduction
Specific Objectives should contribute to the achievement of the
General Objective
Expressed in declarative form; follows the principle of SMART
 Research objectives

Verbs often used in ROs:

 To investigate (a
 To discuss (an idea) range of concepts) Other words used
in ROs:
 To examine (a proposal)  To propose (a  Find out
 Determine
 To analyze (some data) possible explanation)  Identify
 Enumerate/ List
 To synthesize (several  To systematize (some  Explain
ideas)  Describe
initial data)  Surface
 To explore (an issue)
 To test (a hypothesis)
 To reflect on (a theoretical
model)