thesis statement of the problem

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How to Write a Statement of a Problem in Research with Steps

Published by Grace Graffin at August 11th, 2021 , Revised On October 3, 2023

Research is a systematic investigation to find new techniques, products or processes to solve problems. Apart from being systematic, research is empirical in nature: it’s based on observations and measurement of those observations.

It’s what comes before the development. Impacts and policies that are born in society are borne out of the research.

The most important step to perform any research is to identify a problem that needs to be solved. Therefore, it is necessary to define a research problem before starting the actual research process. Once a research problem has been identified, the next step is to write a problem statement.

Philosopher Kaoru Ishikawa said: “You will have a problem half-solved by defining it correctly on the first day.”

This quote perfectly reflects the importance of a problem statement in research. Before writing a problem statement, it is essential to pinpoint a specific problem, the difficulties you can expect to face as you try to solve it and the research gaps you aim to fill with your research.

The last part—how your research aims to fill a gap in the existing literature—will act as a springboard to the solution(s) that policy makers, for instance, might eventually take to solve that problem.

Filling a gap, therefore, is very important towards solving an existing problem.

What is a Problem Statement?

A problem statement is a clear and concise description of an issue or challenge that needs to be addressed. It typically outlines the existing gap between the current state (what currently is) and the desired state (what should be). Crafting a well-defined problem statement is critical for problem-solving, research, or project planning, as it serves as a guidepost and sets the direction for the subsequent steps.

Research Problem and Research Method – A Cyclical Process

The type of research strategy used in research determines whether you will be analysing theoretical problems to add value to existing knowledge, discussing practical issues to become an agent of change for an organisation or industry or looking at both aspects in relation to any given problem.

However, the kind of problem you aim to tackle with your research, to begin with, will also help you narrow down which research design , method or strategy to opt for.

This is therefore a cyclical process. Your research aim guides your research design can help you focus on a specific kind of research gap/problem.

However, generally, your research will focus on one or the other.

Here is all you need to know about how to write a statement of the problem in research, also called problem statement by some research writers .

Why do you Need a Statement of the Problem, to Begin with?

You need a statement of the problem to transform a generalised problem into a well-defined, brief, targeted statement to perform research in the decision-making process. The problem statement helps the researcher to identify the purpose of the ongoing research.

The problem statement in the dissertation is the pillar of the introduction chapter through which the reader can understand the research questions and scope of the project. If you do not define the problem statement properly, the results might become unmanageable.

Writing Problem Statement for a Business or Organisation

In the business world, problem statements provide the basis for the enhancement and refinement of projects. Without identifying and understanding the problem, it will be hard to find and effectively implement solutions.

A stand-alone document that solely provides an in-depth and detailed problem statement is usually the answer for organisations and businesses when it becomes imperative to find the solution to a problem.

Writing Problem Statement for Academic Research

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Problem Statement – How to Write it

Ask yourself the following questions before writing the problem statement:

• What is wrong in the research area/subarea XYZ?
• Where did it happen?
• When did it happen?
• To what extent (how much)?
• I know that because…(evidence)

‘What’ always defines the defect of the problem at hand and explains why it matters? ‘Where’ defines the geological location of the problem. ‘When’ defines the history and the pattern of the problem, the goal of the stated problem and the scope of research.

‘How much’ defines the trend of the problem as to how many objects are facing the same defect and to what extent. The last part, ‘I know this because…’, will help the researcher identify the standard(s) that he must meet.

Step 1: Understanding the Problem

The problem statement should provide a clear and concise background to the research problem you are investigating. Before starting your research , review the literature about the specific problem and find a gap to fill with your own research.

Practical Research Problem Statement

If you are doing experimental research , you can identify problems by talking to people working in a relevant field, studying research reports, and reviewing previous research. Here are some examples of practical research problems:

• A problem that hinders the efficiency of a company
• An institutional process that needs interventions
• An area of concern in your field/sub-field of interest
• Members of a society facing a specific difficulty

The problem statement should focus on the details related to the problem, such as:

• When and where was the problem observed?
• Who is/are affected by it?
• What research has been conducted and what practical steps have been taken to resolve the problem?

Example of Practical Research Problem Statement

The production of a company is low for the months of July and August every year. Initial research has been conducted by the company, which revealed poor production in July and August is due to the unavailability of local raw material.

The company has made some effective attempts at engaging the local suppliers to ensure an uninterrupted supply of the raw material, but these efforts are yet to have any significant impact on the production levels.

Theoretical Research Problem Statement

According to USC Libraries, “A theoretical framework consists of concepts and, together with their definitions and reference to relevant scholarly literature, existing theory that is used for your particular study…theoretical framework must demonstrate an understanding of theories and concepts…relevant to the topic of your research paper and that relate to the broader areas of knowledge being considered.”

The theoretical research indirectly contributes to the change by identifying the problem, expanding knowledge and improving understanding. The researcher can find a specific problem by brainstorming the topic and reviewing already published theories and research.

When writing a problem statement based on a theoretical research problem , it is important to recognise the historical, geographical, social and scientific background. Here are the elements of the theoretical problem statement framework that you should consider:

• What are the facts about the problem?
• Does the problem relate to a certain geographical area or time period?
• How is the problem discussed and explained in the existing literature?

Example of Theoretical Research Problem Statement

The production of a company is low for July and August every year. Initial research has been conducted by the company, which revealed poor production in July and August is due to the unavailability of local raw material. The company has made some effective attempts to engage the local suppliers to ensure an uninterrupted raw material supply. Still, these efforts are yet to have any significant impact on the production levels.

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Step 2 – Show why it’s Important and Relevant

By discussing the importance of the problem under investigation, you are demonstrating the relevance of your research. However, this does not mean that you will end up discovering something unimaginable or extraordinary.

The objective here is to clearly state how and why your research problem is relevant in your chosen area of study and why it requires further research.

As indicated previously, practical research deals with a problem affecting society, social group, firm or organisation on a broader scale. To elaborate on why it is important to solve this problem and why your research is significant, you could consider the following questions:

• What will be the consequences if the problem remains unsolved?
• Who do these consequences have the most implications for?
• What is the wider relevance of the problem being investigated?

Low production in July and August negatively affects the company’s marketing capital, thereby becoming an area of deep concern for the directors and stakeholders. The marketing budget cut in July and August is hindering its ability to promote its products uninterruptedly.

Addressing this problem will have practical benefits for the company and help establish the reasons for disruption in raw material supply.

The relevance of all theoretical issues may not be too obvious, even though most theoretical problems do have practical implications. Here are some questions for you to ponder to establish the importance of your research problem:

• Will your research help to advance understanding of the topic under investigation?
• Are there any benefits of you resolving the problem for other researchers who wish to explore this topic further in the future?
• What are the direct or indirect implications (s) of the problem you are trying to solving?

The new forms of employment such as freelance, contract-based work and zero-hour work arrangements are recognised as either a manipulative last option or a flexible active choice. It is necessary to conduct comprehensive qualitative research to uncover why fresh graduates take up these types of employment in the gig economy. There is a need to advance more vigorous concepts relating to instability and flexibility in modern forms of employment from employees’ perspectives, which will also help shape future policies.

Also see: How to Write the Abstract for Dissertation

Step 3 – Declaring the Problem

Before you jump on to state your research’s problem statements, it’s important to devote a sentence or two to let your readers know the precise, narrowed-down research problem you will be discussing about.

For language clarity purposes, here are some strong opening statements to achieve this step:

• Recently, there has been growing interest in …
• The possibility of…has generated wide interest in …
• The development of…is a classic problem in…
• The development of…has led to the hope that …
• The…has become a favourite topic for analysis …
• Knowledge of…has great importance for …
• The study of…has become an important aspect of …
• A central issue in…is…
• The…has been extensively studied in recent years.
• Many investigators have recently turned to …
• The relationship between…has been investigated by many researchers.
• Many recent studies have found out…

Step 4 – Establishing Aim and Objectives

The last step in writing a problem statement is to provide a framework for solving the problem. This will help you, the researcher, stay focused on your research aims and not stray; it will also help you readers keep in mind the reason as to why you conducted this study, to begin with.

A good problem statement does not provide the exact solution to any problem. Rather, it focuses more on how to effectively understand or tackle a problem by establishing the possible causes.

The aim of a research study is its end goal or overall purpose. Following are some examples of how you can craft your research aim statements:

• This research study aims to investigate…
• This paper is aimed at exploring…
• This research aims to identify…

On the other hand, objectives are the smaller steps that a researcher must take to address the aim of the research. Once you have laid out the research problem your research will deal with, it’s important to next mention the how behind that. Objectives are mostly imperative statements, often beginning with transitive verbs like ‘to analyse,’ ‘to investigate,’ etc.

Some more examples are:

• Statistical analysis will be conducted to determine…
• Both quantitative and qualitative research methods will be employed to probe…
• Face-to-face interviews will be carried out with the participants to establish…

Practical Research Aim and Objectives

This project aims to identify the causes of disturbed supply of raw material in the region, which resulted in low production for the company in July and August. This will be achieved by conducting interviews and surveys with the suppliers to understand why the supply is unpredictable in those two months and what can be done to ensure orderliness. Practical experiments will also be conducted to observe the effectiveness of proposed solutions.

Theoretical Research Aim and Objectives

This study aims to understand and unearth the experiences of fresh graduates in the modern economy. The sample population will participate in this study through qualitative research methods, which are expected to provide a deeper insight into the perceptions and motives of these fresh graduates working as freelancers and contract-based employees. The data collected from this exercise and the existing literature on the topic will be analysed in statistical analysis software.

TIP: Search the common themes of the problem statement in your field of research before writing a problem statement.

Also see: Argumentative Essay Writing Service

Problem Statement versus Significance of the Study

Even though both may sound similar, the statement of the problem and the significance of your study are going to be different. The latter does develop upon and from the former, though.

The problem statement tells your readers what’s wrong, whereas the significance of the study will tell them how your research contributed to that problem. You can’t have a significance of a study without mentioning the problem statement first.

Furthermore, signifying your study implies mentioning 4 key points related to it:

• How your study will further develop the theory behind the existing problem
• Practical solutions that might be implemented to solve the problem (especially in field research work)
• Whether your study or research will pave way for innovative methods to solve the existing problem.
• How your study can help in policy making and implementation, impact studies, etc.

Problem statement in research is the description of an existing issue that needs to be addressed. The problem statement is a focal point of any research and a bridge between the  literature review  and the  research methodology .

Problem statement often has three elements; the problem itself, the method of solving the problem, and the purpose. There are five aspects of every problem: What, Where, When, to what extent, and what defects you know about the topic. Here is an  example of a problem statement in a research proposal  for your better understanding.

If you wish to know more about how to start your research process, then you might want to take a look at the “ Starting the Research Process ” section on our website, which has several articles relating to a  research problem , problem statement, research aim and objectives, and  research proposal .

ResearchProspect is a UK-registered business that offers academic support and assistance to students across the globe. Our writers can help you with individual chapters of your dissertation or the full dissertation writing service , no matter how urgent or complex your requirements might be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to write a problem statement.

Yes, the most important step to perform any research is to identify a problem that needs to be solved. Therefore, it is necessary to define a research problem before starting the actual research process .

How is a problem statement different from a problem statement written for an organisation?

In the business world, problem statements provide the basis for the enhancement and refinement of projects. Whereas, in academic research, A problem statement helps researchers understand and realise organised the significance of a research problem .

What is a practical research problem?

Doing experimental research can identify problems by talking to people working in a relevant field, studying research reports, and reviewing previous research. 

What is a theoretical research problem?

A theoretical research problem is when the researcher finds a specific problem by brainstorming and reviewing already published theories and research.

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How to Write a Problem Statement for a Thesis — Master Guide

By: Author Marcel Iseli

Posted on Last updated: April 13, 2023

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Every college graduate has been through the joys and perils of thesis writing, and most, if not all of them, understand that it is a necessary evil.

Writing a research paper entails thinking and writing a problem statement that is crucial in setting the tone and guiding the study along the way.

But, how do we write a strong problem statement for a thesis paper? Are there easy-to-follow strategies that we could use in making this task less tasking?

For contextualization, you might as well treat all the statements I’ve written above as the problem statement for today’s post.

Well, I know that this explanation is a bit too broad and hazy. So, instead, let’s have a more in-depth discussion and cover every nook and cranny of our inquiry. 

How can we write a problem statement for a thesis?

To write a problem statement for a thesis, we must provide the context of the research, followed by the purpose of the study, then the general research procedure that includes the setting and target population, and lastly, the specific research questions that used to address the general problem.

General steps on writing a problem statement for a thesis

Research statistics show that four-year institutions in the USA have a sixty percent (60%) graduation rate which is a pretty decent achievement, generally speaking.

Graduating from college entails being able to undergo technical research, thereby suggesting that roughly more than half of the US college population succeeds in writing their thesis paper.

This also means that being able to successfully write a decent problem statement for a thesis is something that many people can just get over with.

It’s probably a lot easier to talk about thesis writing if and when you have already gone through all the painstaking processes behind it, get a passing mark, and receive a diploma.

Apparently, writing a thesis paper is not the most pleasant task on earth, let alone starting it. In particular, coming up with a problem statement is especially tricky when it is only your first time doing it.

However, you must not easily give up on this task because research work can be counted as professional work experience that you can put in your resume once you start applying for a job.

Also, many people have already gone through the challenges of thesis writing, and more than half of the population continues to do so. So, there’s really no reason for you not to get this down pat.

For a clearer understanding, we’ll start with a few general steps to guide you so you can come up with a reasonable problem statement for your thesis.

Determine your research topic

You can’t start writing a problem statement if you do not have a thesis topic. Hence, the thesis topic is a precursory requirement for writing a problem statement.

A research topic is a broad idea of what, you, as a researcher, are interested in exploring or investigating in, and the research topics may vary depending on your field of discipline.

If you are in the field of behavioral sciences, your research topic can be something related to the effects of online classes among students, or even teachers if you want to.

If you study civil engineering, maybe you can focus on investigating something related to the health hazards brought by structural demolition.

Just make sure that the topic you come up with is not too idealistic that you have to change it along the way if you find out that some things do not work the way you want them to.

In a nutshell, you have to pick a topic that is not only within your scope of interest but also within your intellectual, physical, and financial capacity.

And when you come up with one, make sure to consult with your thesis adviser so you would know how feasible and applicable your research is.

Read a lot of existing, published studies

Once you already have an approved research topic, start reading related studies right away and make sure to look for the most recently published ones.

Reading published studies strengthens the credibility of your research and gives you a good headstart of what to include in your paper.

Of course, it is also worthy to note that there are tons of really good findings from unpublished studies and that you can always include some of them, as long as they are relevant, as your research progresses.

But as of this point, it is advisable that you filter your reading materials to only published ones so as to prevent any unprecedented issues.

Upon reading recently published periodicals, try to list down the most common gaps that you can fill in later on in your own research.

Narrow down your topic

Once you have read tons of related studies, it will be a lot easier to narrow down your topic. You will start feeling this once you have understood the gaps in your research interest.

In narrowing down your topic, you can list down the specific problems that other researchers tried to address, as well as the findings and target population.

From there, you can already start thinking of some specific research problems that you want to focus on, as well as the possible frameworks that you would like to use for analysis.

Do not worry if you have several items on your list at this point because you are still in the phase of gathering relevant information.

This means that you will just be able to eliminate irrelevant data and inquiries as you move further with your study.

Narrowed-down topics include, for instance, the negative effects of online learning on the mental health of high school students in your area.

Another example of a narrowed-down topic is the cost-effective waste management on structural demolition of commercial buildings if you are also a civil engineering student.

Specific steps on writing a problem statement for a thesis

Now that you have a narrowed-down topic, you can already proceed with the specific steps of writing a problem statement for a thesis.

Institutions may require different formatting on how to write a problem statement for a thesis paper, but here are some of the general components that you can use in coming up with your own:

Provide a general context of the research

The introductory statement needs to provide a contextualized overview of the issue that you are trying to address in your research.

Contextualization is important because it enables engages your target readers to acclimatize with the problem that you are trying to explain.

Moreover, contextualization is also important because of the assumption that language is inherently ambiguous, and ambiguous language use does not really bode well in writing academic papers.

When you write your introductory statement, try to view the event in such a way that you are one of your target readers; thus, you have to pre-answer whatever ambiguity your research might entail.

Although you are writing a general statement, you have you be really specific with your lexical use, as well as your sentence structure.

Never, ever, write in casual language, and never write using the first-person point of view . Instead, you have to use third-person subjects and objects in your writing.

For example, you might write the following statement to contextualize your research on the negative effects of online learning on the mental health of high school students:

  Example 2:

Provide the purpose of the research

After contextualizing the problem, you may now proceed with a statement that clearly explains the purpose of the research.

This sentence needs to include the specific matter that you are trying to address.

Hence, this sentence should clearly and directly tell the audience the meat or juice of your study.

You may start with introductory statements like “this study aims to…” or “the purpose of this research is…,” followed by the specific issue or gap that you are attempting to fill.

Make sure that the most necessary details, particularly the research variables, are clearly included in your purpose statement.

Here are two examples of how these statements might be phrased:

Provide the general procedure, research environment, and target population,  of the study

Afterward, you may already proceed with providing details regarding the general procedure of your research, as well as the general research environment and target population.

This part must include verbs like “to measure,” “to compare,” “to contrast,” “to analyze ,” “to identify,” “to assess,” and so on, depending on the method you are planning to implement.

Also, this part should reiterate the variables or concepts being investigated together with the target population and the research environment.

If you are planning to analyze the relationship of demographic components like gender and age, you have to include such details in your problem statement. Otherwise, leave them out.

Here are some examples for your reference:

Example 1: 

Provide the specific research sub-problems

Lastly, you need to write down the specific research problems that your research must answer in relation to the general problem you are presenting. 

Make sure each sub-problem can be answered using specific research methodologies and techniques that have been tested and proven in the past.

You can have at least two to four sub-problems to answer, although this would be dependent on the nature and scope of your research, as well as your school’s guidelines.

Having only one sub-problem may weaken your research, and having too many sub-problems may also make your study more time-consuming, costly, and taxing.

Always consult with your research adviser as to how accurate and workable your sub-problems are.

By this time, you had better start thinking of and looking for strong frameworks that would back up your research.

And by the way, it is always safer to start with having more sub-problems and then eliminate some, as you wish, once you get more in-depth with your research.

In a nutshell, each of your sub-problem is a critical part that enables you to address the holistic issue or main problem that you are presenting in your research paper.

Here are some examples of research sub-problems based on the topics previously introduced:

What to expect after writing the problem statement

Now that you’ve got all the elements of writing the problem statement covered, you also need to know the succeeding steps of the research.

As you may figure, these succeeding steps are mainly dependent on how well-written your problem statement is. 

And, as you can see, this is what makes the statement of the problem section the most crucial step in writing a thesis paper.

After getting your problem statement approved, the next vital step is the research methodology, which is the part that panelists ask the most mind-bending questions during the defense.

Hence, you must not waste time after your adviser approves your problem statement, and you have to start religiously reviewing how other relevant research methodologies are done.

As a student researcher, it is always advisable to compare local and international research papers to be able to see the gap from a bird’s eye view.

So, you really have to expect to be reading more and more scholarly articles from now onwards. That said, patience and time management are key in surviving thesis writing.

By the end of your research, you’ll be surprised how much you would improve both as a student and as an individual because thesis writing teaches practical skills that you can use for life.

Also, do not hesitate to attempt to publish your paper by starting with local publications so that your findings won’t just sleep on the shelves.

Frequently Asked Questions on “Writing a Problem Statement for a Thesis”

What is a problem statement.

The problem statement is the very first element you need to write especially when writing a thesis paper. In general, the problem statement is simply a brief explanation of the issue being addressed by the writer.

What are some of the key elements of a problem statement?

The key elements of a problem statement include the introductory general statement, the objective or purpose of the research, the general research method along with the target population and research environment, and the specific sub-problems.

What does a good problem statement look like?

A well-written problem statement needs to be able to concisely cover the whole issue being addressed by the writer or researcher. Upon seeing the problem statement, the reader should immediately be able to understand the gap the research is trying to fill.

Edward Hodnett once said that a good problem statement must include what is known, unknown, and what is being sought by the researcher or writer.

Bearing this in mind, we can infer that precisely identifying the problem is the most critical step in finding the solution, whatever it is.

Hey fellow Linguaholics! It’s me, Marcel. I am the proud owner of linguaholic.com. Languages have always been my passion and I have studied Linguistics, Computational Linguistics and Sinology at the University of Zurich. It is my utmost pleasure to share with all of you guys what I know about languages and linguistics in general.

Thesis Problem Statement

Ai generator.

Writing a research has always been a tough process that enables a researcher to increase current knowledge and discover new things. One of the most important step in doing your research is to identify your research problem. It refers to what the researcher wants to solve and other areas of concern contained in the research. Although there are a lot of ways to solve a problem, difficulties may still arise.

Have you ever heard of a problem statement ? Perhaps, you do. It is a very essential part of every research that outlines the problem in your study. It answers the question, “what is the problem that your research study addresses?”

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What is a Thesis Problem Statement?

A problem statement is a type of statement that points out a specific problem. It requires action to improve a particular situation. This statement is purely objective which focuses on the problem itself disregarding any subjective views. They are usually answered by questions starting with who, when, what, why and where. Through this, it will be easier to make the problem more comprehensive and solvable.

Why is a Problem Statement Important?

A problem statement is considered as a communication tool that businesses and other entities develop something for the purpose of improvement. It also helps in defining a problem and its corresponding solution. They provide information that is essential in the decision-making process for a particular project or business activity.

How to Write a Problem Statement?

There are a few elements that you need to have in mind. We might not know that this will be capable of providing a positive impact to the outcome.

You must be able to describe how things would work – provide a particular context that will help you understand the problem better. You may start doing so by describing or letting your readers know how to make things work. This refers to the process that functions effectively.

You should be able to explain the problem – the statement of the problem shows what the problem is, why it is being referred to as a problem, and why it is important to solve the problem. You may also try to consider the attempts you made to fix the problem.

You should be able to provide an explanation regarding the financial cost – money is considered as the language of every business. It is said that it would be easy to frame a problem and look for a solution if it has something to do with the financial cost.

You should be able to back up your claims – you must prepare a supporting claim with evidence every time you encounter costing problems. The best advise would be do some research, provide a text reference of the one you have researched and present a data.

You should be able to propose a solution to the problem – you should see first the cause of the problem before you start looking for a solution. Propose approaches that are considered as practical. Make sure that it is understandable. Do not forget to state the objectives of your research and provide plans that are already organized.

You should be able to explain the benefits of the solution you provided – present why the solution will work. Focus on its efficiency and the impact. This should fit into a single paragraph.

You should be able to provide a conclusion that summarizes the problem and its solution – this part should consist of the problem itself, the reason why it has to be fixed, and the summary as to why your solution is the best.

What are the key characteristics of a statement of the problem?

A good problem statement should be able to lead to further research, contribute to the existing research and should render itself for investigation by means of collecting data.

When can you say that it is an effective problem statement?

Effective problem statements would describe the issue precisely, show its relevance and set objectives based on your research.

When should you write a problem statement?

It is when you felt the need to outline the negative issues that arise regarding a current situation. After that, you provide an explanation as to why it matters.

Every problem statement will look entirely different. It varies on what research you are dealing with. It may be a real situation or a scientific issue. These problem statements may have several paragraphs long, but it is always important that the researcher should be able to keep the focus of stating the main problem and its solution alone.

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The Research Problem & Statement

I f you’re new to academic research, you’re bound to encounter the concept of a “ research problem ” or “ problem statement ” fairly early in your learning journey. Having a good research problem is essential, as it provides a foundation for developing high-quality research, from relatively small research papers to a full-length PhD dissertations and theses.

In this post, we’ll unpack what a research problem is and how it’s related to a problem statement . We’ll also share some examples and provide a step-by-step process you can follow to identify and evaluate study-worthy research problems for your own project.

Overview: Research Problem 101

What is a research problem.

• What is a problem statement?

Where do research problems come from?

• How to find a suitable research problem
• Key takeaways

A research problem is, at the simplest level, the core issue that a study will try to solve or (at least) examine. In other words, it’s an explicit declaration about the problem that your dissertation, thesis or research paper will address. More technically, it identifies the research gap that the study will attempt to fill (more on that later).

Let’s look at an example to make the research problem a little more tangible.

To justify a hypothetical study, you might argue that there’s currently a lack of research regarding the challenges experienced by first-generation college students when writing their dissertations [ PROBLEM ] . As a result, these students struggle to successfully complete their dissertations, leading to higher-than-average dropout rates [ CONSEQUENCE ]. Therefore, your study will aim to address this lack of research – i.e., this research problem [ SOLUTION ].

A research problem can be theoretical in nature, focusing on an area of academic research that is lacking in some way. Alternatively, a research problem can be more applied in nature, focused on finding a practical solution to an established problem within an industry or an organisation. In other words, theoretical research problems are motivated by the desire to grow the overall body of knowledge , while applied research problems are motivated by the need to find practical solutions to current real-world problems (such as the one in the example above).

As you can probably see, the research problem acts as the driving force behind any study , as it directly shapes the research aims, objectives and research questions , as well as the research approach. Therefore, it’s really important to develop a very clearly articulated research problem before you even start your research proposal . A vague research problem will lead to unfocused, potentially conflicting research aims, objectives and research questions .

What is a research problem statement?

As the name suggests, a problem statement (within a research context, at least) is an explicit statement that clearly and concisely articulates the specific research problem your study will address. While your research problem can span over multiple paragraphs, your problem statement should be brief , ideally no longer than one paragraph . Importantly, it must clearly state what the problem is (whether theoretical or practical in nature) and how the study will address it.

Here’s an example of a statement of the problem in a research context:

Rural communities across Ghana lack access to clean water, leading to high rates of waterborne illnesses and infant mortality. Despite this, there is little research investigating the effectiveness of community-led water supply projects within the Ghanaian context. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effectiveness of such projects in improving access to clean water and reducing rates of waterborne illnesses in these communities.

As you can see, this problem statement clearly and concisely identifies the issue that needs to be addressed (i.e., a lack of research regarding the effectiveness of community-led water supply projects) and the research question that the study aims to answer (i.e., are community-led water supply projects effective in reducing waterborne illnesses?), all within one short paragraph.

Need a helping hand?

Wherever there is a lack of well-established and agreed-upon academic literature , there is an opportunity for research problems to arise, since there is a paucity of (credible) knowledge. In other words, research problems are derived from research gaps . These gaps can arise from various sources, including the emergence of new frontiers or new contexts, as well as disagreements within the existing research.

Let’s look at each of these scenarios:

New frontiers – new technologies, discoveries or breakthroughs can open up entirely new frontiers where there is very little existing research, thereby creating fresh research gaps. For example, as generative AI technology became accessible to the general public in 2023, the full implications and knock-on effects of this were (or perhaps, still are) largely unknown and therefore present multiple avenues for researchers to explore.

New contexts – very often, existing research tends to be concentrated on specific contexts and geographies. Therefore, even within well-studied fields, there is often a lack of research within niche contexts. For example, just because a study finds certain results within a western context doesn’t mean that it would necessarily find the same within an eastern context. If there’s reason to believe that results may vary across these geographies, a potential research gap emerges.

Disagreements – within many areas of existing research, there are (quite naturally) conflicting views between researchers, where each side presents strong points that pull in opposing directions. In such cases, it’s still somewhat uncertain as to which viewpoint (if any) is more accurate. As a result, there is room for further research in an attempt to “settle” the debate.

Of course, many other potential scenarios can give rise to research gaps, and consequently, research problems, but these common ones are a useful starting point. If you’re interested in research gaps, you can learn more here .

How to find a research problem

Given that research problems flow from research gaps , finding a strong research problem for your research project means that you’ll need to first identify a clear research gap. Below, we’ll present a four-step process to help you find and evaluate potential research problems.

If you’ve read our other articles about finding a research topic , you’ll find the process below very familiar as the research problem is the foundation of any study . In other words, finding a research problem is much the same as finding a research topic.

Step 1 – Identify your area of interest

Naturally, the starting point is to first identify a general area of interest . Chances are you already have something in mind, but if not, have a look at past dissertations and theses within your institution to get some inspiration. These present a goldmine of information as they’ll not only give you ideas for your own research, but they’ll also help you see exactly what the norms and expectations are for these types of projects.

At this stage, you don’t need to get super specific. The objective is simply to identify a couple of potential research areas that interest you. For example, if you’re undertaking research as part of a business degree, you may be interested in social media marketing strategies for small businesses, leadership strategies for multinational companies, etc.

Depending on the type of project you’re undertaking, there may also be restrictions or requirements regarding what topic areas you’re allowed to investigate, what type of methodology you can utilise, etc. So, be sure to first familiarise yourself with your institution’s specific requirements and keep these front of mind as you explore potential research ideas.

Step 2 – Review the literature and develop a shortlist

Once you’ve decided on an area that interests you, it’s time to sink your teeth into the literature . In other words, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the existing research regarding your interest area. Google Scholar is a good starting point for this, as you can simply enter a few keywords and quickly get a feel for what’s out there. Keep an eye out for recent literature reviews and systematic review-type journal articles, as these will provide a good overview of the current state of research.

At this stage, you don’t need to read every journal article from start to finish . A good strategy is to pay attention to the abstract, intro and conclusion , as together these provide a snapshot of the key takeaways. As you work your way through the literature, keep an eye out for what’s missing – in other words, what questions does the current research not answer adequately (or at all)? Importantly, pay attention to the section titled “ further research is needed ”, typically found towards the very end of each journal article. This section will specifically outline potential research gaps that you can explore, based on the current state of knowledge (provided the article you’re looking at is recent).

Take the time to engage with the literature and develop a big-picture understanding of the current state of knowledge. Reviewing the literature takes time and is an iterative process , but it’s an essential part of the research process, so don’t cut corners at this stage.

As you work through the review process, take note of any potential research gaps that are of interest to you. From there, develop a shortlist of potential research gaps (and resultant research problems) – ideally 3 – 5 options that interest you.

Step 3 – Evaluate your potential options

Once you’ve developed your shortlist, you’ll need to evaluate your options to identify a winner. There are many potential evaluation criteria that you can use, but we’ll outline three common ones here: value, practicality and personal appeal.

Value – a good research problem needs to create value when successfully addressed. Ask yourself:

• Who will this study benefit (e.g., practitioners, researchers, academia)?
• How will it benefit them specifically?
• How much will it benefit them?

Practicality – a good research problem needs to be manageable in light of your resources. Ask yourself:

• What data will I need access to?
• What knowledge and skills will I need to undertake the analysis?
• What equipment or software will I need to process and/or analyse the data?
• How much time will I need?
• What costs might I incur?

Personal appeal – a research project is a commitment, so the research problem that you choose needs to be genuinely attractive and interesting to you. Ask yourself:

• How appealing is the prospect of solving this research problem (on a scale of 1 – 10)?
• Why, specifically, is it attractive (or unattractive) to me?
• Does the research align with my longer-term goals (e.g., career goals, educational path, etc)?

Depending on how many potential options you have, you may want to consider creating a spreadsheet where you numerically rate each of the options in terms of these criteria. Remember to also include any criteria specified by your institution . From there, tally up the numbers and pick a winner.

Step 4 – Craft your problem statement

Once you’ve selected your research problem, the final step is to craft a problem statement. Remember, your problem statement needs to be a concise outline of what the core issue is and how your study will address it. Aim to fit this within one paragraph – don’t waffle on. Have a look at the problem statement example we mentioned earlier if you need some inspiration.

Key Takeaways

We’ve covered a lot of ground. Let’s do a quick recap of the key takeaways:

• A research problem is an explanation of the issue that your study will try to solve. This explanation needs to highlight the problem , the consequence and the solution or response.
• A problem statement is a clear and concise summary of the research problem , typically contained within one paragraph.
• Research problems emerge from research gaps , which themselves can emerge from multiple potential sources, including new frontiers, new contexts or disagreements within the existing literature.
• To find a research problem, you need to first identify your area of interest , then review the literature and develop a shortlist, after which you’ll evaluate your options, select a winner and craft a problem statement .

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• Chapter 1: Home
• Narrowing Your Topic

Problem Statement Overview

How to write a problem statement.

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Jump to DSE Guide

The dissertation problem needs to be very focused because everything else from the dissertation research logically flows from the problem. You may say that the problem statement is the very core of a dissertation research study. If the problem is too big or too vague, it will be difficult to scope out a purpose that is manageable for one person, given the time available to execute and finish the dissertation research study.

Through your research, your aim is to obtain information that helps address a problem so it can be resolved. Note that the researcher does not actually solve the problem themselves by conducting research but provides new knowledge that can be used toward a resolution. Typically, the problem is solved (or partially solved) by practitioners in the field, using input from researchers.

Given the above, the problem statement should do three things :

• Specify and describe the problem (with appropriate citations)
• Explain the consequences of NOT solving the problem
• Explain the knowledge needed to solve the problem (i.e., what is currently unknown about the problem and its resolution – also referred to as a gap )

What is a problem?

The world is full of problems! Not all problems make good dissertation research problems, however, because they are either too big, complex, or risky for doctorate candidates to solve. A proper research problem can be defined as a specific, evidence-based, real-life issue faced by certain people or organizations that have significant negative implications to the involved parties.

Example of a proper, specific, evidence-based, real-life dissertation research problem:

“Only 6% of CEOs in Fortune 500 companies are women” (Center for Leadership Studies, 2019).

Specific refers to the scope of the problem, which should be sufficiently manageable and focused to address with dissertation research. For example, the problem “terrorism kills thousands of people each year” is probably not specific enough in terms of who gets killed by which terrorists, to work for a doctorate candidate; or “Social media use among call-center employees may be problematic because it could reduce productivity,” which contains speculations about the magnitude of the problem and the possible negative effects.

Evidence-based here means that the problem is well-documented by recent research findings and/or statistics from credible sources. Anecdotal evidence does not qualify in this regard. Quantitative evidence is generally preferred over qualitative ditto when establishing a problem because quantitative evidence (from a credible source) usually reflects generalizable facts, whereas qualitative evidence in the form of research conclusions tend to only apply to the study sample and may not be generalizable to a larger population. Example of a problem that isn’t evidence-based: “Based on the researcher’s experience, the problem is that people don’t accept female leaders;” which is an opinion-based statement based on personal (anecdotal) experience.

Real-life means that a problem exists regardless of whether research is conducted or not. This means that “lack of knowledge” or “lack of research” cannot be used as the problem for a dissertation study because it’s an academic issue or a gap; and not a real-life problem experienced by people or organizations.  Example of a problem that doesn’t exist in real life: “There is not enough research on the reasons why people distrust minority healthcare workers.” This type of statement also reveals the assumption that people actually do mistrust minority healthcare workers; something that needs to be supported by actual, credible evidence to potentially work as an underlying research problem.

What are consequences?

Consequences are negative implications experienced by a group of people or organizations, as a result of the problem. The negative effects should be of a certain magnitude to warrant research. For example, if fewer than 1% of the stakeholders experience a negative consequence of a problem and that consequence only constitutes a minor inconvenience, research is probably not warranted. Negative consequences that can be measured weigh stronger than those that cannot be put on some kind of scale.

In the example above, a significant negative consequence is that women face much larger barriers than men when attempting to get promoted to executive jobs; or are 94% less likely than men to get to that level in Corporate America.

What is a gap?

To establish a complete basis for a dissertation research study, the problem has to be accompanied by a gap . A gap is missing knowledge or insights about a particular issue that contributes to the persistence of the problem. We use gaps to “situate” new research in the existing literature by adding to the knowledge base in the business research field, in a specific manner (determined by the purpose of the research). Identifying gaps requires you to review the literature in a thorough fashion, to establish a complete understanding of what is known and what isn’t known about a certain problem.  In the example from above about the underrepresentation of female CEOs, a gap may be that male-dominated boards have not been studied extensively in terms of their CEO hiring decisions, which might then warrant a study of such boards, to uncover implicit biases and discriminatory practices against female candidates.

How to Write a Problem Statement

• Here is one way to construct a problem section (keep in mind you have a 250-300 word limit, but you can write first and edit later):

It is helpful to begin the problem statement with a sentence :  “The problem to be addressed through this study is… ”  Then, fill out the rest of the paragraph with elaboration of that specific problem, making sure to “document” it, as NU reviewers will look for research-based evidence that it is indeed a problem (emphasis also on timeliness of the problem, supported by citations within the last 5 years).

Next, write a paragraph explaining the consequences of NOT solving the problem. Who will be affected? How will they be affected? How important is it to fix the problem? Again, NU reviewers will want to see research-based citations and statistics that indicate the negative implications are significant.

In the final paragraph, you will explain what information (research) is needed in order to fix the problem. This paragraph shows that the problem is worthy of doctoral-level research. What isn’t known about the problem? Ie, what is the gap? Presumably, if your problem and purpose are aligned, your research will try to close or minimize this gap by investigating the problem. Have other researchers investigated the issue? What has their research left unanswered?

• Another way to tackle the Statement of the Problem:

The Statement of the Problem section is a very clear, concise identification of the problem. It must stay within the template guidelines of 250-300 words but more importantly, must contain four elements as outlined below. A dissertation worthy problem should be able to address all of the following points:

-->identification of the problem itself--what is "going wrong" (Ellis & Levy, 2008)

-->who is affected by the problem

-->the consequences that will result from a continuation of the problem

-->a brief discussion of 1) at least 3 authors’ research related to the problem; and 2)   their stated suggestion/recommendation for further research related to the problem

Use the following to work on the Statement of the Problem by first outlining the section as follows:

1. One clear, concise statement that tells the reader what is not working, what is “going wrong”. Be specific and support it with current studies.

2. Tell who is affected by the problem identified in #1. 

3. Briefly tell what will happen if the problem isn’t addressed.

4. Find at least 3 current studies and write a sentence or two for each study that

i. briefly discusses the author(s)’ work, what they studied, and

ii. state their recommendation for further research about the problem

• Finally, you can follow this simple 3-part outline when writing the statement of the problem section:

Your problem statement is a short (250-300 words), 3 paragraph section, in which you

• Explain context and state problem (“the problem is XYZ”), supported by statistics and/or recent research findings
• Explain the negative consequences of the problem to stakeholders, supported by statistics and/or recent research findings
• Explain the gap in the literature.

Example of a problem statement that follows the 3-part outline (295 words):

The problem to be addressed by this study is the decline of employee well-being for followers of novice mid-level managers and the corresponding rise in employee turnover faced by business leaders across the financial services industry (Oh et al., 2014).  Low levels of employee well-being are toxic for morale and result in expensive turnover costs, dysfunctional work environments, anemic corporate cultures, and poor customer service (Compdata, 2018; Oh et al., 2014).  According to Ufer (2017), the financial services industry suffers from one of the highest turnover rates among millennial-aged employees in all industries in the developed world, at 18.6% annually.  Starkman (2015) reported that 50% of those surveyed in financial services were not satisfied with a single one of the four key workplace aspects: job, firm, pay or career path. 

Low levels of employee well-being interrupt a financial services’ company’s ability to deliver outstanding customer service in a world increasingly dependent on that commodity (Wladawsky-Berger, 2018).Mid-level managers play an essential role in support of the success of many of top businesses today (Anicich & Hirsh, 2017). 

The current body of literature does not adequately address the well-being issue in the financial services industry from the follower’s perspective (Uhl-Bien, Riggio, Lowe, & Carsten, 2014). Strategic direction flows top-down from senior executives and passes through mid-level leadership to individual contributors at more junior grades.  The mid-level managers’ teams are tasked with the achievement of core tasks and the managers themselves are expected to maintain the workforce’s morale, motivation and welfare (Anicich & Hirsh, 2017).  Unless industry leaders better understand the phenomenon of employee well-being from the follower perspective and its role in positioning employees to provide a premium client experience, they may be handicapped from preserving their most significant principal market differentiator: customer service (Wladawsky-Berger, 2018). 

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How to Write a Problem Statement in Research with Examples

What is a Research Problem Statement?

A research problem statement is a concise statement describing the problem or issue addressed by the research study. The research problem should be composed in a way that both experts and non-experts in the field can understand.

Every research paper describes the investigation of a problem: by adding knowledge to the existing literature, revisiting known observations, or finding concrete solutions. What contribution your publication makes to your field or the scientific community at large depends on whether your research is “basic” (i.e., mainly interested in providing further knowledge that researchers can later apply to specific problems) or “applied” (i.e., developing new techniques, processes, and products).

In any case, a research proposal or research paper must clearly identify and describe the “problem” that is being investigated, so that the reader understands where the research comes from, why the study is relevant, if the applied methods are appropriate, and if the presented results are valid and answer the stated questions. This is known as the “statement of the problem.”

Table of Contents:

• What is a Research Problem?

How to Write a Problem Statement in a Research Paper

• Statement of the Problem Example 
• Where Does the Problem Statement Go in Your Paper?

Consider Using Professional Editing Services

Understanding how to write a research problem.

Your research problem defines the gap in existing knowledge you want to address (e.g., global warming causes), an issue with a certain process (e.g., voter registration) or practices (e.g., patient treatment) that is known and well documented and needs a solution, or some surprising phenomena or earlier findings that point to the need for further investigation. Your approach can be theoretical or practical, and the specific type of problem you choose to address depends on the type of research you want to do. 

In any case, your paper should not repeat what other studies have already said. It also should not ask a question that is too broad in scope to be answered within your study, nor should it be so vague that your reader cannot grasp your motivation or focus. To avoid such problems, you need to clearly define your research question, put it into context, and emphasize its significance for your field of research, the wider research community, or even the general public.

When including your statement of the research problem, several key factors must be considered in order to make a statement that is clear, concise, relevant, and convincing to readers. Think about the following elements not as “steps” to writing your problem statement, but as necessary conditions on which your statement can be firmly grounded and stand out.

Provide context for your study

Putting your research problem in context means providing the reader with the background information they need to understand why you want to study or solve this particular problem and why it is relevant. If there have been earlier attempts at solving the problem or solutions that are available but seem imperfect and need improvement, include that information here.

If you are doing applied research, this part of the problem statement (or “research statement”) should tell the reader where a certain problem arises and who is affected by it. In basic or theoretical research, you make a review of relevant literature on the topic that forms the basis for the current work and tells the reader where your study fits in and what gap in existing knowledge you are addressing.

Establish the relevance of this research

The problem statement also needs to clearly state why the current research matters, or why future work matters if you are writing a research proposal. Ask yourself (and tell your readers) what will happen if the problem continues and who will feel the consequences the most. If the solution you search for or propose in your study has wider relevance outside the context of the subjects you have studied, then this also needs to be included here. In basic research, the advancement of knowledge does not always have clear practical consequences—but you should clearly explain to the reader how the insights your study offers fit into the bigger picture, and what potential future research they could inspire.

Define specific aims and Objectives

Now that the reader knows the context of your research and why it matters, briefly introduce the design and the methods you used or are planning to use. While describing these, you should also formulate your precise aims more clearly, and thereby bring every element in your paper together so that the reader can judge for themselves if they (a) understand the rationale behind your study and (b) are convinced by your approach.

This last part could maybe be considered the actual “statement of the problem” of your study, but you need to prepare the reader by providing all the necessary details before you state it explicitly. If the background literature you cite is too broad and the problem you introduced earlier seems a bit vague, then the reader will have trouble understanding how you came up with the specific experiments you suddenly describe here. Make sure your readers can follow the logical structure of your presentation and that no important details are left out.   

Research Problem Statement Example

The following is a sample statement of the problem for a practical research study on the challenges of online learning. Note that your statement might be much longer (especially the context section where you need to explain the background of the study) and that you will need to provide sources for all the claims you make and the earlier literature you cite. You will also not include the headers “context”, “relevance” and “aims and objectives” but simply present these parts as different paragraphs. But if your problem statement follows this structure, you should have no problem convincing the reader of the significance of your work.

Providing context: Since the beginning of the Covid pandemic, most educational institutions around the world have transitioned to a fully online study model, at least during peak times of infections and social distancing measures. This transition has not been easy and even two years into the pandemic, problems with online teaching and studying persist (reference needed) . While the increasing gap between those with access to technology and equipment and those without access has been determined to be one of the main challenges (reference needed) , others claim that online learning offers more opportunities for many students by breaking down barriers of location and distance (reference needed) .  

Establishing relevance: Since teachers and students cannot wait for circumstances to go back to normal, the measures that schools and universities have implemented during the last two years, their advantages and disadvantages, and the impact of those measures on students’ progress, satisfaction, and well-being need to be understood so that improvements can be made and demographics that have been left behind can receive the support they need as soon as possible.

Defining aims and objectives: To identify what changes in the learning environment were considered the most challenging and how those changes relate to a variety of student outcome measures, we conducted surveys and interviews among teachers and students at ten institutions of higher education in four different major cities, two in the US (New York and Chicago), one in South Korea (Seoul), and one in the UK (London). Responses were analyzed with a focus on different student demographics and how they might have been affected differently by the current situation.

Where Does the Problem Statement Go in Your Paper? 

If you write a statement of the problem for a research proposal, then you could include it as a separate section at the very beginning of the main text (unless you are given a specific different structure or different headings, however, then you will have to adapt to that). If your problem statement is part of a research paper manuscript for publication in an academic journal, then it more or less constitutes your introduction section , with the context/background being the literature review that you need to provide here.

If you write the introduction section after the other parts of your paper, then make sure that the specific research question and approach you describe here are in line with the information provided in the research paper abstract , and that all questions you raise here are answered at the end of the discussion section —as always, consistency is key. Knowing where to put the research question can depend on several important contextual factors.

Receive instant editing with Wordvice AI, our automated AI Grammar Checker . Then hand over your manuscript or paper to a professional English editing service for paper editing , thesis editing , or other academic editing services .

And if you need advice on how to write the other parts of your research paper , on how to make a research paper outline if you are struggling with putting everything you did together, or on how to come up with a good research question in case you are not even sure where to start, then head over to the Wordvice academic resources website where we have a lot more articles and videos for you.

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How To Write A Problem Statement for a Thesis

• peachyessay
• October 26, 2022
• Academic Guide , Blogs , General

One of the most crucial parts of your dissertation is the Problem Statement. Your research is significant because it provides a solution to a pressing issue. The dilemma inspires your mission statement. So, the problem statement is the central focus of your dissertation.

Luckily, it also has some relatively specific standards, and if you follow these, you’ll nail your problem statement and write a solid dissertation proposal . This article discusses how to write a problem statement for a thesis.

What is a Problem Statement for a Thesis Paper?

An issue’s history and scope of impact are summarized in a thesis’s problem statement. You can also use this section to explain why you’re conducting this study.

Don’t mistake a statement of the problem for a thesis or research topic. All three are connected, yet none of them are identical. Every one of them is essential to completing a paper in various ways.

Whether it’s a theoretical question that can deepen our grasp of a subject or a practical one you wish to investigate, every research article will focus on a particular research challenge. Your issue of study and your thesis’s goals will determine the path your research travels.

To focus your paper’s study, you should formulate a research topic. Your research problem is the focus of one or more research questions.

The solution to your research question is your thesis statement. It’s the result of all your hard work and investigation and will form the basis of your thesis statement.

Putting your research problem into words, such as how you intend to get your research question to your thesis statement, is what a problem statement does.

The terms “problem statement,” “thesis statement,” and “research question” may all be used interchangeably by some manuals of style. However, we’ll stick with the explanations mentioned above for the time being.

How to Write a Strong Problem Statement

It is encouraging to see that the national graduation rate for four-year colleges and universities in the United States is 60%, according to the research.

Provide evidence for your statements

If you say the issue is costing the business money, be ready to back it up with data. If you skip this procedure, people may not take you seriously. Get the facts straight, include appropriate citations, and be prepared to convey them.

Provide a possible answer

Your recommended solution(s) should be detailed in the problem statement. You won’t be fixated on finding a single answer at this point, but you should understand what’s causing the issue and be ready to suggest concrete ways to fix it. Provide a clear statement of purpose and offer concrete suggestions for addressing the issue.

Find a subject to study

If you don’t already have a thesis issue in mind, you won’t be able to begin drafting your problem statement. As a result, the thesis topic is necessary before a problem statement can be crafted. Research subjects are the general areas of study that a researcher is interested in delving into, and these might differ from one academic discipline to the next. Research in the field of behavioural sciences could focus on the impact of online education on either students or teachers.

Identify the monetary impact of your issue

You should include the potential negative consequences of inaction when presenting the problem to decision-makers. Since monetary words are the common vernacular in the business world, it’s most convenient to discuss the issue and potential solutions in terms of dollar signs. Make sure you describe it clearly and precisely in a language they understand, significantly if the problem is actively costing unneeded money, hindering the company from producing more money, or harming its public image (indirectly costing money). Calculate as precisely as possible how much money will be needed to fix the issue.

Learn from the many previously conducted research

To get ahead, you must start reading relevant studies as soon as possible after your topic has been accepted. Your research’s credibility will be bolstered, and you’ll get a head start writing your report if you read relevant published studies.

Keep in mind that as your investigation develops, you may need to incorporate some previously unpublished results if they prove helpful. At this time, however, it is recommended that you restrict your reading to only published works to avoid any unanticipated problems.

If you read newly published publications, note the most glaring informational omissions so that you can fill them in with your investigation.

Describe the benefits of your proposed solution(s)

You’ve just stated a perfect world where the issue doesn’t exist. You have identified the issue, described the costs of doing nothing about it (backed by numbers), and suggested some practical methods for addressing the problem. This is an excellent opportunity to show that your solution is viable by highlighting its potential benefits in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Discuss the costs that will be avoided, the money made available, and the intangible benefits, like higher customer satisfaction resulting from implementing your solution. All of it can be explained in one brief paragraph.

Justify your proposed method of operation

It will be helpful to set the scene, so the problem is better grasped. Begin by outlining the steps that will make this procedure successful. Keep the end-user in mind when you provide a succinct description of how the process would work if the current problem didn’t exist. So, for instance, assume you’ve thought of a way to optimize resource utilization by increasing the effectiveness of a particular procedure. You may start by outlining a hypothetical scenario in which the system operates more effectively before settling on a specific plan, provided that you keep the five Ws and one H at all times: who, what, when, and where.

Focus on something specific

It will be much simpler to zero down on a specific topic after you have studied a large number of relevant papers. Once you’ve figured out where your research is lacking, you’ll start to feel it. When refining your focus, it can be helpful to list the problems that have already been investigated, along with the related results and the people who were intended as subjects.

In doing so, you might consider the research problems you’d like to solve and the analytic frameworks you might employ. It’s okay if you still have a long to-do list at this time; you’re just in the research phase now. You can simply disregard unnecessary information and questions as you progress through your research.

The detrimental impacts of online learning on the mental health of high school pupils in your area are one example of a topic that has been narrowed down for narration. If you’re a civil engineering student, you may focus on how to dispose of commercial construction debris in the most cost-effective way possible.

Clarify the issue and stress its significance

It is crucial that the problem statement not only describes the nature of the issue at hand but also explain why it is so pressing that it needs to be fixed immediately. In most circumstances, this will also neatly enclose the other ‘W’ queries. To wit: Why do we need to resolve this issue? It impacts the productivity of divisions X, Y, and Z, leading to resource waste and increased consumer costs. The problem, who it affects, and why it needs fixing are covered here. If applicable, include previous efforts to resolve the issue and why they were unsuccessful. Justify your position on the subject while keeping your explanation as brief as feasible.

What Qualities Does a Good Problem Statement Have?

A well-crafted problem statement expresses the study’s fundamental aim in clear, concise, and unambiguous language. A good problem statement has the following qualities:

• A practical problem statement is specific and to the point. No nebulousness or ambiguity of concept is captured.
• It helps put the research problem into perspective.
• With the help of a well-crafted issue statement, you may determine what you hope to achieve through your systematic study.
• It gives credence to your study and emphasizes its importance.
• The researcher should avoid using jargon or technical terms in their statements as this will confuse non-specialist readers or listeners and make them lose interest in reading further on the topic being researched or listening further to what is being said about the subject matter being researched.”
• The problem statement should be short but detailed enough to understand the topic at hand fully.
• The question being asked must be easily understood by anyone reading it or listening to it being read aloud.
• It’s not too broad or general. A good problem statement is specific, measurable and transparent. It’s realistic and achievable. The problem statement should be limited to what can be accomplished within a reasonable time frame.
• It addresses a current need in your organization that your team’s action plan can address.
• It focuses on something important enough to warrant allocating resources but not so crucial that you get distracted from other issues while trying to solve them.
• It has sufficient data and evidence to support the need for action (i.e., why it is important).

A Problem Statement’s Components and Organization

A problem statement has three (3) components at its most fundamental level, and they are as follows:

• This is the research issue
• The argument put forward, or thesis in progress
• Importance of the Research

It explains the problem you’re facing, your approach to tackling it, and the motivation behind your efforts.

The Research Question

Because of this particular research issue, you have decided to do an exhaustive study. It’s the void in the market that you found in your research and intended to fill. This can also be viewed as the overarching inquiry driving the study. Some questions to make at this juncture are as follows:

• Is the problem statement easy to understand?
• Ask yourself: do I get the core issue being raised?
• Do I know the central problem?

The Argument or Provisional Thesis

Your working thesis is your initial argument and should reflect your current thinking on the topic. A “working” thesis can be revised as more information becomes available during your research. Justify your stance in your working thesis by offering primary and secondary claims that support your position.

Why This Research Is Important

You should now explain to your audience why your study is essential and what they can expect to learn from it. The results and significance of your work can be discussed here. Make sure to stress how your work adds to and advances previous research and how others might benefit from it.

Problem statements: When to Use Them

To describe and comprehend an issue and generate potential solutions, problem statements are essential. The information provided by these statements can also aid decisions about these initiatives or procedures. For this situation, a problem statement is appropriate:

To shed light on predetermined results

The problem statement specifies the issue, the approach to fix it, and the desired result. Defining the parameters of the ideal outcome is an excellent way to get a feel for the project’s scope as a whole. This statement elucidates the problem, its proposed solution, and the solution’s intended outcomes.

In the role of a blueprint for construction

Once work has begun, the problem statement can be used as a map. It’s utilized repeatedly to keep everyone on the same page and moving forward with the project. This statement is revisited as the project nears completion to ensure the proposed solution has been implemented as planned and addresses the underlying issue. This can help ensure that suitable measures are taken to avoid a recurrence of the situation.

Bottom Line

Making a problem statement is a critical task that every student must perform. Why? Because this document is the basis of your entire thesis work. Your thesis’s other sections and chapters will be centred around this particular paper. Thus, students should not look at this process as an unnecessary activity. Instead, it is essential to take it seriously and devote enough time to it so you can come up with high-quality content. If you manage to write a catchy problem statement, your writing skills will become much better than they are now. This step is vital for succeeding in a thesis topic as simple as it sounds.

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How to write a problem statement for a thesis

One of the principal tasks and challenges of your dissertation’s opening is formulating a problem statement. But h ow to write a problem statement for a thesis? What is part of it? And which are the essential key features? A clearly defined research question is crucial to help your reader understand the significance of your investigation.

This post provides a manual, teaching how to make your audience understand the fundamental question of every research: “ Why does it matter?”, ensuring that yours contains all key components and follows on a logical red thread.

Getting to the core: How to write problem statement for a thesis

Before we get detailed into the question of how to write a problem statement for a dissertation, it is crucial to approach the story’s core and explain the meaning and significance of the problem statement briefly. Completing an essential function within your academic thesis, a well-written problem statement helps you illustrate your research’s contribution, leaving no doubt on its significance (even to showcase your thesis for future employment).

As your dissertation deals with a particular topic, your problem statement:

• Addresses the research question
• Presents in a condensed form, what the topic involves
• Illustrated precisely, what it deals with
• Clears the specific gaps/problems that the author draws attention to
• Specifies, the plans to solve the research question
• Presents the writer’s final thoughts and opinions on the matter

It may seem to be a lot of stuff, but in a nutshell, your problem statement doesn´t need to be longer than a few paragraphs .

When you learned about the best way how to make problem statement in thesis, you will get aware of its multiple functions: It can serve as a foundation for your research proposal , later it can enter your first part (introduction), and at the same time, it will be your anchor in case you are about to lose your focus!

It is precisely the section of your dissertation that clarifies the issue that will be solved by the author, addressing in a short form what it means and what it involves (you can take it as a more elaborated version of the title ).

How to write a problem statement for a thesis: Examples of different types

At this point, I would like to make you aware, that solving the question of how to write a problem statement for a thesis also need to involve some words on types and examples.

As there are different types – mainly the theoretical and the practical approach, take the following questions as a guide to find out how to write a problem statement in thesis, which is of practical or theoretical nature.

To deve lop a practical one (real-world problem) , ask about concrete details of the situation:

• Where/when does the problem arise?
• Who does the problem affect?
• How was the problem tried to be solved?

If you prefer the theoretical scientific issue, remember that their relevance can be less noticeable (as the clear consequences are reduced compared to the practical one). To identify why the problem matters, ask:

• How will resolve the problem advance understanding of the topic?
• What benefits will it have for future research?
• Does the problem have direct or indirect consequences for society?

Challenges and solutions of how to a write problem statement for a thesis

If you want to learn, how to write a problem statement for a thesis, it is essential to be aware of the related challenges! Independent of writing a thesis/dissertation of a paper/essay, a solid and effective problem statement has to be formulated concretely and concisely. Once you have identified a remaining gap of research and a relevant research question, your next challenge will be to figure out the problem solution for your research.

• Caution: Problem statements are often mistaken for the introduction!

Even if both are very similar in several issues, there are subtle features and differences to keep in mind.

• Note: The problem statement is a more technical and formal interpretation than the introduction.

So – how to write your thesis problem statement? To write a good one, your challenge will be to:

• Contextualize the problem (what do we already know?)
• Explain the issue precisely (what do we need to know?)
• Highlight your research problems relevance (why do we need to know that)
• Describe the objectives (what will you do to find out?)

Key features and components of your problem statement at one glance

Before getting over to a detailed manual, that takes you by the hand and shows you how to write a problem statement for a thesis step by step, let me provide you with a list of key elements which can be understood as joined features between the different definitions of the term problem statement after Hernon and Schwartz (2007):

•   Be clear, precise, and specific when explaining, what will be studied
•   Leave no doubt on the overarching question and its key features
•   Identify (briefly) the crucial key concepts and terms
•   Draw your study’s boundaries, highlight its contribution and benefits
•   Avoid unnecessary jargon or slang

Let’s get ahead and face the challenge!

How to write a problem statement for a thesis: A detailed manual to craft the task

After knowing the types and essential key features when discussing how to write a dissertation problem statement, let me finish with a resume with characteristics and additional considerations to perfect yours.

First, your problem statement should frame your research problem by presenting it in its specific context . This background information on what is already known is essential because it clarifies why it matters.

In addition, the problem statement contains some of your dissertation´s most vital components, such as:

•   Your title: Introducing your title is necessary to cover in the problem statement
•   Your hypothesis: The opinion you seek to prove through the thesis paper must be explicitly mentioned.

Naturally, the statement should include a brief explication of how you conducted the research work, presenting the applied scientific method (Note: A few lines on this matter are enough here).

Note: The development of all problem statements follows a similar process, even if every problem statement will look different depending on whether you’re dealing with a practical or theoretical one (so that you can apply the steps on advice on how to write statement of problem in thesis to every problem statement).

Last but not least, keep in mind, that brevity and conciseness are key. This section should never exceed a page and a half without risking prejudice on the quality of your dissertation.

About the author:

Possibly you already heard of me through different media channels. My name is Dr. Friederike Jurth, and I hold a certificate from Harvard in Higher Education Teaching . Since 2010, I have given lectures on Methodology, Empirical Research, Anthropology, and Transcultural (Music) Studies in collaboration with universities in the United States, Germany, Spain, and Brazil . In 2010, I began a 7-year-long fieldwork project in Rio de Janeiro and have since presented my research at conferences worldwide, including in Japan, the United States, Australia, Brazil, Thailand, Switzerland, and many other countries. Additionally, I have worked as a lecturer and researcher with Germany’s renowned UNESCO Chair .

After completing my doctoral dissertation with summa cum laude , I aimed to unite, condense, and share the steps, ways, and details of my unique methodological and structural approach that I developed during my Ph.D. and that ultimately helped me achieve this result. By concentrating and putting them together into an elaborate academic conception, MyThesis Academy was born. Motivated by the sole aim and objective to help my students through all steps and stages of their thesis journey, MyThesis Academy enables them to achieve their best possible results in the shortest time, independent of their specific area of research.

In addition to my extensive teaching and research experience, I am part of the authors of the Cambridge Companion to Music in Brazil 2024, published by Cambridge University Press & Assessment , where I contribute as a Cambridge Author. This work is a co-operative project conducted remotely from Cambridge, England, United Kingdom.

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Home » Problem Statement – Writing Guide, Examples and Types

Problem Statement – Writing Guide, Examples and Types

Table of Contents

A problem statement is a concise description of the issue or challenge that a research project or initiative aims to address. It defines the problem in clear terms and establishes its significance, providing a foundation for developing objectives, methodologies, and potential solutions. Writing a well-defined problem statement is crucial for setting the direction of research and ensuring its relevance.

This article explores the definition, types, and examples of problem statements, along with a step-by-step guide to writing an effective one.

Problem Statement

A problem statement identifies the gap between the current situation and the desired outcome, highlighting why the problem matters. It is typically included in research proposals, project plans, or academic theses, guiding the scope and purpose of the study.

For example: In a study on online education, the problem statement might be:

“Despite the growing popularity of online education, student engagement and retention rates remain significantly lower compared to traditional classroom settings.”

Importance of a Problem Statement

• Focuses the Research: Clearly defines the issue to be investigated.
• Highlights Significance: Demonstrates why the problem is important to address.
• Aligns Objectives: Ensures the research goals are connected to real-world challenges.
• Guides Methodology: Shapes the design and approach of the study.
• Supports Decision-Making: Helps stakeholders understand the context and urgency of the issue.

Types of Problem Statements

1. academic problem statements.

• Purpose: Used in research papers or theses to identify gaps in knowledge or unresolved issues.
• “While many studies have explored the psychological effects of social media on teenagers, limited research exists on its impact on their critical thinking skills.”

2. Business Problem Statements

• Purpose: Defines operational, financial, or strategic issues within an organization.
• “The company has experienced a 25% decline in customer retention over the past year due to outdated customer engagement strategies.”

3. Social or Policy Problem Statements

• Purpose: Focuses on societal challenges, policies, or public issues.
• “The lack of affordable housing in urban areas has resulted in increased homelessness and economic inequality.”

4. Technical Problem Statements

• Purpose: Identifies challenges related to technological development or implementation.
• “The current software application fails to handle large-scale data processing efficiently, leading to delays in analysis.”

Elements of a Problem Statement

• Example: “Remote work has become the norm for many businesses in the post-pandemic era.”
• Example: “However, teams often struggle to maintain effective communication and collaboration in virtual settings.”
• Example: “This can lead to reduced productivity, lower employee satisfaction, and missed deadlines.”
• Example: “Implementing better communication tools and strategies can enhance team dynamics and improve performance.”

Steps to Write a Problem Statement

1. identify the problem.

• Pinpoint the issue or gap that requires attention.
• Use specific data or observations to support the claim.
• Example: “Customer complaints about delayed deliveries have increased by 40% in the past six months.”

2. Understand the Context

• Gather background information to provide context.
• Example: “The delays are primarily caused by inefficiencies in the warehouse inventory system.”

3. Define the Impact

• Highlight how the problem affects stakeholders, such as individuals, organizations, or communities.
• Example: “This has resulted in decreased customer satisfaction and a potential loss of market share.”

4. Propose the Ideal Solution

• Describe what the situation would look like if the problem were resolved.
• Example: “Upgrading the inventory management software can streamline operations and ensure timely deliveries.”

5. Keep It Concise and Clear

• Avoid jargon and excessive details.
• Aim for 4–5 sentences that succinctly convey the problem and its significance.

Examples of Problem Statements

Academic example.

• Topic: Online Learning and Student Engagement
• Problem Statement: “Despite the rapid adoption of online education, recent studies indicate that 45% of students report difficulty staying engaged during virtual classes. This lack of engagement can negatively affect learning outcomes and overall satisfaction. Identifying effective strategies for improving engagement in online environments is critical to ensuring the success of digital learning platforms.”

Business Example

• Topic: Decline in Sales Revenue
• Problem Statement: “Over the past year, the company’s sales revenue has decreased by 15%, primarily due to outdated marketing strategies and limited digital presence. This decline has affected profitability and market competitiveness. Modernizing the marketing approach and expanding the company’s online visibility can help address this issue.”

Social Example

• Topic: Environmental Pollution
• Problem Statement: “Urban areas are experiencing increased air pollution levels, with particulate matter concentrations exceeding safe limits in 70% of major cities. This poses severe health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. Developing and implementing stricter emission regulations and promoting sustainable practices are essential steps to mitigate this crisis.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ “There are issues with our website.”
• ✅ “The website’s slow loading times lead to a 20% drop in customer retention rates.”
• ❌ “We need to implement AI tools to improve productivity.”
• ✅ “Current manual data entry processes result in errors and inefficiencies, causing delays in project completion.”
• Ignoring the Stakeholders: Highlight how the problem impacts people or organizations.
• Lack of Evidence: Use data, statistics, or observations to support the existence of the problem.

Tips for Writing an Effective Problem Statement

• Use Data: Support your statement with quantitative or qualitative evidence.
• Focus on Relevance: Address a problem that is meaningful to your audience.
• Keep It Objective: Avoid emotional language or personal opinions.
• Review and Revise: Ensure clarity, conciseness, and alignment with the research objectives.

A well-written problem statement is a crucial element of any research or project. It provides clarity, establishes significance, and sets the stage for effective problem-solving. By understanding the types, structure, and examples outlined in this guide, researchers and professionals can craft problem statements that effectively communicate the core issues and their importance.

• Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches . Sage Publications.
• Bryman, A. (2015). Social Research Methods . Oxford University Press.
• Babbie, E. R. (2020). The Practice of Social Research . Cengage Learning.
• Kumar, R. (2019). Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners . Sage Publications.
• Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2019). Research Methods for Business Students . Pearson.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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