Writing the statement of the problem/research questions

In this lesson, we focus on developing a clear and focused statement of the problem, along with precise research questions. These elements define the purpose and direction of a study, guiding the research process from start to finish. By learning to craft effective problem statements and questions, you will be able to lay a solid foundation for your research and ensure it remains focused and relevant to its objectives.

All research projects should start with a clear problem statement. A problem statement is a formulation of an issue which is usually a ‘gap’ within your area. A research gap is an unanswered question, an issue, controversy, or untested hypothesis that has not yet been addressed (American Journal Experts, 2022).

A statement of the problem is used in research work as a claim that outlines the problem addressed by a study. The statement of the problem briefly addresses the question: ‘What is the problem that the research will address?’ (Bwisa, 2018). This essential section of the report provides a structured framework for implementing methods that facilitate the measurement of key variables. More operational in scope than the problem itself, the study’s objective delineates specific research questions to be addressed, hypotheses to be tested, and systematic procedures to be undertaken.

A good research problem should have the following characteristics:

• It should address a gap in knowledge.
• It should be significant enough to contribute to the existing body of research.
• It should lead to further research.
• The problem should render itself to investigation through collection of data.
• It should be of interest to the researcher and suit his/her skills, time, and resources.
• The approach towards solving the problem should be ethical.

The research aim is the overall purpose of your research. It is generally written in the infinitive form:

• The aim of this study is to determine…
• This project aims to explore…
• This research aims to investigate…

1. Step 1: Describe a goal or desired state of a given situation, phenomenon, etc. This will build the ideal situation (what should be, what is expected, desired).
2. Step 2: Describe a condition that prevents the goal, state, or value discussed in step 1 from being achieved or realized at the present time. This will build the reality, the situation as it is and establish a gap between what ought to be and what is.
3. Step 3: Connect steps 1 and 2 using a term such as “but”, “however”, “unfortunately,” or “in spite of”.
4. Step 4: Use specific details showing how the situation in step 2 contains little promise of improvement unless something is done. Emphasize the benefits of research by projecting the consequences of possible solutions as well.

• The first stage in crafting a research problem statement is developing meaningful questions. These should be engaging to readers across disciplines while remaining grounded within your field of study.
• Thus, once a research problem has been established, several questions can be written down. These questions should specify exactly what needs to be determined to address the problem.
• The questions should be specific enough to be addressed using suitable research methods or resources that can be acquired if necessary.
• The questions should require detailed investigation, analysis, and reasoning, avoiding simple answers based on established facts or yes/no responses.
• All research questions should be focused, specific, appropriately complex, and relevant to the overall aims of the project.