A research problem statement is a clear, concise, and specific statement that describes the
issue or problem that the research project addresses. It should be written in a way that is
easily understandable to both experts and non-experts in the field.
To write a research problem statement, you should:
Identify the general area of interest: Start by identifying the general area of research that
interests you.
Define the specific problem: Narrow down the general area of interest to a specific problem
or issue.
Explain the significance of the problem: Provide context for the problem by explaining why it
is important to study and what gap in current knowledge or understanding it fills.
Provide a clear and concise statement: State the problem in a clear and concise manner,
making sure to use language that is easily understood by your intended audience.
Use a scientific and objective tone: The problem statement should be written in a neutral and
objective tone, avoiding any subjective language and personal bias.
An Example of a Research Problem Statement
“The increasing prevalence of obesity in children is a growing public health concern. Despite
the availability of information on healthy eating and physical activity, many children are still
not engaging in healthy lifestyle behaviors. The problem this study addresses is the lack of
understanding of the barriers and facilitators to healthy lifestyle behaviors in children.”
When to Write a Problem Statement in Research?
A research problem statement should be written at the beginning of the research process,
before any data collection or analysis takes place. This is because the statement sets the
foundation for the entire research project by clearly defining the problem that the research is
trying to address.
Writing a problem statement early in the research process helps to guide the research design
and methodology, and ensures that the research is focused on addressing the specific problem
at hand. It also helps to ensure that the research is relevant and addresses a gap in current
knowledge or understanding.
1
In addition, a well-written problem statement effectively communicates the purpose and
significance of the research to potential funders, collaborators, and other stakeholders. It also
generates interest and support for the research project.
It’s also important to note that, during the research process, the statement can be refined or
updated as new information is discovered or as the research progresses. This is normal and
it’s a good idea to revise the statement as needed to ensure that it remains clear and concise
and that it accurately reflects the current focus of the research project.
What Does a Research Problem Statement Include?
A research problem statement typically includes the following elements:
1. The research topic:
The general area of interest or field of study that the research project addresses.
2. The specific problem or issue:
A clear and concise statement of the problem or issue that the research project aims to
address.
3. The significance of the problem:
A discussion of why the problem is important and what gap in current knowledge or
understanding it fills.
4. The research questions:
A set of questions that the research project aims to answer, in order to address the problem or
issue.
5. The research objectives:
A set of specific and measurable objectives that the research project aims to achieve.
6. The scope of the research:
A description of the specific population, setting, or context that the research project will focus
on.
7. The theoretical framework:
A discussion of the theoretical concepts and principles that inform the research project.
2
8. The research design:
A description of the research methodologies that will be used to collect and analyze data in
order to address the research questions and objectives.
It’s important to note that the problem statement is usually brief and concise, typically a few
sentences or a short paragraph. But it should provide enough information to convey the main
idea of the research project.
Important Features of Research Problem Statement
1. Clarity
The problem statement should be clear and easy to understand. Write it in a way that is
accessible to both experts and non-experts in the field.
2. Specificity
The statement should be specific and clearly define the problem or issue that the research
project aims to address. It should be narrow enough to be manageable, but broad enough to
be of interest to others in the field.
3. Significance
The statement should explain why the problem is important and what gap in current
knowledge or understanding it fills. It should provide context for the research project and
help to justify its importance.
4. Relevance
The statement should be relevant to the field of study and address an issue that is currently of
concern to researchers.
5. Research questions
The statement should include a set of research questions that the research project aims to
answer in order to address the problem or issue.
6. Research objectives
3
The statement should include a set of specific and measurable objectives that the research
project aims to achieve.
7. Scope
The statement should define the specific population, setting, or context that the research
project will focus on.
8. Theoretical framework
The statement should provide an overview of the theoretical concepts and principles that
inform the research project.
9. Research design
The statement should provide an overview of the research methodologies. This will be useful
collect and analyze data in order to address the research questions and objectives.
In Conclusion
A problem statement is a critical component of the research project, as it provides a clear and
concise roadmap for the research, and helps to ensure that the research is well-designed and
addresses a significant and relevant issue.
References
Hernon, P., & Metoyer-Duran, C. (1993). Problem statements: An exploratory study of their
function, significance, and form. Library & Information Science Research, 15, 71−92.
Metoyer-Duran, C., & Hernon, P. (1994). Problem statements in research proposals and
published research: A case study of researchers' viewpoints. Library & Information
Science Research, 16, 105−118.
Moffatt, M. (1980, October 4). If peer review is acceptable for evaluating research, why
shouldn't it also be used to evaluate teaching? The Chronicle of Higher Education, 36,
B1−B2
