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How to Write a Problem Statement for a Dissertation
Writing a problem statement for a dissertation is an essential step in the research process. It sets the stage for your study and helps you identify the research gap that your dissertation aims to fill. A well-written problem statement is concise, clear, and focused, providing a solid foundation for your research. In this article, we will guide you through the process of writing an effective problem statement for your dissertation.
What is a problem statement?
A problem statement is a concise description of the issue or problem that your research aims to address. It highlights the gap in knowledge or understanding within a particular field and identifies the need for further investigation. The problem statement sets the context for your research and helps you articulate the significance of your study.
How to write a problem statement?
1. Identify the research gap: Before writing your problem statement, you need to identify the gap in knowledge or understanding within your chosen field. This can be done by conducting a thorough literature review and identifying areas that have not been adequately addressed.
2. Be specific and focused: A problem statement should be specific and focused on a single issue that you want to explore in your research. Avoid vague or broad statements that lack clarity. Instead, narrow down your focus to a specific problem or research question.
3. State the problem clearly: Clearly state the problem that your research aims to address. Use concise and straightforward language to describe the issue or gap in knowledge. Make sure your problem statement is easily understandable and leaves no room for ambiguity.
4. Provide justification: Justify the need for your research by explaining the significance and relevance of the problem. Highlight why it is important to address this particular issue and how it contributes to the existing body of knowledge.
5. Consider the scope of your research: It is important to consider the scope of your research while writing the problem statement. Clearly define the boundaries of your study and specify what is included and excluded in your research.
6. Use objective language: Use objective language while writing your problem statement. Avoid using subjective or biased language that may detract from the objective nature of your research.
7. Review and revise: Once you have written your problem statement, review it to ensure that it accurately captures the essence of your research. Revise as needed to make it more concise and clear.
FAQs
Q: How long should a problem statement be?
A: A problem statement should be concise and to the point. It should typically be around 150-250 words, depending on the complexity of the issue.
Q: Can a problem statement be changed during the research process?
A: Yes, a problem statement can be refined or adjusted as you progress with your research. As you gain more insights and gather more data, you may need to modify your problem statement to align with your findings.
Q: Should I include a hypothesis in my problem statement?
A: A problem statement is different from a hypothesis. While a problem statement describes the issue or gap in knowledge, a hypothesis is a proposed explanation or prediction that you will test in your research. Therefore, it is not necessary to include a hypothesis in your problem statement.
Q: Can I use a problem statement from a previous study?
A: While you can use existing research to inform your problem statement, it is important to ensure that it is specific to the research you are conducting. Simply copying a problem statement from a previous study may not accurately reflect the unique focus of your research.
Q: When should I write my problem statement?
A: It is advisable to write your problem statement after conducting a thorough literature review and gaining a clear understanding of the existing research in your field. This will help you identify the research gap and formulate a problem statement that is relevant and significant.
In conclusion, a well-written problem statement is crucial in setting the stage for your dissertation research. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can craft a concise and focused problem statement that highlights the gap in knowledge and justifies the need for your research. Remember to review and revise your problem statement as needed to ensure its accuracy and clarity.
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