AguilarT PSY 7103-4

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Depict Problem Statements Handout Tanya Aguilar Assignment 4 Research Methods – PSY 7103 Northcentral University May 2023

What a problem statement IS and what it is NOT A problem statement is a concise and clear description of an issue or challenge that needs to be addressed. It defines the gap between the current state (the problem) and the desired state (the solution) (Miles, 2019). It serves as a foundation for problem-solving, research, and decision- making processes. A problem statement should possess the following characteristics: 1. Clear and focused: It should be specific, unambiguous, and understandable to all stakeholders. It should avoid vague or broad statements that lack clarity. 2. Measurable and verifiable: The problem statement should be framed in a way that allows progress and success to be measured objectively. This enables evaluation and assessment of the solution's effectiveness. 3. Relevant and significant: The problem statement should highlight an issue that is important and impactful. It should address a genuine problem that has consequences or implications for individuals, organizations, or society. 4. Feasible: The problem statement should be realistic and attainable within the available resources and constraints. It should be practical enough to be solved or mitigated effectively. 5. Contextualized: It should provide sufficient context and background information to help stakeholders understand the problem's scope, origins, and potential causes. (Azad et al, 2021 and Miles, 2019) On the other hand, a problem statement is not: 1. A solution: It should focus solely on describing the problem rather than proposing a solution. Solutions come later in the problem-solving process. 2. Too general or too specific: It should strike a balance between being too broad and being overly detailed. A problem statement that is too general lacks focus, while one that is too specific may limit potential solutions. 3. Biased or opinionated: A problem statement should be objective and avoid personal biases or opinions. It should be based on evidence and facts. (Azad et al., 2021 and Pecher et al., 2020) Literature research plays a crucial role in formulating a good problem statement. Conducting a comprehensive review of existing literature and research helps in several ways: 1. Identifying gaps: Literature research helps identify existing knowledge, research, and solutions related to the problem. This helps determine the existing gaps in understanding or areas where further research is needed. 2. Defining the problem: It provides a broader context and understanding of the problem, its causes, and its consequences. Literature research helps refine the problem statement by incorporating existing knowledge and findings.

3. Informing solutions: By reviewing previous studies and research, one can learn from successful approaches, frameworks, or models that have been applied to similar problems. This informs the development of potential solutions. 4. Building credibility: Literature research demonstrates that the problem statement is grounded in existing knowledge and research. It adds credibility to the problem statement and the subsequent research or problem-solving process. In summary, a good problem statement is a clear, focused, and measurable description of an issue. It is not a solution and should avoid being too general or too specific. Literature research plays a vital role in shaping the problem statement by providing context, identifying gaps, and informing potential solutions (Miles, 2019). The role of a problem statement in conducting research The problem statement plays a crucial role in conducting research as it sets the direction, scope, and focus of the study. Here are the key roles of a problem statement in the research process: 1. Identifying research objectives: The problem statement helps define the specific objectives and goals of the research. It clarifies what the researcher intends to achieve and guides the overall research process. 2. Providing a research framework: The problem statement establishes a framework for the entire research study. It outlines the boundaries and scope of the investigation, helping the researcher stay focused and avoid unnecessary digressions. 3. Guiding literature review: The problem statement helps shape the literature review by identifying the relevant studies, theories, and existing knowledge related to the problem. It guides the researcher in conducting a comprehensive review of the literature to understand the current state of knowledge and identify research gaps. 4. Formulating research questions or hypotheses: The problem statement lays the foundation for developing specific research questions or hypotheses. It highlights the gaps or issues that need to be addressed, and these become the basis for formulating focused research inquiries. 5. Defining research methodology: The problem statement influences the selection of research methods, tools, and techniques. It helps determine the appropriate research design, data collection methods, and analysis procedures to gather information and derive meaningful conclusions. 6. Justifying the research: The problem statement provides a rationale for conducting the research. It explains why research is necessary and why it is important to address the identified problem. This justification helps convince others about the significance and relevance of the research.

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