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The Statement of the Problem

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2 views3 pages

The Statement of the Problem

Uploaded by

kielamadeus
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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THE STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

 The first step in any research project is to define the problem that the study will seek to address.
The problem statement explains the rationale for engaging in a research. A problem statement is a
clear concise description of the dilemma or disturbing situation that needs to be addressed by a
researcher for the purposes of providing understanding and direction. It is used to center and
focus the researcher at the beginning, keeps him on track during the effort, and is used to validate
that the effort delivered an outcome that solves the problem statement. In general, the problem
statement should be broad enough to include central concerns, but narrow enough in scope to
serve as a guide to study design.
 Do not confuse a research problem with a research topic. A topic is something to read and obtain
information about, whereas a problem is something to be solved or framed as a question raised
for inquiry, consideration, or solution, or explained as a source of perplexity, distress, or vexation.
A problem statement articulates the problem to be addressed and indicates the need for a study.
 The problem statement will contain a definition of the general need for the study, and the specific
problem that will be addressed. A well-constructed problem statement will convince the reader
that the problem is real and worth having to investigate.

How to present the written statement of the problem for a research:


1. Statement 1 (description of the ideal scenario)- Describe the goals, desired state, or the values that your
audience considers important and that are relevant to the problem. This will build the ideal situation(what
should be, what is expected, desired).
Connect statement 1 and 2 using a term such as “but”, “however”, “Unfortunately, or “in spite of”;
2. Statement 2 (the reality of the situation)- Describe a condition that prevents the goal, state, or value
discussed in Statement 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. Statement 3 (the consequences)- Using specific details, show how the situation in statement 2 contains
little promise of improvement unless something is done.
4. Research (proposed research to investigate the possibility of making the reality more like the ideal)-
Here, emphasize the benefits of research by projecting the consequences of possible solutions aswell.
Example:
Statement of the Problem:
1. Statement 1
In order to provide excellent patients, care at a minimal cost, Sta. Ana Hospital needs diagnostic
procedures that are safe, efficient, and accurate. In addition, the procedures should not be overly painful
for the patient.
2. Statement 2
Right now, Sta. Ana Hospital’s main diagnostic tools CAT scans and myelograms (spinal taps).
The CAT scan fails to make clear diagnoses 60% of the time. When the CAT scan fails, doctors must
resort to the myelogram. While the myelograms are accurate, this procedure is very painful and
sometimes dangerous for the patient.
3. Statement 3
If Sta. Ana Hospital continues to do the two procedures, they will not only be wasting time and
money, which jeopardizes their overall efficiency and earning potential. Also, Undue suffering could lead
patients to choose another hospital with more advanced facilities.
4. Research
A new diagnostic technique, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) may surpass the CAT scan in
accuracy and reduce the need to resort to the myelogram. I propose to research the feasibility of
establishing an NMR lab Sta. Ana hospital. I will investigate the accuracy, efficiency, and safety of NMR
as well as implementation issues.
Therefore, the complete statement of the problem would be:
In order to provide excellent patient care at a minimal cost, Sta. Ana Hospital needs diagnostic
procedures that are safe, efficient, and accurate. In addition, the procedures should not be overly painful
for the patient. Right now, Sta. Ana Hospital’s main diagnostic tools are CAT scans and myelograms
(spinal taps). The CAT scan fails to make clear diagnoses 60% of the time. When the CAT scan fails,
doctors must resort to the myelogram. While the myelograms are accurate, this procedure is very painful
and sometimes dangerous for the patient. If Sta. Ana Hospital continues to do the two procedure, they will
not only be wasting time and money, which jeopardizes their overall efficiency and earning potential.
Also, undue suffering could lead patients to choose another hospital with more advanced facilities. A new
diagnostic technique, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) may surpass the CAT scan in accuracy and
reduce the need to resort to the myelogram. I propose to research the feasibility of establishing an NMR
lab at Sta. Ana hospital. I will investigate the accuracy, efficiency, and safety of NMR as well as
implementation issues

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