2 Statement Problem
2 Statement Problem
A research problem statement lays the foundation for work that needs to be done to correct a
situation.
Size of statement:
Not more than 15-20 lines, (paragraphs). A good problem statement is just one sentence (with
several paragraphs of elaboration).
Personal experience
Interests of researchers.
Related Literature
a Vision Statement - clearly describe how things SHOULD be:/ describe what the
issue is: state of a given situation, phenomenon
Describe how the problem should be solved: the route to the remedy, approach to
finding a remedy, or how you want to explore “the Problem”/ specific methodology
you will use to solve the problem
Explain the benefits of the solution/ What possible outcomes are expected? indicate
how would they benefit from your study, Support your statement with evidence and
expert opinion.
Conclude by summarizing the problem and solution.
Example 1
Part A. According to the XY university mission statement, the university seeks to provide
students with a safe, healthy learning environment. Dormitories are one important aspect
of that learning environment, since 55% of XY students live in campus dorms and most
of these students spend a significant amount of time working in their dorm rooms.
However,
Part B. Students living in dorms A B C, and D currently do not have air conditioning
units, and during the hot seasons, it is common for room temperatures to exceed 80 degrees
F. Many students report that they are unable to do homework in their dorm rooms. Others
report problems sleeping because of the humidity and temperature. The rooms are not only
unhealthy, but they inhibit student productivity and academic achievement.
Part C. In response to this problem, our study proposes to investigate several options for
making the dorms more hospitable. We plan to carry out an all inclusive participatory
investigation into options for purchasing air conditioners (university-funded; student-
subsidized) and different types of air conditioning systems. We will also consider less
expensive ways to mitigate some or all of the problems noted above (such as creating
climate-controlled dorm lounges and equipping them with better study areas and computing
space).
Example 2
STEP 1 (statement 1)
The government of Kenya has a goal to industrialize by the year 2030 (quote). In this regard
it has encouraged growth oriented micro and small enterprises (MSEs) that should graduate
into medium and large enterprises capable of contributing to the industrialization goal. There
are several sessional papers (quote/cite) that contain specific measures to encourage and
support MSEs.
Despite the said government efforts there is slow growth of micro into small enterprises and
even slower growth of small into medium scale enterprises(quote, show statistics). The
government has officially acknowledged that there exists a €œmissing middle€ in Kenya
meaning that there is a gap between small and large enterprises in the country (cite, quote).
STATEMENT 3
Should the €œmissing middle€ gap persist then the industrialization goal may be difficult to
achieve. Need therefore arises to investigate why despite government efforts there is a
persistent €œmissing middle€.
Example 3
STATEMENT 1
STATEMENT 2
There are however frequent and severe disciplinary actions, absenteeism as well as various
forms of unrests in public universities which affect the accomplishment of the set missions.
Our preliminary investigation reveals that both non-management and management staff are
not adequately motivated.
STATEMENT 3
Without effective motivational packages and procedures the said vices are likely to continue
and retard the achievement of the universities€™ missions
Need arises to examine the public universities€™ motivation systems and procedures hence
this proposed research
Example 4
STATEMENT 1
The Ministry of Youth is dedicated to allocating enterprise development funds to both the
youth and women. These funds are made available in order to start entrepreneurial ventures
that create and expand employment. (provide relevant statistics and quote)
STATEMENT 2
STATEMENT 3
Continuing with this current disbursement method prevents consistency and causes decisions
to become grossly political, which in turn inhibits the achievement of the goals of the funds.
Developing a more informed disbursement system could help better implement the
consistency focus of the ministry and at the same time help the ministry better monitor and
evaluate its funds.
STATEMENT 4
This proposed research aspires to explore options for a new funds disbursement system that
would focus on consistency. To do this, the researcher will carry out a full stakeholder
analysis and use it to propose appropriate policy interventions.