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Lets discuss the first step in designing and aligning your proposal,
developing your Problem Statement. The expectation is that your
dissertation arises from a specific problem within your field that you will
explore through research.
A problem statement is a brief piece of writing in your proposal that explains the
general and specific problem or issue your research is addressing. A problem statement
needs to indicate and explain why it is a problem grounded in the research literature.
Problem statements can be written as declarations or as questions. Declarative formats
are the most popular type of problem statements.
The Funnel
In developing a Problem Statement, first acquaint the reader with what your topic
is all about. Introduce key concepts, what has already been studied, and why your
problem is an important one to be addressed, that is, why anyone should care about it.
Lets take a closer look at how to assemble the Problem Statement. In crafting the
research problem, you move from general topic, curiosity, or doubt about a situation to a
specific statement of the research problem.
The Hook
Lets take a closer look at each piece of the Problem Statement. Well start with
the hook. The Hook creates interest in your general topic and offers research citations
for support.
The Anchor
First you capture interest in your topicthe Hook. Then you establish the need
for the studythe Anchor. The Anchor grounds the reader in the need for the study, as
shown in the example.
There are few studies that accurately assess the extent and reasons for this
persistent gap, particularly with respect to students with disabilities. States have
struggled to meet achievement goals for students with disabilities. Federal and state
agencies do not understand the extent of and reasons for the disparity, nor can they
identify practices to reduce the disparity.
What?
Where?
Who?
How?
Identify the Problem. An effective purpose statement will relate back to the
specific problem identified in the problem statement.
Identify the Setting. Explain where the problem takes place by clearly identifying
the setting.
Identify the Population. The specific population the researcher intends to study
should be clear in the purpose statement. The population reflects the individuals who
are affected by the problem to be studied.
Identify the Research Method. The purpose statement should clearly indicate the
research method to be used in the study. The researcher should identify whether the
method will be quantitative or qualitative. Quantitative research uses numerical data.
Qualitative research uses descriptive or narrative data.