PROBLEM STATEMENT
WHAT YOU SHOULD START WITH_ LECTURE 2
WHAT IS A
PROBLEM The purpose of a problem statement is to:
STATEMENT?
Introduce the reader to the importance of the
topic being studied. The reader is oriented to the
significance of the study and the research
questions or hypotheses to follow.
Places the problem into a particular
context that defines the parameters of what is to
be investigated.
Provides the framework for reporting the
results and indicates what is probably necessary
to conduct the study and explain how the
findings will present this information.
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•Clarity and precision [a well-written statement does not make sweeping generalizations and irresponsible statements],
•Identification of what would be studied, while avoiding the use of value-laden words and terms,
•Identification of an overarching question and key factors or variables,
•Identification of key concepts and terms,
•Articulation of the study's boundaries or parameters,
•Conveyance of the study's importance, benefits, and justification [regardless of the type of research, it is important to address the “so what” question by demonstrating that the research is not trivial],
•Does not have unnecessary jargon; and,
•Conveyance of more than the mere gathering of descriptive data providing only a snapshot of the issue or phenomenon under investigation.
SO WHAT???
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PROBLEM STATEMENT& RESEARCH PROBLEM
A research problem is an area of concern or a gap A problem statement is used in research work as a
in the existing knowledge that points to the need for claim that outlines the problem addressed by a study.
further understanding and investigation.
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FOUR TYPES OF RP
Casuist Research Problem -- this
Difference Research Problem --
type of problem relates to the
typically asks the question, “Is there Descriptive Research Problem
determination of right and wrong in
a difference between two or more -- typically asks the question, "what
questions of conduct or conscience
groups or treatments?” This type of is...?" with the underlying purpose to
by analyzing moral dilemmas
problem statement is used when the describe a situation, state, or
through the application of general
researcher compares or contrasts existence of a specific phenomenon.
rules and the careful distinction of
two or more phenomena.
special cases.
Relational Research Problem --
suggests a relationship of some sort
between two or more variables to be
investigated. The underlying purpose
is to investigate
qualities/characteristics that are
connected in some way.
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SOURCES OF PROBLEMS FOR INVESTIGATION
DEDUCTIONS INTERDISCIPLIN INTERVIEWING PERSONAL RELEVANT
FROM THEORY ARY PRACTITIONERS EXPERIENCE LITERATURE
PERSPECTIVES
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WHAT MAKES A GOOD RESEARCH PROBLEM?
Compelling topic
Simple curiosity is not a good enough reason to pursue a research study.
Supports multiple perspectives
A general rule of thumb is that a good research problem is one that would generate a variety of viewpoints from a
composite audience made up of reasonable people
Researchable
Choose research problems that can be supported by the resources available to you.
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WHAT ARE THE KEY
A good research problem should have the following
CHARACTERISTICS
characteristics:
OF A STATEMENT OF
THE PROBLEM? 1. It should address a gap in knowledge.
2. It should be significant enough to contribute to the existing
body of research
3. It should lead to further research
4. The problem should render itself to investigation through
collection of data
5. It should be of interest to the researcher and suit his/her
skills, time, and resources
6. The approach towards solving the problem should be
ethical
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Part A (The ideal): Describes a desired goal or ideal situation; explains
Part
THE STRUCTURE how things should be.
FOR A GREAT PS
Part B (The reality): Describes a condition that prevents the goal, state,
Part or value in Part A from being achieved or realized at this time; explains
how the current situation falls short of the goal or ideal.
Part C (The consequences): Identifies the way you propose to improve
Part the current situation and move it closer to the goal or ideal.
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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)
SAMPLE Statement 2
One of the main focuses of the ministry is consistency. Unfortunately, consistency in allocating funds
to the next generation of recipients requires prior knowledge of previous allocations and established
practices. The current continuous disbursement method does not allow for adequate analysis of
previous disbursements before a current disbursement is done.
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.
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.
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HOW TO START
WITH
Write a precis of Chapter 1
All at sea but learning to swim
Blaxter, Loraine, et al. How
To Research, McGraw-Hill
Education, 2010. ( shared
in VK)
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WHAT IS A
précis
PRECIS?
noun [ C ]UK /ˈpreɪ.si/ US
A précis is a short written or spoken account of
something, which gives the important points but not
the details
You have all been given a précis of the report.
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THANK YOU FOR ATTENTION!
FIND THE PRESENTATION AND THE CHAPTER IN VK GROUP
HTTPS://VK.COM/PUBLIC207004030
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