Characteristics of a Research Problem Statement

According to Kerlinger, a good problem statement asks what relationship exists between two or more variables. When learning how to write a problem statement, make sure it has the following characteristics:

🎯Focus on a Single Issue Concentrate on one problem at a time to keep the research focused and avoid confusion. For example, study how changes in tax policies affect investments in small businesses, rather than looking at broader economic issues.
🚫No Blaming Present the problem objectively without pointing fingers. For instance, say, “There is a decrease in water quality in our local river,” instead of blaming local industries for polluting the river.
🤔Avoid Specific Solutions Identify the problem without suggesting specific fixes. For example, instead of recommending “Raising the minimum wage,” discuss how income inequality is growing among low-wage workers, leaving room for different solutions to be considered.
🔍Defined by Behaviors and Conditions Describe the problem in terms of observable actions or measurable situations. For example, “High school dropout rates in our district have risen by 20% in the past five years,” highlights a specific issue impacting the community.
📏Specific and Measurable Clearly define the problem using precise terms that allow for measurement and evaluation. For instance, stating, “Customer satisfaction scores have dropped by 15% in the last quarter,” provides a measurable metric to assess the problem.
📣Reflects Community Concerns Incorporate feedback from community surveys or consultations into the problem statement. For example, stating, “Residents are worried about the lack of affordable housing options,” reflects local priorities and concerns.
Summing Up
Writing a clear problem statement helps you pinpoint the exact issue, explain why it matters, and set specific goals. Whether you’re looking into social issues or business problems, a well-defined statement directs your study toward valuable insights and solutions

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