How to write a problem statement for the research proposal?

Problem Identification:

A brief introduction helps the reader acquaint themself with the problem. Therefore, it is essential to begin the problem statement with an introduction. Then the researcher must provide a proper context for the problem they wish to address, the importance of the study and the research objectives. Finally, the problem could be a social issue, a gap in knowledge, or a challenge that needs to be addressed.

Background for the problem:

Many students pursuing a Masters degree are confused about how to write a background for the dissertation. The background of the research problem should be concise. First, the researcher must describe the state of the field's knowledge and why the issue is important. The arguments explaining the background should be supported with sound evidence from scholarly sources, showing a need for conducting the research. The sources can include data, statistics, or past research.

A gap in the Literature:

The researcher must identify a gap which their research will fill. The gap should be sufficient to warrant further research. Finally, it is vital to demonstrate how the study suggested by the researcher will advance the field by addressing this gap.

For guidance on writing a literature review, check our study guide

Research Questions or Hypotheses:

The research questions must be stated clearly and concisely, originating from the identified gap and answered through the research. In addition, the researcher must ensure how answering them will contribute to the field.

Outline the research methods:

The methods for answering the research questions, also called research methodology, must be stated, which includes surveys, interviews, experiments and data analysis.

Scope & Significance:

Any assumptions and limitations of the study are defined, explaining the significance of the proposed research and how it fills the gap identified in the literature. Additionally, the study's benefits and contributions to the field are articulated in this section.

Conclusion

The problem statement is summarised by restating the research question, the literature gap, the research's significance, and the proposed study's scope and methodology.

For a research proposal, the problem statement should identify and describe the issue, explain its implications, state the research question, and discuss the importance of the study. In addition, the scope of the study and the research methodology should be described. Finally, the conclusion should summarise the significance, research question, and problem. This structure will help the researcher write a clear, concise, and compelling problem statement that sets the stage for your research proposal.

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