thesis problem statement examples

The Research Problem & Statement

I f you’re new to academic research, you’re bound to encounter the concept of a “ research problem ” or “ problem statement ” fairly early in your learning journey. Having a good research problem is essential, as it provides a foundation for developing high-quality research, from relatively small research papers to a full-length PhD dissertations and theses.

In this post, we’ll unpack what a research problem is and how it’s related to a problem statement . We’ll also share some examples and provide a step-by-step process you can follow to identify and evaluate study-worthy research problems for your own project.

Overview: Research Problem 101

What is a research problem.

• What is a problem statement?

Where do research problems come from?

• How to find a suitable research problem
• Key takeaways

A research problem is, at the simplest level, the core issue that a study will try to solve or (at least) examine. In other words, it’s an explicit declaration about the problem that your dissertation, thesis or research paper will address. More technically, it identifies the research gap that the study will attempt to fill (more on that later).

Let’s look at an example to make the research problem a little more tangible.

To justify a hypothetical study, you might argue that there’s currently a lack of research regarding the challenges experienced by first-generation college students when writing their dissertations [ PROBLEM ] . As a result, these students struggle to successfully complete their dissertations, leading to higher-than-average dropout rates [ CONSEQUENCE ]. Therefore, your study will aim to address this lack of research – i.e., this research problem [ SOLUTION ].

A research problem can be theoretical in nature, focusing on an area of academic research that is lacking in some way. Alternatively, a research problem can be more applied in nature, focused on finding a practical solution to an established problem within an industry or an organisation. In other words, theoretical research problems are motivated by the desire to grow the overall body of knowledge , while applied research problems are motivated by the need to find practical solutions to current real-world problems (such as the one in the example above).

As you can probably see, the research problem acts as the driving force behind any study , as it directly shapes the research aims, objectives and research questions , as well as the research approach. Therefore, it’s really important to develop a very clearly articulated research problem before you even start your research proposal . A vague research problem will lead to unfocused, potentially conflicting research aims, objectives and research questions .

What is a research problem statement?

As the name suggests, a problem statement (within a research context, at least) is an explicit statement that clearly and concisely articulates the specific research problem your study will address. While your research problem can span over multiple paragraphs, your problem statement should be brief , ideally no longer than one paragraph . Importantly, it must clearly state what the problem is (whether theoretical or practical in nature) and how the study will address it.

Here’s an example of a statement of the problem in a research context:

Rural communities across Ghana lack access to clean water, leading to high rates of waterborne illnesses and infant mortality. Despite this, there is little research investigating the effectiveness of community-led water supply projects within the Ghanaian context. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effectiveness of such projects in improving access to clean water and reducing rates of waterborne illnesses in these communities.

As you can see, this problem statement clearly and concisely identifies the issue that needs to be addressed (i.e., a lack of research regarding the effectiveness of community-led water supply projects) and the research question that the study aims to answer (i.e., are community-led water supply projects effective in reducing waterborne illnesses?), all within one short paragraph.

Need a helping hand?

Wherever there is a lack of well-established and agreed-upon academic literature , there is an opportunity for research problems to arise, since there is a paucity of (credible) knowledge. In other words, research problems are derived from research gaps . These gaps can arise from various sources, including the emergence of new frontiers or new contexts, as well as disagreements within the existing research.

Let’s look at each of these scenarios:

New frontiers – new technologies, discoveries or breakthroughs can open up entirely new frontiers where there is very little existing research, thereby creating fresh research gaps. For example, as generative AI technology became accessible to the general public in 2023, the full implications and knock-on effects of this were (or perhaps, still are) largely unknown and therefore present multiple avenues for researchers to explore.

New contexts – very often, existing research tends to be concentrated on specific contexts and geographies. Therefore, even within well-studied fields, there is often a lack of research within niche contexts. For example, just because a study finds certain results within a western context doesn’t mean that it would necessarily find the same within an eastern context. If there’s reason to believe that results may vary across these geographies, a potential research gap emerges.

Disagreements – within many areas of existing research, there are (quite naturally) conflicting views between researchers, where each side presents strong points that pull in opposing directions. In such cases, it’s still somewhat uncertain as to which viewpoint (if any) is more accurate. As a result, there is room for further research in an attempt to “settle” the debate.

Of course, many other potential scenarios can give rise to research gaps, and consequently, research problems, but these common ones are a useful starting point. If you’re interested in research gaps, you can learn more here .

How to find a research problem

Given that research problems flow from research gaps , finding a strong research problem for your research project means that you’ll need to first identify a clear research gap. Below, we’ll present a four-step process to help you find and evaluate potential research problems.

If you’ve read our other articles about finding a research topic , you’ll find the process below very familiar as the research problem is the foundation of any study . In other words, finding a research problem is much the same as finding a research topic.

Step 1 – Identify your area of interest

Naturally, the starting point is to first identify a general area of interest . Chances are you already have something in mind, but if not, have a look at past dissertations and theses within your institution to get some inspiration. These present a goldmine of information as they’ll not only give you ideas for your own research, but they’ll also help you see exactly what the norms and expectations are for these types of projects.

At this stage, you don’t need to get super specific. The objective is simply to identify a couple of potential research areas that interest you. For example, if you’re undertaking research as part of a business degree, you may be interested in social media marketing strategies for small businesses, leadership strategies for multinational companies, etc.

Depending on the type of project you’re undertaking, there may also be restrictions or requirements regarding what topic areas you’re allowed to investigate, what type of methodology you can utilise, etc. So, be sure to first familiarise yourself with your institution’s specific requirements and keep these front of mind as you explore potential research ideas.

Step 2 – Review the literature and develop a shortlist

Once you’ve decided on an area that interests you, it’s time to sink your teeth into the literature . In other words, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the existing research regarding your interest area. Google Scholar is a good starting point for this, as you can simply enter a few keywords and quickly get a feel for what’s out there. Keep an eye out for recent literature reviews and systematic review-type journal articles, as these will provide a good overview of the current state of research.

At this stage, you don’t need to read every journal article from start to finish . A good strategy is to pay attention to the abstract, intro and conclusion , as together these provide a snapshot of the key takeaways. As you work your way through the literature, keep an eye out for what’s missing – in other words, what questions does the current research not answer adequately (or at all)? Importantly, pay attention to the section titled “ further research is needed ”, typically found towards the very end of each journal article. This section will specifically outline potential research gaps that you can explore, based on the current state of knowledge (provided the article you’re looking at is recent).

Take the time to engage with the literature and develop a big-picture understanding of the current state of knowledge. Reviewing the literature takes time and is an iterative process , but it’s an essential part of the research process, so don’t cut corners at this stage.

As you work through the review process, take note of any potential research gaps that are of interest to you. From there, develop a shortlist of potential research gaps (and resultant research problems) – ideally 3 – 5 options that interest you.

Step 3 – Evaluate your potential options

Once you’ve developed your shortlist, you’ll need to evaluate your options to identify a winner. There are many potential evaluation criteria that you can use, but we’ll outline three common ones here: value, practicality and personal appeal.

Value – a good research problem needs to create value when successfully addressed. Ask yourself:

• Who will this study benefit (e.g., practitioners, researchers, academia)?
• How will it benefit them specifically?
• How much will it benefit them?

Practicality – a good research problem needs to be manageable in light of your resources. Ask yourself:

• What data will I need access to?
• What knowledge and skills will I need to undertake the analysis?
• What equipment or software will I need to process and/or analyse the data?
• How much time will I need?
• What costs might I incur?

Personal appeal – a research project is a commitment, so the research problem that you choose needs to be genuinely attractive and interesting to you. Ask yourself:

• How appealing is the prospect of solving this research problem (on a scale of 1 – 10)?
• Why, specifically, is it attractive (or unattractive) to me?
• Does the research align with my longer-term goals (e.g., career goals, educational path, etc)?

Depending on how many potential options you have, you may want to consider creating a spreadsheet where you numerically rate each of the options in terms of these criteria. Remember to also include any criteria specified by your institution . From there, tally up the numbers and pick a winner.

Step 4 – Craft your problem statement

Once you’ve selected your research problem, the final step is to craft a problem statement. Remember, your problem statement needs to be a concise outline of what the core issue is and how your study will address it. Aim to fit this within one paragraph – don’t waffle on. Have a look at the problem statement example we mentioned earlier if you need some inspiration.

Key Takeaways

We’ve covered a lot of ground. Let’s do a quick recap of the key takeaways:

• A research problem is an explanation of the issue that your study will try to solve. This explanation needs to highlight the problem , the consequence and the solution or response.
• A problem statement is a clear and concise summary of the research problem , typically contained within one paragraph.
• Research problems emerge from research gaps , which themselves can emerge from multiple potential sources, including new frontiers, new contexts or disagreements within the existing literature.
• To find a research problem, you need to first identify your area of interest , then review the literature and develop a shortlist, after which you’ll evaluate your options, select a winner and craft a problem statement .

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How to Write an Effective Problem Statement for Your Research Paper

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The problem statement usually appears at the beginning of an article, making it one of the first things readers encounter. An excellent problem statement not only explains the relevance and importance of the research but also helps readers quickly determine if the article aligns with their interests by clearly defining the topic. Therefore, the problem statement plays a unique role in the widespread dissemination of the paper and enhancing the researcher’s academic influence.  

In this article, we will focus on writing ideas, structure, and practical examples of the problem statement, helping researchers easily write an excellent problem statement.  

Basic Writing Strategies for the Problem Statement  

The problem statement aims to highlight the pressing issue the research intends to address. It should be concise and to the point. Researchers can follow a two-step approach: first, think about the content of the problem statement, and then organize the writing framework.  

Before writing, clarify the following points¹ :  

• What is the reader’s level of understanding of the research topic?  
• How can the significance of the research be effectively conveyed to the reader?  

After addressing these two questions, you can organize the content according to the following structure:  

• Clarify what you aim to achieve with your research.  
• Explore why the problem exists and explain how solving it helps reach the goal.  
• Outline the potential impact of the research, such as possible outcomes, challenges, and benefits.  
• Recommend a plan for your experiment that follows the rules of science.  
• Explain the potential consequences if the problem is not resolved (if applicable).  

Three Important Parts of the Problem Statement  

The content and length of the problem statement can vary depending on the type of research. Although there’s no fixed format, it’s helpful to include these three key parts:  

  Research Background:  

Explain clearly what problem your research focuses on. Describe how things would be better if this problem didn’t exist. Also, talk about what other researchers have tried to do about this problem and what still needs to be figured out.  

  Research Significance:  

Clarify the impact of the problem on the research field and society, and analyze the cause of the problem. Explain who will benefit from solving the problem, thus demonstrating the relevance of the research and its contribution to the existing research system.²  To illustrate the relevance, consider aspects such as the geographical location or process where the problem occurs, the time period during which it exists, and the severity of the problem.  

Solution:  

Describe the research objective and the expected solution or results.  

Understanding the Writing Method Through Examples  

To further explore the writing method of the problem statement, let’s look at the following case.  

Research Topic: 

The benefits of vitamin D supplementation on the immune system.  

Problem Statement: 

• Review existing research on the role of vitamin D in the immune system, emphasizing the potential impacts of vitamin D deficiency on the human body.  
• List the obstacles encountered when trying to increase vitamin D levels in the body through supplements, and briefly mention the physiological or molecular mechanisms behind these obstacles.  
• Clarify feasible ways to overcome these obstacles, such as new methods to promote the absorption of vitamin D in the intestine. Then, focus on the benefits of these methods, such as helping postmenopausal women with breast cancer improve their blood vitamin D levels.   

Points to Note: 

When crafting your problem statement, focus on essential details and avoid unnecessary information. Additionally, absolute terms such as “must” should be avoided.  

( The examples in this article are used only to illustrate writing points, and the academic views contained therein are not for reference. )  

By mastering these techniques and methods, you can enhance the clarity and impact of their problem statements. This not only makes the articles more engaging for reviewers and readers but also increases the likelihood of broader dissemination.  

For efficient and professional assistance, consider reaching out to Elsevier Language Services. Our team of expert editors, who are native English speakers across various disciplines, can help refine every aspect of your article, including the problem statement. Our goal is to ensure your research achieves efficient publication and has wide-reaching impact, supporting your academic journey in the long term.  

Type in wordcount for Plus Total: USD EUR JPY Follow this link if your manuscript is longer than 9,000 words. Upload

References:  

• SURF Workshop Resources: Problem Statements – Purdue OWL® – Purdue University. (n.d.). https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/writing_in_the_purdue_surf_program/surf_workshop_resources_problem_statements/index.html
• Problem Statement | A practical guide to delivering results. (n.d.). Copyright (C)2024 a Practical Guide to Delivering Results. All Rights Reserved. https://deliveringresults.leeds.ac.uk/delivering-results-lifecycle/problem-statement/

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The dissertation problem needs to be very focused because everything else from the dissertation research logically flows from the problem. You may say that the problem statement is the very core of a dissertation research study. If the problem is too big or too vague, it will be difficult to scope out a purpose that is manageable for one person, given the time available to execute and finish the dissertation research study.

Through your research, your aim is to obtain information that helps address a problem so it can be resolved. Note that the researcher does not actually solve the problem themselves by conducting research but provides new knowledge that can be used toward a resolution. Typically, the problem is solved (or partially solved) by practitioners in the field, using input from researchers.

Given the above, the problem statement should do three things :

• Specify and describe the problem (with appropriate citations)
• Explain the consequences of NOT solving the problem
• Explain the knowledge needed to solve the problem (i.e., what is currently unknown about the problem and its resolution – also referred to as a gap )

What is a problem?

The world is full of problems! Not all problems make good dissertation research problems, however, because they are either too big, complex, or risky for doctorate candidates to solve. A proper research problem can be defined as a specific, evidence-based, real-life issue faced by certain people or organizations that have significant negative implications to the involved parties.

Example of a proper, specific, evidence-based, real-life dissertation research problem:

“Only 6% of CEOs in Fortune 500 companies are women” (Center for Leadership Studies, 2019).

Specific refers to the scope of the problem, which should be sufficiently manageable and focused to address with dissertation research. For example, the problem “terrorism kills thousands of people each year” is probably not specific enough in terms of who gets killed by which terrorists, to work for a doctorate candidate; or “Social media use among call-center employees may be problematic because it could reduce productivity,” which contains speculations about the magnitude of the problem and the possible negative effects.

Evidence-based here means that the problem is well-documented by recent research findings and/or statistics from credible sources. Anecdotal evidence does not qualify in this regard. Quantitative evidence is generally preferred over qualitative ditto when establishing a problem because quantitative evidence (from a credible source) usually reflects generalizable facts, whereas qualitative evidence in the form of research conclusions tend to only apply to the study sample and may not be generalizable to a larger population. Example of a problem that isn’t evidence-based: “Based on the researcher’s experience, the problem is that people don’t accept female leaders;” which is an opinion-based statement based on personal (anecdotal) experience.

Real-life means that a problem exists regardless of whether research is conducted or not. This means that “lack of knowledge” or “lack of research” cannot be used as the problem for a dissertation study because it’s an academic issue or a gap; and not a real-life problem experienced by people or organizations.  Example of a problem that doesn’t exist in real life: “There is not enough research on the reasons why people distrust minority healthcare workers.” This type of statement also reveals the assumption that people actually do mistrust minority healthcare workers; something that needs to be supported by actual, credible evidence to potentially work as an underlying research problem.

What are consequences?

Consequences are negative implications experienced by a group of people or organizations, as a result of the problem. The negative effects should be of a certain magnitude to warrant research. For example, if fewer than 1% of the stakeholders experience a negative consequence of a problem and that consequence only constitutes a minor inconvenience, research is probably not warranted. Negative consequences that can be measured weigh stronger than those that cannot be put on some kind of scale.

In the example above, a significant negative consequence is that women face much larger barriers than men when attempting to get promoted to executive jobs; or are 94% less likely than men to get to that level in Corporate America.

What is a gap?

To establish a complete basis for a dissertation research study, the problem has to be accompanied by a gap . A gap is missing knowledge or insights about a particular issue that contributes to the persistence of the problem. We use gaps to “situate” new research in the existing literature by adding to the knowledge base in the business research field, in a specific manner (determined by the purpose of the research). Identifying gaps requires you to review the literature in a thorough fashion, to establish a complete understanding of what is known and what isn’t known about a certain problem.  In the example from above about the underrepresentation of female CEOs, a gap may be that male-dominated boards have not been studied extensively in terms of their CEO hiring decisions, which might then warrant a study of such boards, to uncover implicit biases and discriminatory practices against female candidates.

How to Write a Problem Statement

• Here is one way to construct a problem section (keep in mind you have a 250-300 word limit, but you can write first and edit later):

It is helpful to begin the problem statement with a sentence :  “The problem to be addressed through this study is… ”  Then, fill out the rest of the paragraph with elaboration of that specific problem, making sure to “document” it, as NU reviewers will look for research-based evidence that it is indeed a problem (emphasis also on timeliness of the problem, supported by citations within the last 5 years).

Next, write a paragraph explaining the consequences of NOT solving the problem. Who will be affected? How will they be affected? How important is it to fix the problem? Again, NU reviewers will want to see research-based citations and statistics that indicate the negative implications are significant.

In the final paragraph, you will explain what information (research) is needed in order to fix the problem. This paragraph shows that the problem is worthy of doctoral-level research. What isn’t known about the problem? Ie, what is the gap? Presumably, if your problem and purpose are aligned, your research will try to close or minimize this gap by investigating the problem. Have other researchers investigated the issue? What has their research left unanswered?

• Another way to tackle the Statement of the Problem:

The Statement of the Problem section is a very clear, concise identification of the problem. It must stay within the template guidelines of 250-300 words but more importantly, must contain four elements as outlined below. A dissertation worthy problem should be able to address all of the following points:

-->identification of the problem itself--what is "going wrong" (Ellis & Levy, 2008)

-->who is affected by the problem

-->the consequences that will result from a continuation of the problem

-->a brief discussion of 1) at least 3 authors’ research related to the problem; and 2)   their stated suggestion/recommendation for further research related to the problem

Use the following to work on the Statement of the Problem by first outlining the section as follows:

1. One clear, concise statement that tells the reader what is not working, what is “going wrong”. Be specific and support it with current studies.

2. Tell who is affected by the problem identified in #1. 

3. Briefly tell what will happen if the problem isn’t addressed.

4. Find at least 3 current studies and write a sentence or two for each study that

i. briefly discusses the author(s)’ work, what they studied, and

ii. state their recommendation for further research about the problem

• Finally, you can follow this simple 3-part outline when writing the statement of the problem section:

Your problem statement is a short (250-300 words), 3 paragraph section, in which you

• Explain context and state problem (“the problem is XYZ”), supported by statistics and/or recent research findings
• Explain the negative consequences of the problem to stakeholders, supported by statistics and/or recent research findings
• Explain the gap in the literature.

Example of a problem statement that follows the 3-part outline (295 words):

The problem to be addressed by this study is the decline of employee well-being for followers of novice mid-level managers and the corresponding rise in employee turnover faced by business leaders across the financial services industry (Oh et al., 2014).  Low levels of employee well-being are toxic for morale and result in expensive turnover costs, dysfunctional work environments, anemic corporate cultures, and poor customer service (Compdata, 2018; Oh et al., 2014).  According to Ufer (2017), the financial services industry suffers from one of the highest turnover rates among millennial-aged employees in all industries in the developed world, at 18.6% annually.  Starkman (2015) reported that 50% of those surveyed in financial services were not satisfied with a single one of the four key workplace aspects: job, firm, pay or career path. 

Low levels of employee well-being interrupt a financial services’ company’s ability to deliver outstanding customer service in a world increasingly dependent on that commodity (Wladawsky-Berger, 2018).Mid-level managers play an essential role in support of the success of many of top businesses today (Anicich & Hirsh, 2017). 

The current body of literature does not adequately address the well-being issue in the financial services industry from the follower’s perspective (Uhl-Bien, Riggio, Lowe, & Carsten, 2014). Strategic direction flows top-down from senior executives and passes through mid-level leadership to individual contributors at more junior grades.  The mid-level managers’ teams are tasked with the achievement of core tasks and the managers themselves are expected to maintain the workforce’s morale, motivation and welfare (Anicich & Hirsh, 2017).  Unless industry leaders better understand the phenomenon of employee well-being from the follower perspective and its role in positioning employees to provide a premium client experience, they may be handicapped from preserving their most significant principal market differentiator: customer service (Wladawsky-Berger, 2018). 

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Problem Statement Example – A Comprehensive Guide

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The problem statement poses a crucial section of any dissertation, research project, and thesis, providing a concise and clear outline of the issue the study seeks to address. A well-written problem statement  serves as  a cornerstone in guiding the research process and sets the foundation for your methodology , findings, and research questions . This article will provide problem statement examples that can serve as models for articulating the critical issues your research aims to resolve.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• 1 In a Nutshell – Problem Statement Example
• 2 Definition: Problem statement example
• 3 Writing a problem statement with examples
• 4 Final problem statement example
• 5 Do’s and don’ts for an effective problem statement

In a Nutshell – Problem Statement Example

• A problem statement is essential in guiding and targeting research efforts.
• This section provides an overview of the study’s context and its relevance.
• The purpose and existence of the research are explained and justified.
• The section forms a crucial link between the literature review and the whole study.

Definition: Problem statement example

A problem statement is like a lighthouse in the vast sea of research. Its purpose is to provide a brief and straightforward statement that outlines the issue or problem that the study seeks to solve. It highlights the gap in current knowledge or context that the research aims to fill.

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Writing a problem statement with examples

Step 1: identify the problem, step 2: provide context, step 3: state the consequences, step 4: propose a solution.

The first step in writing a problem statement is to identify the problem. The problem could be an unmet need, a gap in knowledge, or an issue that has not been properly addressed. It’s essential that the problem is not just a symptom of another problem, but the actual issue that needs to be addressed.

Suppose you’re conducting a research study about nutrition in public schools. After some preliminary research, you’ve identified that many students are not eating the provided school meals, resulting in poor nutrition and concentration.

Once you have identified the problem, the next step is to provide context for the problem. This includes information about who is affected by the problem, where the problem occurs, and what consequences the problem may have if not addressed.

“Many students in our city’s public schools are not consuming the meals provided at school. This is leading to poor nutrition, affecting their concentration and overall academic performance negatively.”

The next step is to explicitly state what will happen if the problem is not solved. This helps readers understand the seriousness of the issue and the importance of finding a solution.

“If this problem is not addressed, we risk our city’s students continuing to underperform academically, affecting their future prospects and overall health.”

The last step in writing a problem statement is to propose a potential solution to the problem or an approach to finding a solution. The solution doesn’t have to be definitive; it could be what you aim to achieve through your research.

“This study aims to explore the reasons behind students’ reluctance to consume school meals and develop strategies to improve meal consumption and nutritional intake. We will use a combination of surveys and interviews to gather data from students, parents, and school administrators.”

Final problem statement example

Considering all four step, the final problem statement could look like this:

“Many students in our city’s public schools are not consuming the school-provided meals, leading to poor nutrition and affecting their concentration and overall academic performance. If this problem is not addressed, we risk our city’s students continuing to underperform academically, affecting their future prospects and overall health. This study aims to explore the reasons behind students’ reluctance to consume school meals and develop strategies to improve meal consumption and nutritional intake. We will use a combination of surveys and interviews to gather data from students, parents, and school administrators.”

This problem statement clearly states the problem, provides context, discusses the consequences of inaction, and proposes a research approach to find solutions. Following these steps will guide you in writing a comprehensive, clear, and effective problem statement for your research.

Do’s and don’ts for an effective problem statement

• Be concise: Stick to the point for a direct problem statement example.
• What, why, how: What is the problem? Why is it important? How is it solved?
• Be specific: Specify your problem statement and address a real issue.

Don´ts

• Avoid vagueness: Steer clear from vague and ambiguous statements.
• Don’t overcomplicate: Keep the language simple and straightforward.
• Avoid jargon: Use plain, accessible, and comprehensive language.

Is a problem statement always necessary?

Yes, a problem statement is crucial in any type of research paper or study, as it outlines the focus and direction of the research.

Can a problem statement change during the research?

Although it’s best to stick to your initial problem statement, research is an exploratory process. Thus, minor adjustments may be made as long as they do not significantly alter the research’s direction.

Is there a length requirement for a problem statement?

No, there is no strict length requirement. However, a problem statement should be as concise as possible while still adequately addressing the problem, its relevance, and the proposed method to address it.

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Campus MyThesis Academy

The unique, worldwide Campus where you´ll learn how to write a thesis advised by an expert who graduated summa cum laude

How to write a problem statement for a thesis

One of the principal tasks and challenges of your dissertation’s opening is formulating a problem statement. But h ow to write a problem statement for a thesis? What is part of it? And which are the essential key features? A clearly defined research question is crucial to help your reader understand the significance of your investigation.

This post provides a manual, teaching how to make your audience understand the fundamental question of every research: “ Why does it matter?”, ensuring that yours contains all key components and follows on a logical red thread.

Getting to the core: How to write problem statement for a thesis

Before we get detailed into the question of how to write a problem statement for a dissertation, it is crucial to approach the story’s core and explain the meaning and significance of the problem statement briefly. Completing an essential function within your academic thesis, a well-written problem statement helps you illustrate your research’s contribution, leaving no doubt on its significance (even to showcase your thesis for future employment).

As your dissertation deals with a particular topic, your problem statement:

• Addresses the research question
• Presents in a condensed form, what the topic involves
• Illustrated precisely, what it deals with
• Clears the specific gaps/problems that the author draws attention to
• Specifies, the plans to solve the research question
• Presents the writer’s final thoughts and opinions on the matter

It may seem to be a lot of stuff, but in a nutshell, your problem statement doesn´t need to be longer than a few paragraphs .

When you learned about the best way how to make problem statement in thesis, you will get aware of its multiple functions: It can serve as a foundation for your research proposal , later it can enter your first part (introduction), and at the same time, it will be your anchor in case you are about to lose your focus!

It is precisely the section of your dissertation that clarifies the issue that will be solved by the author, addressing in a short form what it means and what it involves (you can take it as a more elaborated version of the title ).

How to write a problem statement for a thesis: Examples of different types

At this point, I would like to make you aware, that solving the question of how to write a problem statement for a thesis also need to involve some words on types and examples.

As there are different types – mainly the theoretical and the practical approach, take the following questions as a guide to find out how to write a problem statement in thesis, which is of practical or theoretical nature.

To deve lop a practical one (real-world problem) , ask about concrete details of the situation:

• Where/when does the problem arise?
• Who does the problem affect?
• How was the problem tried to be solved?

If you prefer the theoretical scientific issue, remember that their relevance can be less noticeable (as the clear consequences are reduced compared to the practical one). To identify why the problem matters, ask:

• How will resolve the problem advance understanding of the topic?
• What benefits will it have for future research?
• Does the problem have direct or indirect consequences for society?

Challenges and solutions of how to a write problem statement for a thesis

If you want to learn, how to write a problem statement for a thesis, it is essential to be aware of the related challenges! Independent of writing a thesis/dissertation of a paper/essay, a solid and effective problem statement has to be formulated concretely and concisely. Once you have identified a remaining gap of research and a relevant research question, your next challenge will be to figure out the problem solution for your research.

• Caution: Problem statements are often mistaken for the introduction!

Even if both are very similar in several issues, there are subtle features and differences to keep in mind.

• Note: The problem statement is a more technical and formal interpretation than the introduction.

So – how to write your thesis problem statement? To write a good one, your challenge will be to:

• Contextualize the problem (what do we already know?)
• Explain the issue precisely (what do we need to know?)
• Highlight your research problems relevance (why do we need to know that)
• Describe the objectives (what will you do to find out?)

Key features and components of your problem statement at one glance

Before getting over to a detailed manual, that takes you by the hand and shows you how to write a problem statement for a thesis step by step, let me provide you with a list of key elements which can be understood as joined features between the different definitions of the term problem statement after Hernon and Schwartz (2007):

•   Be clear, precise, and specific when explaining, what will be studied
•   Leave no doubt on the overarching question and its key features
•   Identify (briefly) the crucial key concepts and terms
•   Draw your study’s boundaries, highlight its contribution and benefits
•   Avoid unnecessary jargon or slang

Let’s get ahead and face the challenge!

How to write a problem statement for a thesis: A detailed manual to craft the task

After knowing the types and essential key features when discussing how to write a dissertation problem statement, let me finish with a resume with characteristics and additional considerations to perfect yours.

First, your problem statement should frame your research problem by presenting it in its specific context . This background information on what is already known is essential because it clarifies why it matters.

In addition, the problem statement contains some of your dissertation´s most vital components, such as:

•   Your title: Introducing your title is necessary to cover in the problem statement
•   Your hypothesis: The opinion you seek to prove through the thesis paper must be explicitly mentioned.

Naturally, the statement should include a brief explication of how you conducted the research work, presenting the applied scientific method (Note: A few lines on this matter are enough here).

Note: The development of all problem statements follows a similar process, even if every problem statement will look different depending on whether you’re dealing with a practical or theoretical one (so that you can apply the steps on advice on how to write statement of problem in thesis to every problem statement).

Last but not least, keep in mind, that brevity and conciseness are key. This section should never exceed a page and a half without risking prejudice on the quality of your dissertation.

About the author:

Possibly you already heard of me through different media channels. My name is Dr. Friederike Jurth, and I hold a certificate from Harvard in Higher Education Teaching . Since 2010, I have given lectures on Methodology, Empirical Research, Anthropology, and Transcultural (Music) Studies in collaboration with universities in the United States, Germany, Spain, and Brazil . In 2010, I began a 7-year-long fieldwork project in Rio de Janeiro and have since presented my research at conferences worldwide, including in Japan, the United States, Australia, Brazil, Thailand, Switzerland, and many other countries. Additionally, I have worked as a lecturer and researcher with Germany’s renowned UNESCO Chair .

After completing my doctoral dissertation with summa cum laude , I aimed to unite, condense, and share the steps, ways, and details of my unique methodological and structural approach that I developed during my Ph.D. and that ultimately helped me achieve this result. By concentrating and putting them together into an elaborate academic conception, MyThesis Academy was born. Motivated by the sole aim and objective to help my students through all steps and stages of their thesis journey, MyThesis Academy enables them to achieve their best possible results in the shortest time, independent of their specific area of research.

In addition to my extensive teaching and research experience, I am part of the authors of the Cambridge Companion to Music in Brazil 2024, published by Cambridge University Press & Assessment , where I contribute as a Cambridge Author. This work is a co-operative project conducted remotely from Cambridge, England, United Kingdom.

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