Devising a Problem Statement

Constructing a Proper Problem Statement

All dissertations begin with a problem. Something the researcher sees as a potential problem and testing and evaluating his or her concept of the problem. In the simplest form, a proper problem statement can be broken down into four specific questions:

1: What is the problem in one sentence.
2: That is the specific problem in one sentence.
3: What is the research design in one sentence.
4: What is the population of the research.

Take for example the following problem statement:

This research proposes to identify and evaluate the existing and current concerns among minority business owners trying to obtain enough money to start a business but have been turned down.

The above problem statement is riddled with errors:

Research does not “propose.” This should be changed to the researcher proposes. “Existing and current” are conveying the same thing – there is unnecessary verbiage here. There is a hint that there is an inability to obtain loans. It would be better to state that definitively.

A correct version of this problem statement can be stated:

The Department of Justice (DOJ) found that minority applicants are disproportionately denied business loans (Boyd, 2002). The researcher will investigate how the required monitoring data, reported by decision (accept/deny) and geography (Census tract,) and the means of obtaining the loan (face-to-face/electronic) could be used to develop strategies to correct unfair lending practices.

In my particular field of study (the study of dissimilar generations in the workplace), I have devised the following Problem Statement:

Generation Y workers show the greatest variance in work-life balance, communication style, and technological aptitude from all previous generations (Armour, 2005). These purported differences may impact businesses through reduced profitability, unnecessary turnover rate, decreased worker productivity, and miscommunication between workers (Williams, 2007). The most effective means to further understand these ostensible differences between generations is through the use of a qualitative phenomenological study to determine what, if any; impact there is on workplace performance between workers of dissimilar generations.

You can see the four rules of a proper problem statement have been addressed:

Problem: The purpose of this research is to identify and evaluate the possible generational differences of workers between generation X and generation Y in the workplace.

The Specific Problem: Businesses may experience reduced profitability, unnecessary worker turnover rate, decreased productivity, and office disruptions caused by a possible lack of generational (Williams, 2007).

Methodology: A qualitative phenomenological study understanding generational working style, motivation, and work-life balance.

Population: Workers from both generations working together in the same workplace who have direct interaction with one another.

I invite others to comment on what they think of my problem statement. I am always interested in public opinion.

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