How to write a problem statement

September 2024 · 8 minute read

A problem statement is a brief description of an existing situation that a person or organization wants to address. It explains problems prevalent in specific areas that drive people or businesses to act or take an interest in those areas. In research, a problem statement can be used to discuss tangible issues that the researcher may face in the course of the project. If are looking to learn how to write a problem statement, this guide will come in handy.

A problem statement in research provides a context for analysis and in-depth study to help in understanding and solving a problem. Before getting into the details of how to write a problem statement, it is essential to understand the following:

  • You must understand the difference between an actual problem and the symptoms of the problem.
  • Unless there is a symptom, there is no problem. Symptoms always indicate the presence of a problem.
  • Symptoms present the proof by which an underlying problem affects people. They are the consequence of an actual issue.
  • Also, your problem statement must have a purpose before writing. The purpose of your statement of the problem can include:
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    People use problem statements as elements in research that outlines problems answered by an analysis or a study. They also use them as communication tools to get support from those involved. Based on the problem statement definition, you can see that it tries to answer the fundamental question: What is the problem your team or what is the research is trying to address?

    But how should you write a problem statement, and what problem statement format should you follow? This article will show you two examples of problem statements and how to write them.

    How to write a problem statement

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    Every problem statement has certain elements that answer the following questions:

  • What is the problem?
  • Where is the problem appearing?
  • Who does the problem affect?
  • When does the problem occur?
  • Why is it important to fix the problem?
  • Ultimately, the goal of a problem statement is to alter in a broad problem into a direct and precise problem – an issue that others can resolve through decision-making and research.

    Problem statement outline

    Your problem statement should have three main parts:

    1. The ideal situation

    You must describe the desired goal. Your objective is to explain to others why it is necessary to alter the current state of affairs.

    2. The reality

    You must describe a situation that is preventing the realization of the goal or state in the ideal case above. Explain how the present condition is falling short of the ideal or goal.

    3. The effects

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    You must identify the different ways that you are suggesting to improve the present condition. It is through this identification that you will move a step closer to realizing the goal.

    These three sections form the basis of a problem statement format. The following is an example of a problem statement based on the format above.

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    From this sample problem statement, you can tell it is describing an existing situation that students in ABC College are currently facing. It is also trying to give answers to the FIVE Ws mentioned above.

    Step-by-step guide of writing a problem statement

    While the above example is a simple format on how to write a statement of a problem, consider the following problem statement writing tips:

    1. Describe your goal

    Always start your statement by describing your goal or the state you desire for the given phenomenon or condition. The purpose is to help you build an ideal situation of what is desired or should be.

    2. What is preventing the goal?

    In this section, you have the chance of describing a situation that is currently preventing the realization of the goal above. This will help you to build a reality and show gaps between what should be and what the present situation is.

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    3. Bring steps one and two together

    You should bring together sections one and two by using connecting terms like “however” or “yet.” In the example of ABC College, the connecting term is "BUT."

    4. Use specific details

    Here, you should demonstrate how the phenomena in section two do not indicate improvement any time soon unless those involved take action. You should then put more emphasis on the benefits of doing the research by painting an image of the effects of potential solutions to the phenomena.

    Here is a second example of how to write and how to format a problem statement using the above steps.

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    You can also check out more examples of a problem statement to get a clear idea of the concept.

    Other tips to follow when writing a problem statement include:

    Your problem statement should be brief and well-balanced. It should be ready for group discussions or brainstorming. Do not make it ambiguous, and ensure it does not have any assumptions. This is the only way that people will understand what you are trying to achieve or communicate.

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    Before writing a problem statement, take time to consider what makes it useful. It is also vital that you look at many problem statement examples to have an idea of what to write about. You should always write a statement of a problem with your audience in mind. Also, it should be able to convince the parties involved to offer more resources that will help in solving the problem.

    Although a problem statement should be brief, sometimes giving little information reduces your chances of taking the specific action, obtaining necessary resources, and enlisting support. The best way on how to write a problem statement is to avoid giving any indication about the causes of a problem or the actions the management should be taking to solve it, just as indicated in the example of problem statement given above. Furthermore, you should not solve a problem when writing a statement of the problem.

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