Meaning of problem statement (what is it, concept and definition)

What is the Problem Statement:

The problem statement is the part of a thesis, work or research project in which the subject or question that is intended to clarify is exposed.

From the point of view of scientific methodology, the approach to the problem is the basis of any study or research project, since it defines, refines and formally structures the idea that drives the research.

But how do we know that we are facing a problem suitable for a research paper? Well, mainly when we find that there is no answer in the corpus of scientific investigations to explain that specific fact or phenomenon.

For the formulation of the problem, we must go from the general to the particular, since it starts from a question that encompasses a problem that will then be addressed by parts.

In methodological terms, the problem statement, which is also usually the first chapter of a thesis, aims to answer the fundamental question of "what to investigate?" So the approach to the problem is what determines, guides and justifies the development of the research process.

See also:

• Research project.Parts of a thesis.

Elaboration of the problem statement

The elaboration of the problem statement, as such, requires several phases: identification, assessment, formulation, definition and delimitation of the problem. Then I explain it step by step.

1. Identification of the problem: implies the discovery of the topic or question that is intended to be addressed. Assessment of the problem: consists of evaluating the relevance, importance or relevance of the identified problem. Formulation of the problem: involves the elaboration of the problem in the form of a question. For example: "How does the emission of greenhouse gases affect global warming?" Definition of the problem: it is the review of the background of the topic, the theories or currents within which the topic is located, etc. Delimitation of the problem: it supposes the precision and delimitation of the specific aspects of the subject that will be addressed.

From the problem statement and its delimitation, in turn, emerges the set of objectives (general and specific) that the research aims to achieve.