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In a research paper, the statement of the problem is the first part of the paper to be read. Therefore the problem statement should be able to attract the attention and interest of the reader and establish a persuasive context for what follows.

A problem statement in a research can be understood as a clear concise description of the issues that need to be addressed by a problem solving side. A problem statement should describe the problem, describe its causes, and identify potential approaches or solutions to the problem through the use of literature reviews.

The primary purpose of a problem statement is to focus the attention of the problem solving team. However, if the focus of the problem is too narrow or the scope of the solution too limited the creativity and innovation of the solution can be limited.

Ellis & Levy (in press) described that a research-worthy problem statement is the description of an active challenge faced by researchers and/or practitioners that does not have adequate solutions available including the argumentation for its viability based on solid peer-reviewed sources as well as theoretical foundation.

Robinson (2006) explained that the importance of the problem should receive considerable and persuasive. Clearly indicate why certain problem is an important one by answering all six basic questions of what, how, where, when, why, and who.

Deane (1998) had discussed some very concrete considerations for determining research problems that can lead to successful research productivity:

(a)    Sources of Research Problems
One of the major sources of research problems is their repertoire of professional experience and practice. Means that a researcher should have a professional and exposure about the topic he/she want to study.

(b)    Professional Literature
Major source of researchable problems is the professional literature or precise literature review.

(c)    Theory
It is important to test theories and concepts for their applicability in the problem statement of any particular research.

(d)    Selecting a Research Problem
In order to select a research problem, the potential researcher can begin by jotting down ideas for research or areas of interest whenever they are noted in clinical practice, at professional meetings, or in the review of literature. Brainstorming with colleagues is also helpful and stimulating as ideas are identified for improving practice.

There are several questions need to be considered before forming problem statement:

(1)    Is it a problem really interests you as a researcher? Means that researcher should have some curiosity about the topic and an interest in knowing more about the area of study.

(2)    Does the problem really matter and the issue is so significant? It is important to make sure that the problem really brings something to the targeted audience.

(3)    Is the problem that has been identified sufficiently general to be applied in practice? It is appropriate to ensure that the research findings will be applicable to more than one person in one place.

(4)    Does the researcher have sufficient knowledge of the topic to do the research? Means that the researcher should have control over the phenomenon they wish to study otherwise they will be facing some difficulties.

(e)    Evaluating the Research Problem
Evaluation of the potential research idea needs to be completed. It is important that the researcher evaluate the problem in a structured way prior to moving forward with the research process.

(f)    Significance
Does the research question have significance? The researcher should be able to justify the importance of the research at the same time ensuring the actual benefit of that research.

(g)    Researcher
Is the research of interest to the researcher? The problem statement should be in accordance with the ability, the experience, and the knowledge of the researcher.

(h)    Feasibility
Is the researcher realistic regarding the feasibility of the study? Adequate resources of for the research are important to make it run smoothly.

(i)    Researchability
Is this research problem amenable to scientific investigation? Research problem statements need to reflect the concept to be studied, the population of study, and the setting.

On the other hand, Reece (2008) stated that a problem statement should be:

a)    Concise – The essence of the problem needs to be condensed down to a single sentence.

b)    Specific – It should tackle a specific issue rather than general one; and

c)    Measurable – Problems can be measured in terms of degree and frequency. The strongest problem statements incorporate measurable aspects of both the degree and frequency of the problem as it exists.

From the above finding, I can conclude that a good problem statement in a research should be constituted of:

a)    Capacity to answer all six basic question of what, how, where, when, why, and who;

b)    Reliable source, literature review, applicable theory, relevant questions, completed evaluation, significance value, researcher’s exposure, feasibility of the research resources and researchability as well as measurable; and

c)    Concise, specific and measurable topic that will enable researcher to works on it accordingly.

As a conclusion the process of identification of a research problem is significantly critical to the research process. It is a challenging and exciting step towards research study. Specific criteria are used in the selection and evaluation of potential. Problem statement will clarifies the direction of the study.

References and suggested readings:

1. Donna M. Deane (1988) Determining a Research Problem, The Diabetes Educator 1988; 14; 231. Sage Publication;
2. Ellis, T. J., & Levy, Y. (in press). A framework of problem-based research: A guide for novice researchers. Informing Science Journal. Accessed on 12th January 2011 via  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem_statement;
3. Matthew Reece (2008), Davenport, Iowa. Article on Crafting Quality Problem Statements Problem statement guidelines, accessed on 13th January 2010 via http://portfolio.reecezone.net/artifact8.htm;
4. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, Article on Problem statement. Accessed on 12th January 2011 via  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem_statement; and
5. William C. Robinson (2006) Article on The Problem Statement in the Research Paper, School of Information Sciences, University of Tennessee, accessed on 11th January 2011 via http://web.utk.edu/~wrobinso/540_lec_problem.html.

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