Creating the Problem Statement

8/17/2019 Creating the Problem Statement

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Creating The ProblemStatement

The Key to Your Dissertation orResearch Project

Marilyn K. Simon, Ph.D.


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The Heart of a Dissertationl The heart of a doctoral dissertation IS the

PROBLEM STATEMENT. This is the placewhere most committee members go first

to understand and assess the merits of aproposal or a dissertation.l After reading the problem statement, the

reader will know why you are doing thisstudy and be convinced of itsimportance.

l The reader will NOT be left with anunanswered: So What? question at thestudies conclusion.


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Select a Real Problem

l That which is not worth doing is notworth doing well Abraham Maslow

l Simple curiosity is not a good enoughreason to do scholarly research, i.e.research for research sake.

l

The fact that nothing like this has ever beendone before might tell you something.


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Selecting a Real Probleml You must know thoroughly the body

of research and the techniques

related to the chosen methodology.l Naivety might be a source of joy in anartistic field but is not the case invalued research efforts.

l You must know:What you are doing +Why you are doing it!


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Bias aside truth is what we seek

l Consider this, you who are engaged ininvestigation: If you choose to seek truth,

cast aside: passion, accepted thought, andthe inclination toward what you used toesteem, and you shall not be led into error.

Just the facts; watch out for bias.

Moses Maimonides; 12th Century scholar, philosopher, and physician.


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According Mikijanis and Thomas:http://kancrn.kckps.k12.ks.us/guide/question.html >

l 1. Do not use a problem in researchas a ruse for achieving self-enlightenment .

l 2. Do not look at a problem whose onypurpose is to compare two sets ofdata.


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According Mikijanis and Thomas:

Don ts:http://kancrn.kckps.k12.ks.us/guide/question.html >

l 3. Finding only a coefficient of correlationbetween two sets of data to describe arelationship between those data sets is not

acceptable as a problem for scholarly researchl 4. A problem that leads to a question that can beanswered with yes or no is not suitable forformal, scholarly research. Determining if stockoptions are beneficial for employee morale, isnot a problem (actually it is a proposed solution)

and is not appropriate for research, since thisstatement leads to a binary conclusion (either itis beneficial or not).


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To enact Positive Social Change

l Suppose, you wish to make history and notsimply understand it.

l Suppose you want to effect change ratherthan simply gain insight into it.

l Suppose you are confronted with theproblem of, or desire to, change theSystem .

What change would you make? Whatchallenges do you face? How could you

proceed?


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Metaphors: A ProblemStatement is likemetaphor -- a novel or poetic linguistic expression where one or more

words for a concept are used outside normal conventional meaning toexpress a similar concept. Aristotle

l The DNA of the researchl A snapshot of the researchl The foundation of the researchl The Heart of the researchl A taste of the researchl A blueprint for the study


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Your Problem Statement

l What is the overriding problem?Retention; inability to adapt to change; poor workingconditions; inequities; poor conditions in health oreconomics, deficits; lack of evaluation of a program;conflict in: ethics, values, morals

l Where is the problem found?Manufacturing; education; health administration;government; society; corporate America

l What needs to be done to solve the problem?Survey; interview; create a new model; determinewhat experts believe; evaluate; meta-analyze,conduct an experiment; benchmark


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Problem Statementl In 200 words or less (about 1-2

paragraphs) you need to convince thereader that this study MUST be done!

l Society, or one of its institutions hassome pressing problem that needs closerattention. You will provide evidence thatthis problem is serious and in need offurther investigation.

l You will convince the reader that theproblem can be solved with themethodology selected.


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Problem Statementl The researcher (you) will solve some part

of this serious problem in a unique and

clever way.l You will explain what specificmethodology you will use to solve theproblem.

l The reader will know that it is importantthat this study be done with themethodology you have chosen to solve it!


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Problem Statementl The problem statement will state or imply the nature

of the study: correlation; heuristic; Delphi; Q-methodology, evaluative; phenomenological,historical; create a model; experimental, etc .

l You will be judged on the degree to which you findthe answer to the problem you pose and thus,achieve your purpose.

l Many (most?) Researchers have difficulty formulatinga concise problem statement. That is the purpose ofthis presentation.

l This is an iterative process and will likely takemultiple attempts to get it right!


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Some Basic Questions

l 1. What is the overriding problem (in onesentence)?

l 2. What is the population and sample thatare affected by this problem?

l 3. What type of study will this be?l 4. Will this study be qualitative or

quantitative?l

5. What type of methodology will be used?l 6. What type of data will be collected?l 7. What possible outcomes are expected?


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Some Inequities in societyl Gap between rich and poor.l Unequal access to employment and

rates of pay.l Unequal access to education.l Unequal access to health care.l Discrimination due to sexual

preference; gender, race,physicality; etc.l Unhealthy conditions.


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According to Merriam (1988) There Are Three Basic Types ofResearch Problems :CAVe : Conceptual, Action, Value

l 1. Conceptual problem - two juxtaposedelements that are conceptually ortheoretically inconsistent.

This is the way it should be this is the way itis.

l Example: Short-term economic and political interestscan limit the vision of a corporation and inhibit theachievement of long term improvement .

l Example: We would like the top undergrad students tobe teachers but the entry salary is not commensuratewith the salaries these students could earn.


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Concept Probleml The Iowa State Park system s first mission is to

protect and preserve the State Parks for theirnatural beauty and delicate ecosystems. Thesecond mission is to provide an outdoorrecreational resource for the general

public. Foot traffic, vehicle traffic, tents, fires,boats, and facilities for the public contribute to thedegradation of the protected natural elements of

the State Parks. Both missions are necessary buta balance based on science and public interestsdemands is sometimes hard to negotiate.


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According to Merriam (1988) There Are 3 Basic Types ofResearch Problems:cAv(e)

l 2. Action problem arises when aconflict offers no clear choice of alternativecourse of action. Undesirable outcome dueto apparent lack of choices.

E.g. Hazardous Material Responders at UPSare required to wear personal protectiveequipment when responding to a spill, but thegear is not always available at the placeswhere the spills are located.


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According to Merriam (1988) There Are 3 Basic Types ofResearch Problems:caV(e)

Value problem A value problemarises when there is a conflict aboutwhat people consider ethical, moral,worthwhile, and/or desirable .E.g. Employees believe their dress isa matter of freedom of choice but

companies are requiring a dresscode.


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To Frame Your Problem Statement (PS)

l What is wrong with society, or one of itsinstitutions ?

Employees/students are quittingOvercrowdingInequity

Inadequate productivityUnderachievingLack of resourcesScandalsUnevaluated ProgramSome group is being physically, economicallyor psychologically harmed

l What has failed in society or one of itsorganizations? An unfulfilled promise

Under-representationEthical and/or moral dilemmaDepletion of resourcesInability to adjust to change


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Framing Your PS (Con t)

all questions you will answer.l What is missing in society?l What historical event is in need of re-

examination?l What program is in need of study or

evaluation?l What program needs to be developed?l What need is there to analyze a current theory

based on new events?l What group is being under-served?l What health or social problem exists?


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What Research Methodology

Best Describes Your Study?l Correlational research refers purpose

- discover relationships between

variables through the use ofcorrelational statistics (r) , IV and DV.Make certain each IV and DV can be justified.

l Be careful and remember that

correlation does not necessarily tellus about cause and effect.


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What Research Methodology

Best Describes Your Study?l If a strong relationship is found

between two variables, causality can

be tested by using an experimentalapproach or more sophisticatedstatistical techniques.

l Usually requires a large sample.l Multivariate larger.


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Correlational Studyl Correlational research refers purpose -

discover relationships between variablesthrough the use of correlational statistics(r) , IV and DV.

Make certain each IV and DV can be justified.l Be careful and remember that correlation

does not tell us about cause and effect.l A problem: Learning more about therelationship between ___ and ___, could

help ___ and lead to____.


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True Experimental and Quasi Experimental

Design

l True - subjects are randomly assigned toprogram and control groups. A treatment is

given to the Control Group.Every member of the target population has anequal chance of being selected for the sample.Quantitative data are collected.

l Quasi- the omission of random assignmentof participants to a program and controlgroup.


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Qualitative Research Methods

¨ Study social and cultural phenomena.¨ Examples: action research, case study research,

ethnography, phenomenology.¨ Qualitative data - observation and participant

observation (fieldwork), interviews andquestionnaires, documents and texts, and theresearcher s impressions and reactions.

¨ Understand phenomenon from the point of view ofparticipants and its particular social andinstitutional or organizational context.


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Case Study

investigates contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context, using multiple types of data.

¨ Emphasizes detailed contextual analysis of a limitednumber of events or conditions and their

relationships.¨ Social scientists, have made wide use of this

qualitative research method to examinecontemporary real-life situations and provide thebasis for the application of ideas and extension ofmethods.

¨ An empirical inquiry that is u sed when theboundaries between phenomenon and contextare not clearly evident" (Yin,1994, p. 23).


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Critically analyze theProblem Statements that

follow.

What could make these

statements better?


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Problem Statement A

(52 Words)

l The Department of Justice (DOJ) found thatminority applicants are disproportionatelydenied business loans (Boyd, 2002). Aquantitative descriptive study is needed toinvestigate how the required monitoring data,reported by decision (accept/deny) andgeography (Census tract,) and the means of

obtaining the loan (face-to-face/electronic) arerelated and what could be done to developstrategies to correct unfair lending practices .


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Problem Statement B

l Anxiety, frustration, pressure and stress causemany doctoral degree seeking learners toabandon doctoral programs. Brown andRudenstine (1992) found that over 40% ofthose who begin the process never graduate.Long, Convey, and Chwalek (1985) pointed outthat selecting and developing a dissertationtopic is one of the of important yet difficult

steps in completing a doctoral degree. Thisbecomes even more difficult in a nontraditional,distance learning doctoral program where f2fmeetings between mentors and mentees areinfrequent.


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Problem Statement B (con t)

l In order to offer appropriate assistanceto nontraditional distance doctoral

students it is important that a rigorousdescriptive quantitative study beconducted to determine how successfulgraduates of non-traditional doctoral

programs selected their topics, and whattype of support could be offered to thosewho are struggling.


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Problem Statement C

l Emotional intelligence includes the abilityto be aware and in control of one s ownemotions, to be empathic with others, tomotivate oneself, and to be effective inintrapersonal and interpersonalrelationships (Cooper & Sawaf, 1997;Gardner 1993, 1999; Goleman 1995, 1998;Mayer & Salovey 1997; Stein & Book, 2000;

Weisinger 1998). When humancommunication is involved, emotionalintelligence is involved (Rivera, 2000a,2000b).


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Problem Statement C

l Attrition appears to be a serious problemin online learning, as the dropout rate is

more than twice that of traditional formsof learning (Flood, 2002; Lynch, 2001).Learning more about the relationshipbetween emotional intelligence and online

learning might help offer an explanationfor the unacceptably high attrition rate oflearners in online programs.


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Problem Statement Dl Bullying is one of the most critical issues facing

middle school education. Beane (2008), found thattwo in seven children is subjected to bullyingbehavior and that it affects about ten million middleschool children. Bullies who once cornered theirvictims on the playground are now tormenting themonline (Blaire, 2009). E-mail messages and Websites have increasingly become vehicles to threaten,tease, and humiliate other students.


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Statement Dl Yet, to date, there has been little, if any, formal

evaluation of online bullying, referred to bymany as cyberbullying . Incidents of online

bullying can be just as hurtful as face to facebullying, yet are less likely to be detected orprevented by adults. In order to be able tounderstand the complexities of online bullying,it is important that a case study be conducted

to determine the ill effects of online bullyingand examine a case where online bullying wasdetected and dealt with.


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Side note on bullyinghttp://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/10/06/1065292524799.html?from=storyrhsl The internet has transformed children's social lives,

moving cliques from lunchrooms and lockers to livechats and online bulletin boards and intensifying

their reach and power. When conflicts arise today,children use their expertise with interactivetechnologies to humiliate and bully their peers andavoid reprimand from adults or foes. As parentsplead technological ignorance and many schoolsdecline to discipline "off-campus" behavior, the

Internet has become a free-for-all where bullying andcruelty are rampant.


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Problem Statement El Alternative education programs offer an option

for disaffected and disenfranchised students whowould otherwise dropout or be pushed out ofschool. For the past 30 years, a growing number ofalternative education programs across the UnitedStates have helped at-risk students achieve academicsuccess (Duke & Griesdorn, 1999; Freeman, 2000;Meyers, 2001). There has been extensive inquiry intoa variety of alternative education programsdescribing alternative education programs byapproach (i.e., type I, transformative; type II, punitive;and, type III, therapeutic) (Kellmayer, 1995; Lehr &Lange, 2000, 2003; Raywid, 1994).


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Problem Statement El There, however, has been little formal inquiry into the

leadership and managerial practices that advancetransitioning an alternative education program from a

marginally effective type III to a more effective type Iapproach as presented by Raywid s (1994) alternativeschool typology. To confirm, challenge, or extendthis typology in a natural and unique setting, andprovide a holistic understanding of this culturalsystem of action to leaders involved in alternativeeducation programs and policy it is important that anevaluative case study be conducted


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Problem Statement Fl Leaders need a comprehensive

understanding of economic theory and itsapplication to help foster positive economicoutcomes. Davis and Wessel (1998) foundthat leaders who lack a profoundunderstanding of economics see only theresults and cannot critically analyzeeconomic problems. However, well-informed leaders make better decisionsthat can enhance resource allocation andcontribute to efficiency, productivity, andliving standards.


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Problem Statement Fl Case and Fair (1999) recommend that economics be taught

in a way that simulates real world events and situations.Economic textbooks have a reputation for being dull andabstract. Therefore, many educators have relied on

supplemental materials, including interactive simulatedcase studies. One of the more promising of the genre isAplia. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence todetermine how effective such applications are with respectto improving the ability of students to solve economicproblems and make sound economic decisions. Aquantitative quasi-experimental designed study could helpelucidate the efficacy of integrating technology into theeconomic curricula. Half of the participants of this studywill utilize Aplia software (the experimental group) and acomparison will be made between the knowledge gained inusing this software and that gained from more traditionalteaching methods (the control group).


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Problem Statement Gl Identity fraud is one of the fastest growing crimes in

America (Adams, 2002). In 2003, at least 7 millionAmericans were victims of identity fraud, an increaseof 79% from 2002 (AFP, 2003). The nation s system ofpersonal identification and verification failed to stopthe 9/11 terrorists and according to the 9/11Investigations report (Strasser, 2004), some of the 19hijackers of the 9/11 attacks had fraudulentidentification, passports, and other travel documents(Wang, 2004). Seven of the 19 hijackers fraudulentlyobtained and used drivers licenses as identificationto board commercial aircraft ( Driver s License Fraud ,2003).


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Problem Statement Gl Drivers licenses can still be obtained or made

fraudulently and are still used as a de facto form ofnational identification (Etzioni, 2004). The 9/11Commission Repor t (9/11 Commission, 2004)recommended using an NBIC system as a morereliable and secure means of fighting terrorism. Oneassociated problem of the 9/11 Commission srecommendation is that various civil libertyadvocates oppose the use of a compulsory NBIC,arguing that compulsory use of NBICs may have apotential to deprive citizens of their civil rights andinvade individual privacy (Eaton, 2003). A Delphistudy is needed to understand how experts perceivethe strengths and weaknesses of the NBIC programand how to use this in future programs.


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A Problem Statement Must Pass ROC

Test. Show the Study Is:

l Researchable - the problem can beanswered by collecting and analyzingdata. (Doable)

l Original.Has not been done previously and creates newknowledge.Can be a repetitive study with newpopulation/passage of time.

l Contributory.Make a difference in profession.In society.


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A Problem Statement Must Elucidate:

Importance- needs to have theoreticalor practical importance.

The type of research to be employed.The population to be investigated and

why this population was chosen.The variables and how the variables

are related and will be measured.Clarity, conciseness, and lucidity.


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Template for initial draft of problem statementThere is a problem in ___________(societalorganization). Despite _________________(something that should be happening)

___________ is occurring. This problem hasnegatively impacted ____________(victims ofproblem) because _________________. Apossible cause of this problem is ___________Perhaps a study which investigates

___________ by ________(method) couldremedy the situation."I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand"John Dewey on Experiential Learning.


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Check PointReflections on creating a Problem

Statement (PS)

l What do you now know about a PS that youdid not know before this presentation?

l

What is the most important aspect of a PS?l What did you know about a PS before this

presentation that you now know is false?l What will you need to DO to get you closer to

forming a perfect problem statement?


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Academic Review check list:

4. General population group of proposed study is identified. [e.g.Principals from the Northeast will be surveyed to determine .].

3. Introductory words describing Methodological approach (i.e. ResearchDesign) are given and are appropriate to the specific proposal problem ,

[e.g. This qualitative case study will examine ]

2. Specific Problem proposed for research. (use citation & usually anumber to make it clear to the reader. [ e.g. 3 out of 5 Superintendents areoverweight and at risk for heart attack]

1. General Problem identifying the need for the study. The problem is

Problem Statementabout 200 words

The Problem Statement concisely states what will be studied by describing atleast two factors and a conjectured relationship among them that leadsto an identified problem .


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Check Again

Problem Statement 4 required partsl 1 . General Problem identifying the need for the study. Provide

current statistics and research to support that the problem isreal and exists NOW. [e,g, About 21-24% of American childrenand adolescents are overweight and another 16-18% are obese(NIH, 2010)]

l 2. Specific Problem proposed for research. It is important tounderstand if the Healthy Children program has helpedreduce childhood obesity.

l 3. Introductory words describing methodological approach (i.e.Research Design) are given and are appropriate to the specificproposal problem , E.g. This mixed method case study willexplore the efficacy of the Healthy Children program

l 4. General population group of proposed study is identified.Stakeholders in the Healthy Children program in Baltimore,Maryland will be enrolled in this study.


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Your Turnl Complete a problem statement.l Share this with a support person.

Have him or her go through the PS Checklist.l See if it passes the ROC bottom test.l See if you can answer all the questions

about the PS.


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PS Check Listl 1. What is the overriding problem?

What type of problem is this? (CAVe)l 2. Is sufficient and convincing evidence

provided?l 3. What is the population and sample that

are affected by this problem?l 4. Will this study be qualitative or

quantitative?l 5. What type of methodology will be used?l 6. What type of data will be collected?l 7. What possible outcomes are expected?


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Template for initial draft of problem statementThere is a problem in ___________(societal organization). Despite

_________________ (something that should be happening) ___________ is

occurring. [provided supporting evidence]. This problem has negativelyimpacted ____________(victims of problem) because _________________. Apossible cause of this problem is ___________ Perhaps a study which

investigates ___________ by ________(paradigm/method) could remedy thesituation.

"I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand

John Dewey on Experiential Learning


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Concluding Thoughtsl "Each problem that I solved became a rule which

served afterwards to solve other problems. ReneDescartes (1596-1650), " Discours de la Methode

l

"The significant problems we face cannot be solvedat the same level of thinking we were at when wecreated them." Albert Einstein (1879-1955

l "Obstacles are those frightful things you see whenyou take your eyes off your goal." Henry Ford (1863-1947)

l "The secret of success is to know something nobodyelse knows." Aristotle Onassis (1906-1975)

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Creating the Problem Statement