Developing Problem Statements

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DevelopingProblemStatements
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Getting Started
Articulate problem statement
Identify topic of interest
Review the literature
Frame research Questions / Ho
Design methodology
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Research Problem / Topic

• be of interest to the researcher AND at least
  some segment of the educational community
• ensure some degree of originality (or extension
  of existing knowledge)
• have theoretical and/or practical educational
  significance
• add to existing knowledge in a meaningful way
• be researchable, feasible, and ethical

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Sources for Research Problem / Topic

• research interest of professor/mentor
• discussion with other graduate students
• researcher's professional experience interests
• current issues in education or social sciences
• research professional literature

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Problem Statement (Purpose)

• derived from research problem (topic)
• more specific than the research problem
• provides direction and focus
• identifies study variables
• suggests study methodology
• should be stated briefly enough to provide study
  overview, but specifically enough to guide study