How to Write a statement of the problem for a PhD Dissertation

Writing a statement of the problem for a PhD dissertation involves identifying and clearly articulating the research problem the dissertation seeks to address. The statement of the problem should be concise, clear, and relevant to the research topic. Remember that identifying the research problem is an iterative process, and you may need to refine your problem statement several times before it is appropriate for your dissertation.

Here are some steps to help you write a statement of the problem for your PhD dissertation:

Review the literature: Conduct a thorough review of the literature related to the research problem. This will help you identify the existing gaps in knowledge and the areas that need further exploration.

Identify the research problem: Start by identifying the research problem or issue that you intend to investigate. This should be a problem that is significant, relevant and requires further investigation.

Define the research problem: Once you have identified the research problem, clearly define it in your own words. This should include the context, scope, and objectives of the study.

State the scope and significance: Consider the scope of the research problem and ensure that it is appropriate for the scope of your dissertation. This includes considering the time, resources, and data required to investigate the problem. Explain why the research problem is significant and why it needs further investigation. This should include the study's potential contributions to the research field.

State the research questions hypothesis: State the specific research questions the dissertation seeks to answer. These questions should be aligned with the research problem and should be clear, concise, and measurable. If your study involves a hypothesis, clearly state it in the statement of the problem. This should be a clear and testable statement explaining the research's expected outcome.

Provide an overview: Finally, provide an overview of the research methodology you intend to use to investigate the research problem.

Refine the problem: Refine your research problem to ensure it is specific, clear, and focused on a research question you can answer through your research methodology.

Remember that a good statement of the problem should be clear, concise, and relevant to the research topic. It should also provide a strong foundation for the rest of the dissertation.