Draft your Statement of the Problem
Topic 3: Background and Introduction

As you draft your Statement of the Problem, consider the following:The purpose of the statement of the problem is to focus on what is not known or what is problematic about what you will study, as well as establish the parameters for your study specific to where you will focus your attention in the dissertation. In this activity, you will draft your statement of the problem.

• Broadly, a component of the statement of the problem is to establish and refine areas of your study that will be further examined in your dissertation.
  • What is not known or what is problematic? What will you study?
  • What are the parameters for your study? Where will you focus?

• Generally, a component of the problem statement is to focus on what is not known and/or what is problematic in the existing literature – and – anticipate a critical evaluation of the literature in Chapter Two.

• What remains problematic within the literature on the topic you have chosen?

• Specifically, a component of the problem statement is to establish clearly defined parameters of your distinct areas of focus based on your knowledge of the existing literature.
  • On what specific aspects of the problem will you focus based on the most significant concepts, themes, and perspectives in the prevailing literature?