How to Write Good Research Statement of Problem

 
A research statement of the problem is a crucial part of any research paper or thesis, as it clearly defines the issue or gap in knowledge that the research will address. It sets the stage for the research by explaining why the study is necessary and what problem it aims to solve. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to write a research statement of the problem:

##Steps to Write a Research Statement of the Problem
1. Identify the General Area of Interest: Start by introducing the broad subject area or context of your research. This helps the reader understand the scope and relevance of your topic.

Example: If you're studying the impact of social entrepreneurship on community development, begin by describing the growing interest in social entrepreneurship and its relevance to community welfare.

2. Highlight the Existing Knowledge or Situation: Describe the current state of knowledge or practice related to your topic. This might include what has already been studied or implemented.

Example: You might discuss existing studies on social entrepreneurship, but note that many of them focus on larger organizations or businesses in urban areas, leaving gaps in understanding its impact in rural or marginalized communities.

3. Identify the Gap or Problem: The core of the problem statement is to identify the gap or issue that has not been sufficiently addressed in existing research or practice. This gap should be directly related to your research question.

Example: You might note that there is limited research specifically on how social enterprises in rural or underserved areas contribute to community development, and there is a lack of comprehensive data on the long-term impact of these initiatives.

4. Explain the Importance of the Problem: Justify why this problem is worth investigating. You should explain why addressing this gap will contribute to knowledge, policy, practice, or community well-being.

Example: Understanding the impact of social enterprises in rural communities can lead to more targeted policy interventions, resource allocation, and better support for social entrepreneurs who are working to alleviate poverty and improve access to basic services.
State the Research Objectives or Questions:

5. Clearly outline the research objectives or the questions you aim to answer in your study. This helps the reader understand the focus of your research and how you plan to tackle the problem.
Example: "This study seeks to explore how social entrepreneurship initiatives impact economic empowerment and community cohesion in rural areas, specifically by addressing gaps in access to education and healthcare."

6. Conclude with the Significance of the Research: End your problem statement by summarizing how your research will fill the gap and contribute to the existing body of knowledge or practice.

Example: "By focusing on the impact of social enterprises in rural communities, this research will provide valuable insights for policymakers, community leaders, and social entrepreneurs on how to effectively support and scale these initiatives."

##Example of a Research Statement of the Problem
Topic: The Impact of Social Entrepreneurship on Community Development in Rural Areas
Social entrepreneurship has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to address pressing social and environmental challenges. Social enterprises, by definition, prioritize social impact alongside profit-making, making them especially relevant in communities facing economic hardship and limited access to services. While existing literature has extensively studied social entrepreneurship in urban environments, less attention has been given to its application in rural or marginalized areas.
In particular, little is known about how social enterprises contribute to long-term community development in these regions. Most studies focus on the financial success of these ventures, but there is a lack of comprehensive research on their broader social impact, including the enhancement of community cohesion, access to education, and healthcare services. This gap in knowledge leaves policymakers and social entrepreneurs without the tools to effectively design and scale initiatives that could improve the livelihoods of rural populations.

The importance of addressing this gap is clear: rural communities often face unique challenges, such as high levels of poverty, unemployment, and limited infrastructure. Understanding the role of social entrepreneurship in these contexts is crucial for creating sustainable solutions to community development. This study will explore the social, economic, and cultural impacts of social enterprises on rural communities, with a particular focus on empowerment, education, and healthcare.
By investigating this underexplored area, this research aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on social entrepreneurship and provide practical recommendations for enhancing its effectiveness in rural community development.

##Tips for Writing an Effective Problem Statement

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your problem statement focused and clear. Avoid unnecessary jargon and get straight to the point.

Provide Context: Make sure the reader understands why the problem is significant and needs addressing.

Use Evidence: If available, support your statements with data or references to studies showing the gap in knowledge or practice.
Stay Focused on the Research: Ensure the problem is specific enough to be addressed within the scope of your study.

By following these steps, you can effectively communicate the significance of your research and clearly define the problem you aim to solve.