1. ANALYSIS AND STATEMENT
OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM
M.C.Masatu, MD, MSc, PhD

2. OUTLINE
 INTRODUCTION
 ANALYSIS OF THE PROBLEM
 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

3. INTRODUCTION
Analysis and Statement of a problem is
applicable when the research topic is
a PROBLEM
◦ i.e. When an applied/operational
research is done

4. ANALYSIS OF THE PROBLEM
 Identify the core problem
 Identify possible contributing factors
 Determine relationship between the
problem and the contributing factors
(problem analysis diagram)
 Regroup the contributing factors into
broad categories where appropriate
 Decide on the focus and scope of the
research

5. PROBLEM ANALYSIS
DIAGRAM
Inaccessible Unaware of
facilities symptoms/
signs
Delay in
leprosy
diagnosis
Negative
attitude to Unskilled
modern health
health care worker
Lack of
diagnostic
facilities

6. STATEMENT OF THE
PROBLEM
 Describe the nature of the problem
◦ What is the discrepancy
◦ Magnitude/size
◦ Distribution (who? Where? When?)
◦ Severity (intensity, consequences)
 State the possible contributing factors and
how the might lead to the problem
 State efforts done previously to solve the
problem and effects

7. EX AMPLE