This document is a guide by Dr. Nancy Agens on developing a PhD dissertation research problem, emphasizing the significance of a clear and precise problem statement. It outlines steps for identifying research gaps, understanding the research problem, observing relevant factors, and ensuring the relevance of chosen research topics. The guide highlights that a well-conceived problem statement is essential for the success of a dissertation and helps communicate the research objectives effectively.

1. DEVELOPING A PHD
DISSERTATION RESEARCH
PROBLEM: A GUIDE FOR
DOCTORAL STUDENTS
An Academic presentation by
Dr. Nancy Agens, Head, Technical Operations,Phdassistance
Group www.phdassistance.com
Email: info@phdassistance.com

2. In- Brief
Introduction
Research Problem
Deriving Problem Statements
Key elements of a significant problem statement include
Steps To Develop The Research Problem
Conclusion
Outline
TODAY'S DISCUSSION

3. In-Brief
One of the important goals of any problem statement is to define the
problem being addressed in a way that's clear and precise. It aims to focus
on the process improvement team's activities and steer the scope of the
project. PhD Dissertation Problem Statement Helps to identify a clear,
definite statement of the area of concern or investigation and is backed by
evidence. Thesis problem Identification is the key thing that drives the
research process and produces a framework

4. A Research Problem is the Statement in the research
writing about an area of concern, a condition to be
improved or difficulty eliminated, or a troubling question
that exist in the scholarly article.
In academic writing, a problem statement can help
readers to contextualize and understand the
significance of the research problem stated.
The research problem may be a paragraph or in a few
lines that states the whole thesis.
The problem statement will vary depending on whether
you're dealing with a practical, real-world problem or a
theoretical scientific issue.
Introduction

5. PhD Thesis Problem Statement is the driving force
of the research.
Generally, Researchers find a Gap in the scholarly
article and then pick the area of study to make the
study more practical and manageable.
Since it is the driving force having a well-conceived
problem statement is an essential component of
all these activities.
So, the problem statement serves as the foundation
role that formally communicates with the readers.
Research
Problem

6. The main function of the problem statement is to justify useful information that
might help investigate the problem.
PhD Dissertation Problem Identification might be helpful to form a solution to
the problem.
The evaluation might determine the extent to which the solution addressed.
This process is carried out to check whether the presence of the same study or
the same information by different researchers may propose the same of
different problems and identify the different goals for the Research.

7. A problem statement should be in the form that
describes an undesirable gap between current
state performance and the desired future
performance.
A problem statement should include relative
measures of the problem that quantify the gap,
but should not include possible cause or solution.
Deriving
Problem
Statements

8. Identify the current gap.
Mention the time frame, location and trend:
Describe when and where the problem was first
observed and what type of trend following.
Impact: Quantify the gap in cost, time, quality,
environmental.
Importance: Developing a Dissertation Research
Problem to the organization, the individual, to the
betterment of the environment or society.
Key Elements
of a Significant
Problem
Statement

9. The most important step in any PhD Problem
Identification is to identify the problem area before
stating the research problem.
Select the unexplored broad area topic.
Broad area topic will be helpful to find the gap easily.
The ultimate aim is to find gaps in your work.
Always look for a broad area of research then make the
study area narrowing down to choose an appropriate
scholarly journal to carry out the research.
Steps to
Develop the
Research
Problem
Contd..
1. Choosing the
Area for
Research

10. After choosing the area to conduct the research,
make sure you understand the problem statement
before picking it to your work.
If it is understood clearly, then it is used in the
research to frame a proper question that is related to
your research work.
In this step, the researcher has the responsibility to
understand completely what the research is to
address the findings of the research.
2. Understanding
the Research
Problem
Contd..

11. Observing and identifying the right research based on
the subject chosen is important.
Dissertation Identifying a Research Problem assist in
observing the research problem that will help you find
the relevant statement to the research you are engaged.
It is essential to identify the novel work that is new in the
research area you choose if you find the research
problem statement.
3. Observe and
Identify
Contd..

12. Review the key terms in the research that help you to
find the relevant article to your search.
To do this, you have to note the factors that will affect
the research project and begin formulating a different
kind of methods to control them.
Make a note of key terms that drive your research and
put a list of words to review the factors.
It is best to consider the relationships between factors
and the degree of control you have to do over them.
4. Review the
Key Factors
Involved
Contd..

13. It will help you to define whether the findings of your project will produce enough
information that worth the cost.
You need to determine:
Which causes can be controlled and used for the research purpose.
The functional relationships between the factors
Determine the key term that drives the solution to the research problem.
Which factors directly affect the solution to the research problem.
Contd..

14. Give priority based on your area of research.
Collect a list of article and align according to the need or
according to the relevance of the paper.
This step is a critical step to carry out because it takes time
and needs expert help to complete this challenging task.
It has a more chance to select the article that is not at all
similar to the research work you are going to carry out.
PhD Thesis Problem Statement Help you in choosing the
research paper that is relevant to your field of study.
5. Give
Priority
Contd..

16. Once found the potential research problem, there is a
need to evaluate them to ensure the selected statement is
relevant to the appropriate research.
PhD Thesis Problem Identification assists in finding
Stronger research problems that are more likely to
succeed in publication, presentation, and application.
So, PhD Dissertation Research problem Identification help
you to find a strong, manageable research question to
your dissertation.
Conclusion

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