This document defines a problem statement and discusses its importance and purposes. A problem statement clearly explains a current issue that requires action to improve the situation. It objectively defines the facts of the problem without opinions. Problem statements are important communication tools that help define and understand problems to develop effective solutions. They provide crucial information for decision-making and research. The key purposes of a problem statement are to identify the problem, explain the desired outcome, and clarify the proposed solution and goals. It serves as a guide for the research and ensures the solution addresses the original problem.

1. Problem Statement
Josfeena Bashir
BGSBU, Jammu.

2. Problem Statement
• A problem statement is a statement of a current
issue or problem that requires timely action to
improve the situation.
• This statement concisely explains the barrier the
current problem places between a functional
process and/or product and the current
(problematic) state of affairs.

3. Cont…
• This statement is completely objective, focusing
only on the facts of the problem and leaving out
any subjective opinions.
• The problem statement, in addition to defining a
pressing issue, is a lead-in to a proposal of a
timely, effective solution.

4. Defination
• Problem statement refer to questions raised in a
research project which clearly reflects what kind
of answers is expected to be discovered through
the process of research (Ary, Jacobs, Razavieh,
1979:42).

5. Importance of Problem statement
• A problem statement is a communication tool.
• Problem statements are important to businesses,
individuals and other entities to develop projects focused
on improvement.
• A clear, concise problem statement is typically used by a
researcher to help define and understand the problem
and develop possible solutions.
• These statements also provide important information
that is crucial in decision-making in relation to these
researches .

6. Purposes
• One is to identify and explain the problem in a
concise but detailed way to give the reader a
comprehensive view of what's going on.
• Another purpose of the problem statement is to
clarify what the expected outcomes are. Establishing
what the desired situation would look like helps
provide an overarching idea about the project.
• The proposed solution and scope and goals of the
solution are made clear through this statement.

7. Cont..
• The problem statement provides a guide for
navigating the research once it begins.
• It is continually referenced throughout the
duration of the project to help the researcher
remain focused and on track.
• Near the completion of the project, this
statement is again referred to in order to verify
the solution has been implemented as stated and
that it does indeed solve the initial problem.

8. Cont….
• It can help in making sure that proper steps are
being taken to conduct the same research in the
future.
• The problem statement does not attempt to
define the solution, nor does is outline the
methods of arriving at the solution. The problem
statement is a statement that initiates the
process by recognizing the problem.

9. Writing Research Statements
• Style:
▫ Avoid jargon. Make sure that you describe your
research in language that many people outside
your specific subject area can understand. Ask
people both in and outside your field to read it
before you send your application
▫ Write as clearly, concisely, and concretely as you
can.
▫ Keep it at a summary level
▫ Ask others to proofread it. Be sure there are no
spelling errors.

10. Content: of research statement
• An individual or a group with some difficulty or
problem.
• Objectives of research that are to be attained.
• The environment in which the problem exists.
• Two or more course of action or Alternative
means for obtaining the objective.
• Two or more possible Outcomes.
• Objective of the study.

11. Type of research statement
1.Declarative format:
In this format, a research problem is stated in
declarative statement.
▫ e.g.- impact of library internship on MLIS
student of Pondicherry University.
2. Interrogative format:
In interrogative format, a research problem is stated
in question form.
▫ e.g- “What is the Impact of library internship on
MLIS Student of Pondicherry University ?”

12. Steps
Briefly
understand
your topic
List all the
details
Provide an
in-depth
analysis
Summarize
the points
Conciseness
and Clarity