How to Write a Research Problem Statement

 How to Write a Research Problem Statement

🧩 WHAT IS A RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT?

A research problem statement is a clear, concise description of the issue that your study aims to address.

It identifies:

• What the problem is

• Why it is a problem

• What causes it

• What effects it has

• What knowledge gap exists

• And what your study will do to address it

In other words:

“The problem statement tells your reader what is wrong, why it matters, and what needs to be done about it.”

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🎯 PURPOSE OF A PROBLEM STATEMENT

1. To show that a problem actually exists.

2. To highlight the need for your study.

3. To justify your research objectives.

4. To guide the direction of your study.

5. To help define variables and scope.

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🧠 BASIC STRUCTURE OF A PROBLEM STATEMENT

You can think of a good problem statement as a mini-story with four parts:

1. Context – Background of the issue (what’s going on?)

2. Conflict / Problem – The specific issue that needs attention.

3. Consequences – Why it matters or what negative outcomes exist.

4. Gap / Need for Study – What hasn’t been done or understood yet.

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🪶 FORMAT / OUTLINE

A problem statement is typically 3–5 paragraphs long.
Each paragraph should play a role, like this:

🔹 Paragraph 1 — Introduce the General Issue

Introduce the topic area and provide general context.

🔹 Paragraph 2 — Describe the Specific Problem

Show the situation, the challenge, or what’s wrong. Use statistics, reports, or previous studies to prove that the problem exists.

🔹 Paragraph 3 — Explain Why It’s a Problem

Discuss the effects or implications of the issue (e.g., economic loss, low productivity, social issues).

🔹 Paragraph 4 — Identify the Gap and Purpose

Highlight what is missing from existing studies or interventions, and state how your research will address it.

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🧾 TEMPLATE FOR WRITING A PROBLEM STATEMENT

You can adapt this 4-step template:

Although [describe general situation], [explain the specific problem].
This problem has resulted in [describe the consequences or negative effects].
Previous studies have attempted to [mention what has been done], but [show what is missing or inadequate].
Therefore, this study seeks to [state your main aim or what your research will do to solve the problem].

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✅ EXAMPLES OF STRONG RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENTS

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🧩 Example 1: Education Field

Topic: The Influence of Social Media on Students’ Academic Performance in Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa

In recent years, the widespread use of social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok has become an integral part of students’ daily lives. These platforms provide opportunities for communication and learning but have also been associated with distractions that may reduce students’ academic productivity.

Many students spend significant time on social media, often during study hours, which could lead to reduced attention span and poor academic outcomes. Studies have shown mixed results: some highlight the positive role of social media in academic collaboration, while others report negative effects on concentration and time management.

However, in the context of Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, little empirical research has been conducted to determine how social media usage patterns affect academic performance. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the influence of social media on the academic performance of students in Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa.

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🧩 Example 2: Banking / Economics Field

Topic: Cashless Policy and Performance of Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria

The Central Bank of Nigeria introduced the cashless policy to reduce cash-based transactions and promote efficient payment systems. While the policy aims to modernize the banking sector, its implementation has been met with challenges such as poor internet connectivity, cyber fraud, and customer resistance.

Several studies have evaluated the policy’s impact on financial inclusion and electronic payment adoption. However, limited attention has been given to its effect on the performance of deposit money banks, especially in terms of profitability, transaction efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

This lack of empirical evidence makes it difficult for policymakers and banks to measure the true success of the cashless policy. Therefore, this study aims to assess the impact of the cashless policy on the performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria.

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🧩 Example 3: Health Field

Topic: Evaluation of Health Workers’ Attitude and Practices Toward Health Hazards in Ede South Local Government

Health care workers are frequently exposed to various occupational hazards such as infections, chemical exposure, and needle-stick injuries. Their attitudes and practices play a crucial role in minimizing these risks. Despite the availability of safety guidelines, many health workers fail to comply with standard safety protocols.

Reports from Ede South Local Government have indicated rising cases of hospital-acquired infections, which may be linked to poor adherence to safety practices. Previous studies have focused mainly on urban hospitals, leaving a gap in understanding the situation in local government health centers.

Hence, this study seeks to evaluate the attitudes and practices of health care workers toward health hazards in Ede South Local Government, with the aim of identifying key areas for improvement.

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🧩 Example 4: Criminology Field

Topic: Assessing the Impact of Drug Abuse on Crime Rates in Nigerian Society

Drug abuse has become a major social and security concern in Nigeria, particularly among young people. The increasing availability of illicit substances such as codeine, tramadol, and cannabis has been linked to a rise in violent crimes, theft, and social disorder.

Despite government efforts to control drug trafficking and consumption, the problem persists and continues to threaten national stability. While some studies have explored the psychological and health impacts of drug abuse, few have examined its direct influence on crime rates across communities.

Therefore, this study aims to assess the impact of drug abuse on crime rates in Nigerian society, using the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa community as a case study.

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🧮 FORMULA FOR WRITING YOUR OWN

You can use this simple formula to build your own problem statement:

“Despite [positive efforts or progress], [problem] continues to [effect/consequence]. Although [previous studies/interventions] have addressed [some aspects], they have failed to [specific gap]. Therefore, this study seeks to [your research purpose].”

Example:

Despite the introduction of several government rehabilitation programs, youth unemployment in Nigeria continues to rise, contributing to increased poverty and crime rates. Although prior studies have examined the causes of unemployment, few have focused on the role of entrepreneurial education in addressing the problem. Therefore, this study seeks to assess the impact of entrepreneurial education on youth employment generation in Nigeria.

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⚙️ QUICK TIPS FOR WRITING A STRONG PROBLEM STATEMENT

✅ Be specific: Avoid vague or overly broad issues.
✅ Be factual: Use evidence or statistics to support your claim.
✅ Be researchable: The problem should be something you can study empirically.
✅ Show relevance: Explain why solving this problem matters to society, policy, or academia.
✅ Highlight the gap: Indicate what is missing in existing knowledge or practice.
✅ End with your aim: Conclude with what your study will do to address the gap.

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🚀 Example Sentence Starters You Can Use

• “Despite increasing awareness of…”

• “Several studies have examined…, but few have focused on…”

• “The persistent challenge is that…”

• “However, little is known about…”

• “Therefore, this study seeks to…”

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✅ SUMMARY TABLE

Section	Description	Example
Context	Give background info on the topic	“Social media has become a dominant form of communication among students.”
Problem	Explain what’s wrong	“However, many students spend hours online, neglecting academic work.”
Consequences	Describe the effects	“This behaviour has been linked to low grades and poor study habits.”
Gap / Purpose	Identify missing info and aim	“Yet, few studies have examined this relationship in Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa. This study aims to fill that gap.