How to Write a Strong Problem Statement for a Dissertation Proposal: With Examples

The problem statement is a key component of the dissertation proposal that is included in the introduction chapter. A good problem statement should be specific and feasible, allowing for the development of questions and objectives that can be addressed through empirical research. Are you a PhD student looking for professional dissertation problem statement writing services? Our experts specialize in crafting exceptional problem statements that provide a strong rationale for why a proposed study is necessary and what contribution it will make to the body of knowledge in the client’s field of study.

With over 10 years of experience in helping scholars develop compelling problem statements for dissertation proposals, we deliver quality manuscripts that convince committee members of the significance of the intended study, enabling smooth approval. In this article, we have discussed the step-by-step procedure followed by our experts when writing a problem statement for dissertation proposals. We have also included clear examples and common mistakes scholars make when composing the dissertation problem statement.

What is a Problem Statement in a Dissertation Proposal?

A problem statement in a dissertation proposal is a description of a currently existing issue that needs to be addressed. The purpose of writing the problem statement is to provide the context of the study and generate the questions that the research aims to answer. By developing a dissertation problem statement, scholars:

  • Demonstrate to supervisors a significant issue that requires investigation.
  • Focus the topic area into a specific problem and outline the boundaries of research, preventing the study from becoming vague.
  • Develop a feasible research design that aligns with the scholar’s objectives.
  • Enable a clear understanding of the goals of the study.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Write a Strong Problem Statement

The step-by-step process we follow when offering help to write a problem statement for a proposal includes:

Step 1: Problem Definition

The research problem is an issue that exists in literature, theory, or practice that necessitates the need for a study. Common sources where scholars can identify problems for dissertations include i). personal experiences, ii). exploring theories in their disciplines, iii). related literature, and iv). evaluating past studies. Our experts identify and define a specific, evidence-based, and real-life issue that is faced by a group of people or organizations and has a significant negative implication for the involved parties. Careful selecting the problem provides a direction to the entire process of conducting research.

Step 2: Provide Background Information

Providing background information to the research problem involves illustrating what is known, what has not been discovered, and what the scholar wants to learn about the issue. Our experts conduct a comprehensive literature review on the scholar’s area of research to identify what is unique and different from previous research. Discussing any previous research or developments related to the issue establishes the significance of the proposed study, thereby increasing its credibility.

Step 3: Define the Scope of the Problem

Defining the scope of the research problem involves specifying the boundaries within which the study will be conducted. Key factors we consider when defining the scope of the problem include the research objectives, available resources, and duration of the study. Defining the scope of the problem helps scholars to avoid errors such as excessive breadth or insufficient research sources, allowing for a more efficient investigation. Clearly demonstrating what will and will not be addressed in the problem statement enables us to align the clients’ research with study objectives and acquire meaningful results.

Step 4: Highlight the Significance of the Study

The significance of the study refers to the contribution to and impact of the proposed study on the overall field of research. Our professional dissertation writers highlight the importance of the proposed research problem by providing evidence on why it is important through references from previous investigators in the field. We also demonstrate the problem’s potential impact on future research, policy, and practice to effectively communicate the value of the study to readers.

Step 5: Illustrate the Desired Outcomes

The scholar should specify the desired goals associated with solving the research problem. Illustrating what the scholar tends to achieve by conducting the research provides a sense of direction for the study. If you are a PhD student looking for help to write a problem statement for a proposal, do not hesitate to contact us. We are available around the clock to help clients compose excellent proposals customized to their university requirements.

Problem Statement Examples

Below are examples of strong problem statements for a dissertation proposal:

  1. Graduate education is a major part of American studies, with 3.2 million to 3.4 million scholars enrolled in doctoral and master’s programs. Approximately a fifth of the graduate students are pursuing PhD degrees. However, 40-60% of students who begin their PhD education do not proceed to final graduation. High failure rate and the prolonged time to graduate are some of the challenges in doctoral education that contribute to a loss of high-level resources.With the high student dropout rate and most universities introducing PhD programs, it is essential to understand why some students are successful in attaining their degrees, and others are not. Understanding the factors that contribute to or hinder students’ persistence in acquiring their PhD degree helps academic institutions meet scholars’ needs and improve retention rates.
  2. Globally, mental health issues account for 13% of the total disease burden, with anxiety and depression being the most common disorders. University students often face a high risk of suffering from mental health conditions, attributed to academic pressure, poor housing, new environments, and social isolation, among others. In the US, 48.1% of undergraduates reported depression, 38.5% anxiety, and 18.0% suicidal ideation.Despite the increasing cases of mental health conditions in the US, there is limited research on the significance of mental health therapy and age as determinants of anxiety and depression among university students. Given the high prevalence of mental health conditions among scholars and the limited understanding of the contributing factors, there is a need to research the determinants of anxiety and depression among university students. By understanding the major factors of mental health deterioration among undergraduate scholars in the US, institutions can enhance students’ well-being throughout their academic journey, ultimately fostering a healthy university environment.

Common Mistakes Made When Writing a Dissertation Problem Statement

Below are common errors scholars make when writing a problem statement for a dissertation and how to fix the mistakes:

  • Unsupported claims. One of the major mistakes made by scholars is presenting a research problem without sufficient evidence or justification that the dissertation committee members may dismiss as speculation rather than reliable information. The issue to be researched should be written in the context of existing theories and relevant literature.
  • Using a disjointed recitation of the cited studies. A disjointed prose encompasses citing sources without coherence, thus making it difficult for the reader to follow the ideas presented in the dissertation problem statement. Scholars should create a line of logic and utilize literature citations to substantiate the points presented.
  • Covering problems that are irrelevant to the study. Another common error PhD scholars make is including interesting but irrelevant information in the problem statement. Students should state the exact gap in knowledge or practice, allowing readers to understand what is being investigated and why a solution is required.
  • Stating what we should do rather than what we want to know. Phrases such as ‘we must’, ‘we should’, and ‘it is imperative that’ should be avoided in the problem statement of the PhD dissertation Instead, scholars should clearly state the problem to be addressed in the study.

Why Get Professional Help to Write a Problem Statement for a Proposal From Us?

Key reasons why clients choose our professional dissertation problem statement services include:

Expert PhD Problem Statement Writers

Our expert writers are highly skilled in formulating strong problem statements for dissertation proposals that demonstrate the need for study, increasing clients’ chances of approval for conducting research. We have over 10 years of experience in helping doctoral scholars in different fields of research write strong problem statements for dissertations.

Timely Delivery Without Compromising on Quality

Our dedicated writers work within the clients’ specified period and deliver quality problem statements for the dissertation proposal earlier, allowing the client to review the document and request revisions, if needed.

Free Revisions

We make corrections based on the PhD scholar’s suggestions or supervisor feedback at no extra cost until the client is satisfied with the final draft of their document.

Excellent Customer Support

We offer easily accessible communication channels where clients can reach out to our experts. By enlisting our expert problem statement writing solutions, clients get prompt answers to inquiries, regular order updates, and quick attendance when in need of after-sales support, among others.

Summary

The problem statement of a dissertation proposal specifies an issue that exists in literature, theory, or practice that leads to the need for a study. Writing a problem statement requires a structured approach that encompasses highlighting the core issue, background information, scope, impact, and desired outcomes. Each component of the problem statement format should be clearly stated to ensure that the document is well-articulated and relevant to the scholar’s field of study. For scholars looking for expert help to write a problem statement for a proposal, look no further than our experts. Contact us or reach out via our live chat to talk to our friendly customer service agents, available 24/7 to give prompt responses to your inquiries.