Developing Problem Statement for Dissertation Suhas. D. Ph. D. Research Scholar Tezpur University Tezpur

Developing the Problem Statement for Your Dissertation Proposal A Good Proposal consists of: Stating a Research Problem and Purpose. Asking research questions. Stating hypothesis (testing ideas). Reviewing literature about problem statement. Detailed plan called Research Method.

Biggest hurdle to graduation is writing the dissertation proposal, to identify or focus a problem area to investigate. Problem Statement and the review of Literature. Quantitative data and qualitative data. Course work for 2 – 3 years and exams. Then write dissertation. “The reason why you never finished your dissertation is because your never really started.”

Different University Formats Chapter 1 :Introduction Chapter2: Review of related Literature Chapter3: Methodology Chapter 4: Results Chapter 5: Conclusions Proposal must be accepted before a student conducts his or her research. The five chapters together are called Dissertation Report. Proposal

“Definition of terms section”: to explain what you mean. Q. What is research and where it starts? A research starts by identifying a meaningful problem. Opportunity about which we want to gain better knowledge or find a solution. Literature from their field of study. Replicate work of others in an attempt to better understand or explain a phenomenon. Valid research and completing dissertation, students are contributing to knowledge from which others may work.

Question for Researchers! What is the exact focus of your research? This is exact problem statement. How was the problem identified and why is it a problem? This is called as the background of the problem. Benefit of investigating the problem? This is called significance of the problem. FOCUS OR ZOOM IN! Problem is the Problem!

Writing a Dissertation Proposal Statement of purpose of the study. Research questions Hypothesis Review of related literature Research method for investigating the problem.

Finding a Good Research Problem Narrow down many possibilities to one, two or three. Things in course work, Personal experience, Issues by attending conferences Speaking with experts in field Replicate others work to understand Apply results of research they have conducted

Reading Literature in your field and report on focusing on the problem underlies everything we do Formal Review of Literature – good dissertation proposal Reading only specific literature in the area you are interested in. Suggested by previous researchers in your field. Knowledge of literature needed to provide background of problem. And to convince the reader of significance of investigating proposed problem.

Contents of Review of Literature Deeper understanding of problem area. Discuss prior research conducted. Provide basis for sound research methodology on which to investigate the problem. KEY LIES IN READING OTHER PROPOSALS AND DISSERTATIONS.

Practical or Applied Research Problems Focus on issue within an organization. Problems based on experience. E.g.: Our school has an attrition rate greater than 50%.

Theoretical or Basic Research Problems From conflicts or contradictions in previous findings. Extend the knowledge about a specific problem area. Using literature to find the background and significance of the problem statement.

Using Suggestions for Future Research Become an Expert in the Field. Read, Read ,Read, and read some more By knowing the relevant literature only we can confidently move ahead. Final sections of articles of interest Suggestions for Future Research Future Trends Conclusions or other titles to the same extent.

Speaking with Experts in the Field Experts are willing to help if you find a broad area to work on. Reach out to experts for help.

Attending Conferences or Professional Meetings Speaking to experts on a special venue. Names recognized from literature we have read. At the end of a conference program there is an “open period” where anyone can ask questions. Ask questions I am interested in. Approaching author outside of a formal session, introducing yourselves and asking questions focusing on author’s area of expertise is very productive. SIGs or Special Interest Groups.

Characteristics of a Good Research Problem Interesting to the Researcher. The scope of the problem is manageable (not too broad) by the researcher (focus on narrowing down to specific and manageable). The researcher has the knowledge ,time and resources needed to investigate the problem. The problem can be researched through collection and analysis of data Investigating the problem has theoretical or practical significance. It is ethical to investigate the problem.

Don’t try to investigate all world problems. Don’t try to investigate some of the world’s problems. Investigate one problem. Don’t underestimate the cost of resources needed to complete the research. Don’t underestimate the availability of resources needed to complete the research.

Cost of : Travel Testing instrument Softwares Work-study assistance et al

Data Collection: Quantitative Data: grades, km/hr, measurements etc. Qualitative Data: Interviews, Transcripts or texts.

Investigation whether the problem has Practical or Theoretical Significance Pass “Who cares?” Test. Investigating Practical (applied) Problems is worthwhile.

Writing the Problem Statement Problem Statements must be clear and concise Problem Statement must consider all variables to be considered. Problem statement should not interject the bias of the researcher. E.g.: Students who do not use computers as part of their curriculum have lower achievement than students who use computers as part of their curriculum. Variables: Technology and achievement. No personal bias. Clear too.

The Problem Statement as Part of a Dissertation Proposal Background of the Problem (Reason for the problem). The Problem itself Significance of the problem.(Future and consequences of problem) Proposal is a 3 to 5 page paper that tells the background and significance to a potential problem. They must include substantiating references from other related literature. This is the format to be followed!

Summary The 6 characteristics of a good problem statement has to be met. Clear and concise. All variables are to be investigated are included. Do not interject your personal bias into the problem. Problem statement will have: RESEARCH QUESTIONS, PURPOSE STATEMENT, HYPOTHESES, REVIEW OF LITERATURE, DETAILED RESEARCH METHOD.