REVISION LESSON 1 ON IDENTIFICATION OF A RESEARCH PROBLEM & WRITING THE STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

REVISION LESSON 1 ON IDENTIFICATION OF A RESEARCH PROBLEM & WRITING THE STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

by Prof. Lydiah Wambugu

Humanities, Social Sciences & Thought Science — General & History GPResearch and information: generalGPSResearch methods
🎙 Prof. Lydiah Wambugu 👥 29K 📅 September 27, 2021 ⏱ 13 min 👁 26K 📄 tutorial 🧭 2026-08-17
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

research problemstatement of the problemresearch gapknowledge gapthesis

Summary

This video is a revision lesson on identifying a research problem and writing the statement of the problem, aimed at students preparing theses or dissertations. The instructor, Prof. Lydiah Wambugu, clarifies the distinction between a research problem and a statement of the problem, emphasizing that a research problem is essentially a gap in knowledge or practice. She explains the concept of a ‘gap’ in research, distinguishing between knowledge gaps and social needs, and illustrates how to articulate a research problem effectively. The lesson covers the components of a well-written statement of the problem, including the context, the gap, and the significance of addressing it. The instructor uses examples to demonstrate how to frame a research problem and write a clear statement. The video is structured as a revision, reinforcing concepts from a previous lesson. The presentation is concise and explicit, making it accessible for students. The instructor also promotes her full research methods course and other resources on her website. Overall, the video serves as a practical guide for students struggling with these foundational aspects of academic research.

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Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The video provides valuable information for students learning to identify and articulate research problems. The instructor’s explanation of the research problem as a gap is clear and well-illustrated, helping to demystify a common stumbling block. The argumentation is solid, based on established research methodology principles, though it lacks explicit references to scholarly sources. The instructor’s expertise is evident, and the examples used effectively clarify the concepts. The presentation is logically structured, moving from definition to application, which enhances its pedagogical value.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The scientific rigor is adequate for an introductory tutorial; the content aligns with standard research methodology textbooks. However, the video does not cite specific sources, relying on general academic conventions. The title accurately reflects the content, and the video fulfills its promise of a revision lesson. The production quality is basic, with poor audio transcription, but this does not detract from the accuracy of the information. The instructor’s website is mentioned as a resource for further learning, but no external scholarly sources are cited.

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Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content: a revision lesson on identifying a research problem and writing the statement of the problem.

Quality & Reliability

7/10

The content is a clear, structured tutorial on research methodology, based on established academic conventions. The instructor demonstrates expertise, but the video lacks explicit citations to external sources, relying on general knowledge. The production quality is basic, and the audio transcription is poor, but the core message is accurate and pedagogically sound.

Key Moments

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

Cited Sources

  • Research Methods Class Website — Instructor's website for full course and resources.
  • Research Methods Course — Full research methods course mentioned in the video.
  • Research Methods eBook — eBook resource for research methods.
  • Consultancy Services — Consultation services offered by the instructor.
  • YouTube Channel — Link to the instructor's YouTube channel.

Concurring Sources

Contribution & Novelties

The video offers a clear, concise revision of key concepts in research problem identification and statement writing, which is particularly helpful for students who struggle with these foundational aspects. It demystifies the concept of a ‘research gap’ and provides practical guidance on articulating a problem statement. The instructor’s pedagogical approach is straightforward and accessible.

Pour aller plus loin :

  • Research problem - Wikipedia — Provides a general overview of research problems and their characteristics.
  • Problem statement - Wikipedia — Explains the structure and purpose of a problem statement in research.
  • The Research Gap - LibGuides at University of Southern California — Offers guidance on identifying research gaps.
  • How to Write a Statement of the Problem - Scribbr — Practical tips for writing a problem statement.
  • Research Methodology - Simply Psychology — Overview of research methodology concepts.

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Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high scores in quality of information and technical level, indicating a solid educational resource. The quantity of information is moderate, and reliability is good, though not exceptional due to lack of citations. Overall, the video is a reliable tutorial for students.

Reliability 7/10

💬 Très positif. Sur les 30 commentaires analysés, tous expriment une gratitude et une appréciation pour la clarté et l'utilité de la leçon, avec des éloges pour la pédagogie de la professeure.