STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM / PROBLEM STATEMENT

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The lecture provides valuable practical guidance for students writing research proposals. The professor uses relatable examples, such as the medical analogy, to clarify abstract concepts. The argumentation is coherent, building from the research process to the specific components of the problem statement. However, the lecture lacks empirical evidence or citations to support the claims, relying instead on the professor’s expertise and anecdotal illustrations. The distinction between ‘statement of the problem’ and ‘problem statement’ is explained clearly, but the argumentation could be strengthened by referencing established research methodology texts.

The title accurately reflects the content, which focuses on distinguishing and writing the statement of the problem and problem statement.

7/10

The content is based on established research methodology principles, presented by an academic professor. The reasoning is coherent and practical, though it relies on anecdotal examples and personal teaching experience rather than citing specific academic sources.

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

• 02:00Introduction to the lesson and the key questions about statement of the problem vs problem statement.
• 05:00Review of the steps of conducting research, emphasizing that research is problem-driven.
• 10:00Definition of a research problem as the gap between literature and what the researcher needs to know.
• 15:00Discussion on the measurability and SMART criteria for a research problem.
• 20:00Sources of a research problem: personal experience, media, expert discussions, and literature.
• 25:00Characteristics of a good research problem, including researchability and significance.
• 30:00Introduction to the statement of the problem and problem statement, using a medical analogy.
• 35:00Explanation of the difference between statement of the problem and problem statement.
• 40:00Guidance on writing the statement of the problem, emphasizing clarity and precision.
• 45:00Conclusion and summary of key takeaways.

• Pass your thesis, dissertation or postgraduate final report — The professor mentions this course as a resource for students, but it is not a scientific source.

• Research problem - Wikipedia — Supports the definition of a research problem as a gap in knowledge.
• Problem statement - Wikipedia — Provides a general definition of problem statements.