Overview
The purpose of this assignment is to write a problem statement that focuses on a potential topic for your dissertation research. A problem statement narrowly defines your topic area to a specific problem or issue. In this case, you are taking the next step in developing your dissertation topic that was the basis of your assignment in Week 4—Research Topic Investigation. The idea is to take what you learned in completing that assignment and what you gained from your instructor’s feedback to develop a more formal, concise, and specific statement of a precise problem that can be researched. The skills involved in writing a problem statement will serve you well throughout your program and are particularly important in the dissertation process. They are critical skills needed to become a competent doctoral researcher in psychology.
A research problem is a concern, issue, or controversy that you investigate. The problem may come from the need to extend research into an area not yet studied. Many times, the specific problem or issue is identified at the end of another research study where the author calls for additional research. Regardless of the source of the problem, a researcher needs to have a clear idea of the goal: the answers that are sought and the specific questions that need to be asked.
This assignment will not be your final statement of this problem. The mini literature review you will complete in Week 8 may cause you to revise your statement to some extent, based on what you learn. However, this problem statement should be more clearly defined and more precise than the assignment you submitted two weeks ago. You are familiar with the names of the researchers who have already studied your topic area. You have located several literature resources—articles, books, and summaries—that provide some of the existing knowledge on that topic area. In the discussions and writing assignment in Weeks 3 and 4, you may have already begun the process of summarizing what is already known in the topic area. When you write your problem statement, rely on this work to help you articulate a focus for your research—a concise summary of what is already known and a clear statement of what you want to find out. What questions do you want to answer?
Writing a clear problem statement requires some significant thinking; consider this assignment as a learning experience, one that helps you hone your thinking in preparation for attending the residencies.
Instructions
In a 1–2 paragraph problem statement (180–250 words):
● State the research problem clearly and succinctly.
● Summarize what is already known and the gap in the literature you perceive to exist.
● Justify very briefly the need to study the problem by presenting a couple of reasons why the issue is important.
Additional Requirements
Your assignment should meet the following requirements:
● Written communication: Include written communication that is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
● APA formatting: Format resources and citations according to APA style and format guidelines.
● Number of resources: Include a minimum of two resources.
● Length of paper: Write 1–2 pages, double spaced, not including the title and references page.
● Font and font size: Use Times New Roman, 12 point.
Review the Problem Statement Scoring for more information on how you will be assessed.
Submit your assignment as a Microsoft Word attachment in the assignment area.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the
following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:
● Competency 1: Apply advanced critical thinking skills.
○ State a specific problem or issue to be investigated in your specialization of interest, including variables of the research.
● Competency 2: Apply research processes and standards and the technical skills of a researcher in the field of psychology.
○ Explain specific research of what is currently known in the field on the selected topic.
● Competency 3: Analyze and apply professional ethical standards in psychological research and practice.
○ Justify the need to study the specific issue and how the findings will ethically advance practice in the field.
● Competency 4: Develop a professional identity as a doctoral-level psychologist.
○ Describe a clear gap (what is not known) in the current research on the selected topic to be addressed.
● Competency 5: Convey purpose, in an appropriate tone and style, incorporating supporting evidence and adhering to organizational, professional, and scholarly writing standards.
○ Convey purpose in a well-organized text, incorporating appropriate evidence and tone in grammatically sound sentences.
○ Apply APA style and formatting to scholarly writing.
