Module 4

For this Assignment, you will continue to build on the work you completed in this module’s Discussion by writing a practice problem statement. You can think of the problem statement as preparing your argument. It provides the “why” behind the problem. A well-written problem statement clearly identifies the topic and the problem, describes the gap, and provides an explanation of why research is needed in this area.

Draft a problem statement using the prompts below.

Check your problem statement against the following questions:

Are the topic and problem clearly stated?

Is it supported by the literature (including citations)?

Did you identify a gap, demonstrating the problem has not already been researched? (Or has it been studied in one context, but not another? Or it has not been studied thoroughly?)

Did you explain why this research is needed?

Refine your work, as needed.

Describe a social problem (topic) that you would like to investigate through a dissertation. (Note: As previously noted, this may not ultimately end up being the topic of your dissertation, and that’s okay!)

Related to the broader social problem you have identified, define a specific, narrow problem that you might research in a dissertation.

Explain how your research will fill a gap in the literature. What is unique about your study compared to the existing body of literature on the topic?

 Explain why the research is important and how it will contribute to understanding or addressing the problem.

Support your statements with appropriate references from your literature searches in Modules 1, 3, and 4.