The statement of the problem describes the context of the study and it also identifies the general analysis approach. It is important in a proposal that the problem stand out--that the reader can easily recognize it. Sometimes, obscure and poorly formulated problems are masked in an extended discussion. In such cases, reviewers and/or committee members will have difficulty recognizing the problem. A problem statement should be presented within a context, and that context should be provided and briefly explained, including a discussion
of the conceptual or theoretical framework in which it is embedded. Clearly and succinctly identify and explain the theoretical framework that (underlies) your study and explain how you identified this problem. This is of major importance in nearly all proposals and requires careful attention. You should:
of the conceptual or theoretical framework in which it is embedded. Clearly and succinctly identify and explain the theoretical framework that (underlies) your study and explain how you identified this problem. This is of major importance in nearly all proposals and requires careful attention. You should:
• State the problem in terms intelligible to someone who is generally sophisticated but who is relatively uninformed in the area of your investigation.
• Make the statement of the problem in a separate section.
The purpose statement should provide a specific and accurate synopsis of the overall purpose of the study. If the purpose is not clear to the writer, it cannot be clear to the reader.
The purpose statement should also incorporate the rationale for the study; some committees prefer this to be given in a separate section. Key points to keep in mind when preparing a purpose statement.
• Try to incorporate a sentence that begins with "The purpose of this study is . . ." This will clarify your own mind as to the purpose and it will inform the reader directly and explicitly.
• Clearly identify and define the central concepts or ideas of the study. Some committee chairs prefer a separate section to this end.
The purpose statement should also incorporate the rationale for the study; some committees prefer this to be given in a separate section. Key points to keep in mind when preparing a purpose statement.
• Try to incorporate a sentence that begins with "The purpose of this study is . . ." This will clarify your own mind as to the purpose and it will inform the reader directly and explicitly.
• Clearly identify and define the central concepts or ideas of the study. Some committee chairs prefer a separate section to this end.
