Step 1: First write down the two groups you are going to compare in your study.
Step 2: What intervention (or treatment) are you going to apply to one group and withhold to the control group?
Step 3:
How would you objectively measure the results of the study (i.e., which tool or instrument would you use to
measure)?
Think of something you can measure with a scale (like weight), BMI, BP cuff (sphygmomanometer)
(hypertension), thermometer, ruler, (diet) fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, lab values such as blood gases, pulse
oximeter that measure oxygen levels in the blood lipid profile, or something you can easily count, etc.
Do not say, for example, "healthier", “more effective” or “better social skills” because those are subjective and
not something that all of us could measure and get the same outcome.
Note that your problem statement will be used later in the course, therefore, it needs to be feasible and
objectively measureable experimental problem statement.
Step 4: What is the timeline? For example, how long is the study/period of time that you would collect data?
Step 5: Problem statement (PS): once you have the answers to the above questions then put all of this
information together in one succinct Problem Statement (PS). Note that sometimes it is easier to begin your
sentence with "Do”.
Use the following format to submit your work for this forum:
Identify a researchable problem in your professional discipline (if possible) that you are interested in
researching/solving.
Create a researchable Problem Statement (i.e., for a quantitative study) that meets the 5 criteria listed below.
expresses a relationship between two or more variables
is stated clearly, concisely and unambiguously
implies the possibility of empirical testing
is written in a single declarative or interrogatory sentence
is related to a desired outcome that is not being achieved
- Below your problem statement detail how your problem statement meets each of these 5 criteria.
- Now, tell us what the Purpose of your research study is. In other words, WHY do you want to solve your Problem Statement?
Sample Solution