Guide on Writing the Statement of the Research Problem

Statement of research problem provides a short description of the issues the research work is targeted at solving. In statement of the research problem, the researcher provides the needed justification for embarking on the project. 

Most research subjects or topics have already been concluded in one form or the other by previous authors and researchers. Embarking on the same research work will probably constitute a repetition or duplication of already completed research effort and this may by extension lead to the research or defense panel rejecting the research work or topic.

In order to deal with this problem, the researcher has to demonstrate how his/her research work is different from the previous related research. This demonstration is the crux of the research problem statement.

The best way to approach writing this part of your research work is to study as many previous related research works as possible. In fact, it is recommended that you study a minimum of ten (10) closely related research works from the locality your research work is aimed at covering. For example, if your research interest is in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Nigeria, you must study as many previous research works as possible dealing with this same problem by researchers in Nigeria. 

Study them very well especially their research problems, findings and conclusion. This in addition to a wider review of empirical literature will reveal to the researcher the gap in knowledge as regards FDI where the researcher can verifiably contribute new knowledge. For example, previous research may show that little or no research has been done in the subject matter on a sector-by-sector basis. 

Obviously, this is a gap in literature that the researcher can capitalize on by pointing out that such sector based research should be able to give insight into the most preferred area for foreign investors. Hence, the researcher can proffer solutions on how other sectors can be made attractive to foreign investors.

For more info on how to go about any part of your research work, drop a comment below or email us at optistrat.info@gmail.com