A problem statement defines the specific issue your research will address and explains why it matters. It is the hinge between background and aim — a clear problem statement justifies the entire study. This complete UK guide explains what a problem statement is, what it must contain, how to write one, and how it differs from a research question and a rationale.
What Is a Problem Statement?
A problem statement is a concise description of the specific problem or gap your research addresses. It tells the reader what is wrong or missing, why it matters, and sets up the need for your study.
What It Must Contain
✓ The context — the broader area.
✓ The specific problem or gap.
✓ Evidence that it matters.
✓ The consequences of leaving it unaddressed.
✓ A bridge to your aim.
How to Write One
Move from the general to the specific: start with the wider context, narrow to the exact problem, support it with evidence, and explain the impact. Keep it focused — a problem statement is usually a paragraph or two, not pages.
Problem Statement vs Research Question vs Rationale
The problem statement defines the issue; the research question asks what you will investigate about it; the rationale argues why the study is worth doing. They are linked but distinct. See our rationale guide.
Grounding It in Evidence
A convincing problem statement is evidenced, not asserted. Use the literature, data or a practice context to show the problem is real and significant — this is what makes examiners accept that your study is needed.
Common Mistakes and Tips
✓ Too broad or vague.
✓ No evidence the problem matters.
✓ Confusing it with the aim.
✓ No link to the research questions. Tip: narrow to a specific, evidenced problem and bridge to your aim.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a problem statement?
A concise description of the specific problem or gap your research will address and why it matters.
What should a problem statement include?
Context, the specific problem, evidence it matters, its consequences, and a bridge to your aim.
How long is a problem statement?
Usually a paragraph or two — focused, not lengthy.
How is it different from a research question?
The problem statement defines the issue; the research question asks what you will investigate about it.
How is it different from a rationale?
A rationale argues why the study is worth doing; the problem statement defines the problem itself.
Where does a problem statement go?
Usually early in the introduction, after the background.
Should a problem statement use evidence?
Yes — ground it in the literature or data to show the problem is real.
What is the most common mistake?
Being too broad or failing to show why the problem matters.
Related Study Guides
How to Write a Rationale • How to Write a Research Question • How to Write Aims and Objectives • How to Write a Dissertation Introduction
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