Don’t use first person.
A good problem originates from a research question formulated out of observation of the reality. A literature review and a study of previous experiments, and research, are good sources of research questions that are converted to statements of problem. Many scientific researchers look at an area where a previous researcher generated some interesting results, but never followed up. It could be an interesting area of research, which nobody else has fully explored. The research question is formulated and then restated in the form of a statement that notes the adverse consequences of the problem.
The type of study determines the kinds of question you should formulate: Is there something wrong in society, theoretically unclear or in dispute, or historically worth studying? Is there a program, drug, project, or product that needs evaluation? What do you intend to create or produce and how will it be of value to you and society?
You are conducting an investigation. Your study’s “problem” is what you are going to investigate that is missing from the existing body of knowledge on your topic. “Missing” could mean that your specific topic has not been researched or that research on the topic is limited. Your problem statement should identify that without stating literally that “the problem of this study is…” Identify the topic by discussing, briefly, what is missing from the existing body of knowledge (i.e., your topic).
**You must use literature to support WHY you are focusing on this “problem”.**
The study’s purpose is to investigate the topic to “solve” the problem you identified, to “fill the gap.”
You will specify the major intent or objective of the study used to address the Statement of the Problem.
This should specifically outline your study topic, targeted sample group, and location/site.
You can use what you intended to find out from your research questions to project what you hope to “solve” through this research project.
