Help: with a Problem Statement

Prepare a problem statement

The Problem Statement introduces a reader to a real situation that is not ideal. When writing a problem statement, you are describing a situation you want to improve. A problem can therefore be your perception that something is good, but could be better. A problem can also be your perception that something is outrageously bad and needs to change.

Answer the following:

a.      What are the people in the case studies doing wrong? 

b.      What are the key essential issues and root causes to their dilemma?

c.       What is the result or significant impact on the family in the case study? 

d.      What domino effect does it start?  What will be the future impact of this course of action if continued to be followed?

e.      Who/What are the key contributors that instigate the negative situation? 

f.         Who/How are others reacting to the situation and does this create a pendulum effect to this situation?

Descriptions of a problem statement:

a.      Short and to the point: A short statement which everyone on the mentoring team agrees with, saying, “This is what we see as the problem.”  The problem is generally not long but is well thought out and clearly stated.

b.     A worthwhile problem statement:  The problem statement will help your mentoring team understand, prioritize and describe what is most critical issue compared to least important. 

c.       Stays away from solving the problem:  The problem statement says, “What has to be done” for the people in the case study to be successful in dealing with their problem.   It does not say, “How that has to be done,” This makes the problem statement become a tool for the mentoring team to develop an overall design that will meet the needs of the people in the case study. 

d.      More than just the “short list” of requirements:  A problem statement is not a list of requirements.  The problem statement must say what the underlying issues are, and which issues are less important.  And the problem statement explains why those are important to the success of the people having the issues.

e.      Create a Question: The problem should include a question that this WebQuest will investigate that will provide the "Then" for your hypothesis in Step 5. 

Example of a Problem Statement:

The amount of anger in the step family’s home is causing it to be a particularly unpleasant place for the family members to live in. 

How might this family minimize the hostile feelings between the step children so that the home can become a pleasant place for everyone to live in peacefully?