PROBLEM STATEMENT FORMULA
Use this interactive document to help plan and develop a problem statement. Type
directly into the blue boxes below and the text size will automatically adjust so all of the
required information can be added.
Step #1: Introduce the problem (insert 2-3 sentences here):
Provide some general
background information about
the problem that will be the
focus of the study.
Example: In the United States, the primary non-litigious method of
resolving formal conflict is mediation. Mediation is a conflict resolution
process facilitated by a neutral third party mediator (Boulle et al.,
2008). Mediators are dispute resolution professionals who assist
disputing parties to reach mutually acceptable conflict resolution
outcomes. Wissler (2002) noted a positive correlation between
mediator experience and successful conflict resolution, confirming that
a mediator’s proficiency optimized after facilitating approximately 35
mediation sessions.
Step #2: After presenting this general background, explicitly state the general problem:
The general problem is resulting in
Include the negative
consequences of the problem.
State the general problem that your
project is designed to examine.
Tip: The problem should be applicable and relatable beyond the context of the topic. In other words, writers
must identify a problem -- a real problem, not a situation.
Example: The general problem is the supply of mediators outweighs the demand for mediation in the
general population resulting in limited opportunities for mediators to gain experience (Velikonja, 2009).
