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3 years ago in Problem Statement By Deeksha S
Can a problem statement be a question, or does it have to be a declarative statement?
I've seen problem statements phrased as clear gaps ("There is a lack of...") and others posed as central research questions ("How does X affect Y?"). Which approach is stronger or more conventional for a PhD proposal?
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By Binita Sinha Answered 1 year ago
The problem statement itself is best framed as a declarative argument identifying the gap. The research questions then flow from it. Think of it as a hierarchy: The problem statement is the "what's wrong" (e.g., "Existing models of user adoption fail to account for cultural cognition biases."). The research questions are the "what we need to find out" that arise from that problem (e.g., "How do cultural cognition biases mediate the perception of technology usability?"). Starting with a question can seem like you're jumping to solutions before fully establishing the problem's existence and significance. A strong declarative statement creates a solid foundation; the questions then become the natural, necessary steps to address it.
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