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3 years ago in Problem Statement By Sumitra R
How can I test the strength of my problem statement before submitting my proposal?
I've written my problem statement, but I'm too close to it to judge its quality. Are there specific checkpoints or questions I can use to stress-test it myself, beyond just asking my supervisor?
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By Xoxo Answered 1 year ago
Use this four-question litmus test. First, the "So What?" Test: Can a smart colleague from another field understand why this problem matters? If not, you haven't established significance. Second, the "Evidence Test: Have you cited at least 2-3 key studies that demonstrate the current state and the specific limitation? If not, it's an opinion, not a scholarly gap. Third, the "Not-A-Question" Test: If you cover up the last sentence, does the text still clearly identify a problem? It should, without posing a question. Fourth, the "Researchability" Test: Does the problem logically imply a set of research questions and a feasible methodology? If not, it's a commentary, not a research directive. Finally, read it aloud. Any awkwardness or vagueness heard aloud is a flaw to fix.
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