Problem Statement Template
Turn a broad topic into a clear, evidence-based research problem.
A strong problem statement does more than introduce a topic. It explains what is going wrong, who is affected, where it is happening, how serious it is, why it matters, what gap remains and how the proposed study responds.
Move from topic to problem
Clarify the gap between what is happening and what should be happening.
Locate the problem
Name who is affected and where the problem occurs.
Show magnitude
Use data, estimates, or evidence to show how big or serious the problem is.
Show consequences
Explain why the problem matters for people, services, systems, policy, or knowledge.
Identify the gap
Show what remains unknown, insufficient, unresolved, or poorly addressed.
Connect to your study
Explain how your study will respond to the gap.
From topic to clear problem in seven moves
Not sure if your problem statement is strong enough?
Get a Proposal Readiness Review and receive a practical memo showing what to strengthen before submission.
You have completed one part of the proposal. Build the full system with the Proposal Builder Kit.