Problem Statement Worksheet

The problem in a doctoral dissertation is the most critical component of the study. The problem explains the rationale and validates the importance of the study. Below are the steps for writing a problem statement.

• Step 1: Provide background information.
• Step 2: State the problem.
• Step 3: Provide scholarly support for the problem.
• Step 4: Indicate the potential benefit of addressing the problem.

At the end of this guide, you will create your own problem statement.

Sample Problem Statement

Breast cancer and the harsh treatment for the disease affects not only patients but their caretakers. While caring for a breast cancer patient, caregivers face physical and mental challenges while continuing to assume significant caretaking responsibilities. Caregiving often becomes a full-time responsibility that can last for many years. In the instance of a person with breast cancer, their partner is often the primary caregiver. A majority of caregivers report that caregiving is a burden physically, psychologically, economically, socially, and personally (LeSeure & Chongkham-ang, 2015).The problem is caregivers have a demanding and exhausting caretaking schedule, resulting in failure to practice good self-care (LeSeure & Chongkham-ang, 2015). According to Family Caregiving Alliance (2018) many caregivers are aware their own good health means providing better care for the patient, but often feel guilty when choosing themselves first. As a result of failing to take care of themselves, caregivers often become psychologically and physically ill, reducing the ability to care for their ailing partner (LeSeure & Chongkham-ang, 2015). Gaining caregivers' perspectives on barriers preventing good self-care could lead to the development of interventions and resources for caregivers to begin practicing good self-care.

Breaking It Down Step by Step

Provide Background Information

Briefly introduce the problem to provide context for the reader.

Example: Breast cancer and the harsh treatment for the disease affects not only patients but their caretakers. While caring for a breast cancer patient, caregivers face physical and mental challenges while continuing to assume significant caretaking responsibilities. Caregiving often becomes a full-time responsibility that can last for many years. In the instance of a person with breast cancer, their partner is often the primary caregiver. A majority of caregivers report caregiving is a burden physically, psychologically, economically, socially, and personally (LeSeure & Chongkham-ang, 2015).

State the Problem

State the problem, including the consequence(s) of the problem. Remember: Without a consequence, you don't have a problem; you have a situation.

The problem is [state the problem], resulting in [state the consequence].

Example: The problem is caregivers have a demanding and exhausting caretaking schedule, resulting in failure to practice good self-care (LeSeure & Chongkham-ang, 2015).

Provide Scholarly Support for the Problem

Support the problem with literature illustrating the consequences of the problem.

Example: According to Family Caregiving Alliance (2018), many caregivers are aware their own good health means providing better care for the patient, but often feel guilty when choosing themselves first. As a result of failing to take care of themselves, caregivers often become psychologically and physically ill, reducing the ability to care for their ailing partner (LeSeure & Chongkham-ang, 2015).

Indicate the Potential Benefit of Addressing the Problem

Indicate potential benefits to people, organizations, society, etc. of addressing the problem.

Example: Gaining caregivers' perspectives on barriers preventing good self-care could lead to the development of interventions and resources for caregivers to begin practicing good self-care.

Here's what I came up with for problem statement:

topic: CHALLENGES TO ADDRESS WHEN ESTABLISHING A SMALL BUSINESS IN ARURAL COMMUNITY

Small businesses in small towns face many challenges, including limited financial resources that limit growth and marketing efforts (Davis, 2021), inadequate market research that results in unfocused business strategies (Smith, 2020), and the high costs of legal partners, business advisors, and the paperwork involved with financial institutions (Kusio, 2023). As a result, many entrepreneurs are reluctant to invest in small businesses in small towns.

Small businesses in small towns face a unique set of challenges that hinder their growth and sustainability, including a limited customer base, restricted access to financial resources, and inadequate infrastructure (Smith, 2020). These constraints not only make it difficult for these businesses to thrive but also threaten the economic vitality of the communities they serve because small businesses are often the backbone of small-town economies, providing essential goods, services, and employment opportunities (International Monetary Fund, 2024). Additionally, the lack of essential infrastructure, such as high-speed internet and efficient transportation, complicates logistics and reduces market access, putting small-town businesses at a disadvantage compared to those in metropolitan areas (Thompson, 2020).

People from cities move to non-urbanized areas close to urban centers for leisure and to avoid locational isolation (Kato, 2024). Resilient rural communities help villagers strengthen their businesses, adapt to changing circumstances, and create endogenous development capacities and local social capital (Pan et al., 2022). Living standards influence rural depopulation and urbanization, and economic and social disparities exacerbate outmigration (Kato, 2024). The economic potential of peripheral areas and metropolises has sparked increased interest in metropolitan regions (Kato, 2024).