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 StepProvide 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.

Problem Statement Worksheet

Now it's your turn. Create your problem statement using this topic: women faced with bias for working in AI and systems engineering

cites provided;

Harding, S. (Ed.). (2004). The feminist standpoint theory reader: Intellectual and political controversies. New York: Routledge.

Harding, S. (1995). "Strong objectivity": A response to the new objectivity question. Synthese, 104(3), 331-349. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01064504

Provide Background Information

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).

Briefly provide background to provide context for the reader. Start your answer on a new line.

State the Problem

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

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 [enter problem here], resulting in [enter consequence here].

Provide Scholarly Support for 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).

Support the problem with literature illustrating the consequences of the problem. Start your answer on a new line.

Indicate the Potential Benefit 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.

Indicate potential benefits to people, organizations, society, etc. for addressing the problem. Start your answer on a new line.

Putting It All Together

Now...write your problem statement in paragraph form. Start your answer on a new line.