Research Problem Statement Examples

This academic article explains how to write a research problem statement and provides examples of a problem statement in research. Examples and Samples of Problem Statements in Quantitative Research.

Problem Statement in Research

A problem statement in research is a concise, precise synopsis of the research problems the study intends to address. It also identifies the knowledge gap that motivates the research and contributes to the body of knowledge.

The problem statement section analyzes what is known and what remains unknown regarding the research problems and issues. The ‘known’ vs ‘unknown’ needs to be analyzed, synthesized, and defended rather than written descriptively. Arguments for the existence of the problem may be supported by highlighting inconsistencies, controversies, conflicts, or contradictions in prior studies.

It also proposes variables that identify the research gaps contributing to the resolution of the research problem. Additionally, the research problem statement highlights the weaknesses of prior findings. Moreover, it emphasizes the expected knowledge or what is required (still unknown) to enable you to contribute to the body of knowledge.

A good problem statement certainly answers the following questions: what issue needs to be addressed, and why?

Does the research problem statement differ between quantitative and qualitative research?

The answer is no, and there is no difference. The writing style of the research problem statement is similar across research strategies. Consequently, the research candidates follow the same style for writing research problems for quantitative, qualitative, and other research approaches.

How To Write a Problem Statement

The author explains how to write a research problem statement for students’ research proposals, papers, theses, and dissertations.

Elements of a Research Problem Statement

The problem statement contains these four elements:

  1. Context or Background
  2. Problem or Literature Gap
  3. Relevance or Significance
  4. Objective or Purpose

The context is the background of what is currently known and unknown about the research issue. The problem statement establishes context for the audience and defines the problem within that context.

The issue concerns what we need to know. It clearly states the specific problem the research aims to address. It highlights a gap in the current knowledge or literature that your study intends to address.

Relevance refers to the significance of the study. It justifies why it is an essential issue to research and the value of research.

Finally, the objective is the aim of the study: what you want to discover, clarify, or confirm. It proposes a solution to the problem.

Problem Statement Writing Steps

The author divides the process into three stages to define four elements.

The Three Stages of Writing a Problem Statement are:

  1. Review the Literature From Previous Findings
  2. Identifying the Problem With Research Gaps
  3. Contribute to the Body of Knowledge
1. Review the Literature From Previous Findings

First, the researchers must read industry reports, government statistical reports, and newspaper articles to understand the broader context better. They also read relevant research papers, review papers, and dissertations previously published to deepen their knowledge.

Many scholars suggest that researchers systematically review journal articles to advance knowledge. According to Mark Petticrew and Helen Roberts, the systematic literature review is closely aligned with the acquisition of knowledge in a particular area. The PRISMA systematic literature review is the most widely used and well-accepted strategy for synthesizing prior studies.

The literature review from past findings has to answer the following question:

  • What research has already been conducted on this topic? 

It summarizes and organizes existing knowledge to provide a background for the current work.

  • What are the main themes, trends, or patterns that have emerged from prior research?

It classifies previous research and identifies dominant views or areas of controversy.

  • What has been established, and what remains unknown or unresolved? 

The primary goal is to identify knowledge gaps, inconsistencies, or under-explored areas that the current study will address.

  • How does the past research lead to the author’s current study? 

It situates the new research within the broader academic field and clarifies how it builds upon or departs from previous work.

  • What do we know about the problem from the real world and academic literature?  

Knowledge from the real world, often gained through practical or personal experience, defines the problem in a tangible, immediate context

2. Identifying the Problem With Research Gaps

Researchers must identify research gaps, including inconsistencies, controversies, conflicts, or contradictions in prior studies. Among approaches to identifying research gaps, the most common involve concepts, perspectives, theories, methodologies, methods, and analyses. Research gaps must be systematically identified as the basis for an investigation. Therefore, researchers need to state the research gaps precisely and clearly, and specify the type of research they intend to study.

The seven types of research gaps are:

  1. Evidence gap
  2. Knowledge gap
  3. Practical knowledge gap
  4. Methodological gap
  5. Empirical gap
  6. Theoretical gap
  7. Population gap.

Researchers must identify key gaps, inconsistencies, and controversies in the literature to establish the need for additional research. Researchers can conduct research based on one, two, or more than two research gaps. This section also defines the study process and methods to achieve the goals.

The Problem with research gaps must answer the following questions:

  1. What do we not know about the problem from the real world and academic literature?
  2. What does your research want to achieve by this study?
  3. How do we want to resolve the problems?
3. Contribute to the Body of Knowledge

Finally, the research problem includes the importance and significance of the study. It explains why and how it contributes to the body of knowledge. The empirical evidence contributes to the literature. It also highlights the study’s theoretical and practical significance in resolving the issues.

The section answers the following questions:

  1. Why do we need to know what we do not know about the problem?
  2. What might happen if the problem is not resolved?
  3. What are the future benefits of solving the issues, including the impact on society, community, and people’s lives?

Examples of Problem Statement in Research

The author presents examples of research problem statements based on different research titles. Thus, examples of problem statements in research help students approve the research proposal. These samples illustrate how to write a research problem statement for qualitative and quantitative research.

Example of Problem Statement in Review Research (SLR)-1

Research Title: A Comprehensive Literature Review on the Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Entrepreneurial Activities

Problem Statement
Entrepreneurship is a popular topic (Indrianti et al., 2020), and researchers such as Audretsch and Moog (2022) argue that it warrants special attention given its connection to current economic and social challenges. The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools has become particularly important in the digital transformation of businesses, as entrepreneurs must constantly adapt and stay informed on emerging trends (Kraus et al., 2018). Therefore, AI has been propelled by ongoing market transformations and the rising needs of an expanding population. The information technology (IoT) surge has played a crucial role in advancing AI and has sparked interest among both business and government leaders (Zhang & Lu, 2021).

Nonetheless, there remains a scarcity of literature specifically addressing the relationship between entrepreneurship and AI (Popkova & Sergi, 2020), despite findings by Obschonka & Audretsch (2019) indicating that the integration of AI into entrepreneurship marks the beginning of a new era.
Among various systematic literature reviews, Giuggioli & Pellegrini (2022) notably emphasize the advantages of AI in fostering entrepreneurial growth.

However, our research not only addresses the previously overlooked semantic analysis but also extends and builds upon analyses conducted over the past two years, which is particularly pertinent in light of the digital acceleration following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Additionally, Di Vaio et al. (2020) review the literature on AI and business models. In recent years, various literature reviews have examined connections between topics such as education (Tahiru, 2021); health (Shah & Chircu, 2018); public administration (Reis et al., 2019); and consumer behavior (Mariani et al., 2022). The absence of comprehensive systematic literature reviews concerning the role of AI in entrepreneurship highlights the significance of the current study.

Examples of Problem Statement in Research

Problem Statement in Research Example-2

Research Title: The Antecedent Of Artificial Intelligence Adoption Among Hr Professionals In the Tourism & Hospitality Industry In Malaysia.

Problem Statement

Recently, Human resource professionals have been introduced to many advanced technologies, including nanotechnology, autonomous vehicles, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence in the 4.0 industrial era (Chatterjee, Rana, Dwivedi & Baabdullah, 2021). The new technology, especially AI tools, challenges conventional human resource management practices. The current era demands that organizations employ competent employees who are experts in advanced technologies. Innovative employees welcome new technology to enhance performance and market competitiveness.

HR professionals regard AI as a powerful tool for increasing productivity. Very few studies have examined the antecedents of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption among HR professionals (Pan et al., 2022).  These studies have not articulated how AI tools enhance organizational employee productivity (Chatterjee et al., 2021).

Many studies demonstrate that large companies such as IBM adopt AI tools to reduce human resource costs (Lim, 2023) and enhance employee performance (Islam, Aldaihani, & Saatchi, 2023). Academic demands have increased for the use, application, and adoption of AI technology among scholars globally (Akter et al., 2022).

Example of Problem Statement in Quantitative Research -3

Article Title: Effects of High‐Performance Work Systems (HPWS) on Hospitality Employees’ Outcomes Through Their Organizational Commitment, Motivation, and Job Satisfaction

 Review the Literature From Previous Findings

Limited research has investigated the influence of High-Performance Work Systems (HPWS) on employee outcomes, including health and job satisfaction, which are particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic (Kloutsiniotis and Mihail, 2020a; Adikaram et al., 2021).

Stressful and uncertain environments have exacerbated burnout, which was already a significant issue among hotel staff before the COVID-19 crisis (Ayachit & Chitta, 2021; Tsui, 2021; Wong et al., 2019).

Earlier studies have confirmed that HPWS directly affects employees’ social identity and also plays a mediating role in the relationship between HPWS and “psychological empowerment” (Bartram et al., 2014; Mihail and Kloutsiniotis, 2016).

Identifying the Problem With Research Gaps

Given the significance of High-Performance Work Systems (HPWS) in the hospitality and tourism sectors, researchers emphasize the need for further exploration, particularly within hotel contexts. Therefore, this study aims to address gaps in the existing literature by examining the relationships between HPWS and outcomes, with particular focus on the hotel industry. Specifically, we discuss the pathways linking employees’ perceptions of HPWS implementation to their overall well-being. Furthermore, we provide empirical evidence to support the link between employee well-being and individual job performance.

Contribute to the Body of Knowledge

This study offers valuable theoretical and managerial insights to the field. We initially respond to ongoing calls in the literature for more empirical research in the hospitality and tourism industry and investigate how HPWS influences employee outcomes. By doing so, we contribute to the growing body of research on how employees’ perceptions of HPWS affect outcomes such as quality of life (QoL).

Importance of a Strong Problem Statement

The statement of the problem is the most crucial component of securing acceptance for the research proposal or project. The candidates must identify research problems with knowledge gaps systematically to write a problem statement for a research proposal, project, dissertation, or thesis. A strong problem statement impresses examiners and reviewers and helps secure the proposal’s acceptance. It is the first step in conducting any academic research.

The researcher sets the research objective, research question, and hypothesis based on the problem statement. Hence, candidates or students cannot continue their research without a strong problem statement. The research problem is an inevitable part of quantitative, qualitative, and other research. No research can be conducted without identifying the research problem.

A good research proposal must include a research problem statement that identifies weaknesses in prior studies. Accordingly, it provides empirical evidence that enriches the literature. A strong problem statement must explain how to fulfill the research gaps.

Ph.D. and Master of Science (by research) students undergo a proposal defense. In this presentation, examiners may ask candidates which research problem they aim to address. Thus, a concise and strong problem statement is essential for overcoming proposal defense (PD).

Poorly Written Problem Statement of the Research Proposal

A research proposal may be rejected due to a poorly written problem statement. The authority might deny the research proposal for the following reasons:

  • A research proposal can be rejected if this section is poorly defined and discussed.
  • The research proposal may also be declined if the candidate merely states the Research Proposal without critically discussing why it is a problem.
  • The candidate did not successfully highlight the connections between constructs with the theory used to explain the framework.
  • How does Contingency theory support the moderator?
  • How does the theory support and justify the relationships in the framework?

Problem Statement in Research

Focus Writing For Bank Exam Samples and Examples

Focus Writing For Bank Exam Sample and Example. Recent Focus Writing PDF 2025- 2026. Unique Bank Focus Writing Sample.

Focus Writing

Focus writing is an expository style that describes an issue concisely, avoiding unnecessary information. It enables the writer to explain a problem with the main point and appropriate words. It includes a summary of the issue to attract readers, including a definition, the positive and negative impacts on society, challenges, recommendations, and a conclusion. The focus writing format contains transitional verbs to explain the positive and negative effects. It highlights the main point precisely.

Focus Writing Format

The three core elements of the focus writing format are the introduction, body, and conclusion. The focus writing introduction section includes a summary of the topic, a background of the topic, a definition (if applicable), and a thesis statement.  The body of the focus writing includes economic or socioeconomic benefits, opportunities, and advantages offered by the topic or issue. It also lists the disadvantages, drawbacks, and detriments of the problem—the challenges or barriers to attaining positive outcomes for the project.  The body of the focus writing also addresses how to overcome challenges and adversities. Finally, it demonstrates the suggestions and recommendations to achieve a positive outcome. This section should be at least three paragraphs and not more than five paragraphs. The conclusion summarizes the body and ends with a positive sentence.

Focus Writing For Bank Exam

The focus of writing for the Bank exam is essay writing for a job exam in Bangladesh. The applicant needs to write a focused essay for the written job exam. The author explains how to write a concise application letter for a bank job, with examples.  The article includes recent and unique examples of bank-focused writing. The samples surely help audiences learn how to write focused writing.

Focus Writing

Focus Writing For Bank Exam Sample- 1

Topic: Universal Pension Scheme

Bangladesh has made significant progress in recent years in terms of social safety net programs. Among them, the universal pension scheme is one of the best initiatives. The universal pension scheme bill was passed by parliament in 2022 and inaugurated on 17th August 2023. The purpose is to provide financial security for older people who are unable to earn a livelihood due to illness, old age, or disability. The four schemes, Probash, Progoti, Surokkha, and Somota, will cover the entire population aged 18 to 50 based on their national identity card, including expatriate citizens. In this article, the socioeconomic benefits,  challenges, and remedies of the difficulties of the universal pension scheme will be discussed.

The universal pension scheme covers all older citizens aged 60 and above, regardless of their financial situation. This scheme is funded by the government of Bangladesh and provides a 500 TK deposit each month to eligible older citizens.

According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, the poverty among the aged population in Bangladesh was 33.9% in 2019. The introduction of a universal pension scheme will significantly reduce the poverty rate. It will also improve overall well-being by financially assisting them in meeting their basic needs, such as food, healthcare, and housing.

Additionally, with the benefits for the aged population, UPS will have a positive impact on Bangladesh’s overall economy by increasing economic activity. This will create new jobs and stimulate economic growth in the country.

However, to make this initiative more effective, the authority needs to address several challenges. One significant challenge is population targeting. Though it is universal, the scheme is unable to cover citizens aged 60 or 65 and above. Because some of them may not be registered with the government, and some also may not have required identification documents.

Another challenge is funding and proper risk-free investment ideas for the fund. While the government of Bangladesh has committed to funding this scheme, concerns remain that current funding levels may not be sufficient to meet the growing demand. Also, the fund’s investment in unsafe sectors may make UPS unsustainable in the long run.

To address these challenges, the government has to take several measures. Firstly, proper targeting of all eligible populations, registering them using technology, and providing identification documents to those who do not have them. Secondly, increase funding for the UPS by allocating additional funds to the scheme in the national budget.  And finally, exploring safe investment options to ensure long-term sustainability.

In conclusion,  the introduction of a universal pension scheme is a praiseworthy step. This is commensurate with Bangladesh’s aspiration to become an upper-middle-income country by 2031 and an advanced country by 2041. This scheme will increase economic activity, creating new jobs and places. And this fund should not become another sector of corruption, and pensioner should be able to withdraw their pension money instantly without unnecessary hassle. In one sentence, it should be a friendly scheme for pensioners.

Focus Writing For Bank Exam Sample- 2

Topic: Cashless Economy: A Journey of Bangladesh to Digital Transactions

A cashless economy, or cashless society, is an environment in which traditional methods of financial transactions, such as paper currency and coins, are not used. Here, all sorts of payments are completed through Mobile Financial Services (MFS), such as Bkash, Nagad, Rocket, Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, Cryptocurrencies, debit cards, credit cards, and more electronic methods. Bangladesh, as an emerging nation, is moving toward achieving and adopting the economic characteristics of developed countries. The cashless society is just another step in this. Cashless transaction methods have many advantages, but they also have some shortcomings. Without addressing these vital issues, this project may fail or face complex challenges in the future.

The cashless economy is gaining widespread acceptance in Bangladesh. The most significant benefits of the project are boosting financial inclusion, reducing money laundering, avoiding the risk of carrying cash, and reducing time consumption. It also enables the reduction of costs associated with the production, storage,  handling, and disposal of paper and coin currency. It also makes it very easy to exchange currency while traveling internationally.

While it offers significant benefits, building a cashless society in Bangladesh also poses substantial challenges. These issues must be identified and resolved to enjoy the sweet fruit of a cashless society. Among these impediments, the first and most worrying obstacle is the fear of digital crime, such as hacking and phishing. The banks of Bangladesh are unwilling to spend more on cybersecurity and ICT risk management, and secondly, there is less technological knowledge and financial literacy among citizens. Most people in this country are not familiar with these payment methods. Most importantly, the FRED report clearly shows that MFS transaction costs in our nation are the highest in South Asia and the third highest in Asia. Moreover, intangible money creates a tendency toward overspending among middle-class people.

To overcome these impediments, the central bank should first play a regulatory role to increase investment in the cybersecurity sector. Additionally, educating people about financial transaction safety measures, savings habits, and so on. Following that, in mobile financial services, transaction costs should be lower, and special incentives should be provided. Already, MFS service providers have started offering packages such as cashback and discounts on shopping at different chain stores. Finally, the central bank should fix the transaction charges to boost financial inclusion. These measures will help combat and resolve almost all the major hindrances towards achieving economic ascendency to the fullest.

Undoubtedly, the cashless society is a commendable initiative by our government and will be another step toward achieving the Smart Bangladesh vision. Without sorting the indicated facts, this splendid thought may suffer. Hopefully, along with the government, the country’s central bank, and its population, the country will succeed.

Unique Focus Writing Example (ইউনিক ফোকাস রাইটিং)-2
Bangladesh-India Bilateral Transaction: A New Phase of Currency Exchange

The taka-rupee bilateral transaction is an appreciated step in strengthening economic ties between Bangladesh and India. These two South Asian nations have a friendly historical relationship, and at present, they are working together on many developmental and economic projects, including the Taka-Rupee bilateral transaction agreement. Tk-Rupee transactions will work as the pivotal driver of the two countries’ cooperation and the maintenance of regional relationships. This article discusses opportunities, mechanisms, and challenges, along with some recommendations.

One of the very first and most effective advantages of the Tk-Rupee bilateral transaction is that it will offer Bangladesh a marvelous trade boost. This currency exchange mechanism will make transactions faster and easier, offer lower exchange rates, and reduce the risk of currency transactions. It will help both the importer and exporter businesses in both countries. In 2022-23, bilateral trade with Bangladesh accounted for 15.3 billion dollars, making it one of India’s largest trading partners.

Additionally, this method of currency exchange will help Bangladesh attract Indian investors to invest in the country through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). In recent years, Indian investment and business projects in Bangladesh have risen by billions of dollars. Moreover,  India will be able to expand its machinery, agricultural, and pharmaceutical markets in Bangladesh through this easy transaction agreement. Overall, it will result in rapid economic growth, smoother and tension-free trade, and strong diplomatic and economic ties and cooperation.

Along with numerous benefits and ascendency, the Taka-Rupee bilateral transaction comes with its own impediments and limitations. Firstly, fluctuations in the exchange rate between the taka and the rupee can make the situation challenging. This inconsistency can create product cost differences, hamper export and import businesses, and discourage investors. Following this transaction system requires coordination between the country’s responsible banks and financial institutions for easy convertibility; common differences among the financial institutions can push this agreement toward failure. Again, issues related to taxation, trade documents, foreign exchange controls, and Bangladesh’s risk of worsening trade imbalances will create severe adverse economic conditions.

Solving these demands requires good cooperation between Bangladesh and India. Firstly, making policy and regulatory measures for effective exchange rate risk management and for convertibility. Secondly, a good, friendly, and collaborative relationship between the two countries’ central banks and other responsible financial institutions is vital to make the Tk-Rupee transaction a success. Most importantly, Bangladesh needs to step up trade diversification, depending not only on previous sectors but also on the country coming up with new, profitable trading businesses. Finally, infrastructure development, monitoring, risk assessment, opportunity assessment, capacity building, and public awareness are essential to avoiding adverse outcomes.

In conclusion, the Taka-Rupee bilateral transaction will boost both countries’ GDPs, increase business activity, create employment, and strengthen both countries’ relationships. And to enjoy these expected fruitful results, proper measures must be taken to care for them. With proper resolutions, the Taka-Rupee bilateral transaction will look like a blooming flower in the garden of both countries’ economies.

Focus Writing For Bank Exam Sample- 3

Topic: The Need for Good Governance in the Banking Sector of Bangladesh

The need for good governance in Bangladesh’s banking sector is critical to ensuring financial stability, protecting public trust, and promoting sustainable economic growth.

Good governance in this context encompasses the systems, structures, and processes that ensure banks are directed and controlled responsibly, with a focus on transparency, accountability, responsiveness, and the rule of law.

Key Reasons for Good Governance

Good governance is essential for the Bangladesh banking sector for several fundamental reasons:

Financial Stability and Systemic Risk Reduction: Banks operate with highly leveraged balance sheets, and instability in one institution can quickly spread throughout the broader economy. Good governance—through sound risk management, proper internal controls, and effective board oversight—is necessary to prevent bank failures and avoid a systemic crisis that could cripple the economy.

Controlling Non-Performing Loans (NPLs): Bangladesh’s banking sector faces a significant challenge with high NPLs. Poor governance is a primary driver of this, leading to politically motivated lending, insider lending, and loans extended without proper due diligence. Strong governance is needed to ensure that credit risk guidelines are followed, loan classifications are accurate, and recovery processes are effective.

Protecting Public Trust and Depositors: Banks primarily deal with public money (deposits). Scams, fraud, and mismanagement, which are manifestations of poor governance, erode public confidence in the financial system. Restoring and maintaining this trust is vital for the continued flow of funds into the banking sector, which is the “lifeline of the economy.”

Combating Corruption and Scams: Recent financial scandals in the Bangladeshi banking sector highlight profound governance failures, often involving political patronage, directorial influence, and fraudulent activities. Robust governance, including independent auditing and strong regulatory enforcement, is the only way to minimize corruption and hold wrongdoers accountable.

Economic Development: As the main provider of finance to businesses, a well-managed banking system is a precondition for economic development. Poor governance and high NPLs restrict banks’ ability to offer loans at lower interest rates, which in turn hampers private sector investment, job creation, and overall economic growth.

Challenges to Good Governance

The banking sector in Bangladesh faces several challenges that impede good governance:

Political Interference and Patronage: Political influence in board appointments and lending decisions is a significant obstacle, often leading to the sanctioning of non-productive or fictitious loans.

Weak Regulatory Framework and Enforcement: Limitations in the legal structure and a perceived lack of autonomy for the central bank (Bangladesh Bank) weaken its ability to supervise banks effectively, enforce prudential norms, and penalize defaulters.

Lack of Transparency and Accountability: Private Commercial Banks (PCBs) often operate as closely held entities with limited disclosure and accountability, making it easier for insider lending and corporate fraud to occur.

Dominance of Family Ownership: Corporate ownership structures are often dominated by family members, which can lead to conflicts of interest and a focus on self-interest rather than the bank’s health and depositors’ security.

Steps for Improvement

To strengthen the banking sector, comprehensive reforms centered on good governance are required:

Strengthen Central Bank Independence: Upholding the autonomy and decision-making authority of the Bangladesh Bank, free from political and administrative interference.

Reform Board Appointments: Ensuring that board members, particularly independent directors, are appointed based on qualifications and professional expertise, and act as genuine advocates for all stakeholders.

Enhance Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: Updating the Bank Company Act to reduce political influence in loan decisions, and introducing a robust framework for bank resolution to deal with failing institutions decisively.

Increase Transparency and Disclosure: Mandating strict adherence to international standards like BASEL III for loan classification and capital adequacy, and ensuring regular, publicly available reports on bank health.

Hold Accountable: Establishing a strong political commitment to penalize loan defaulters and prosecute those involved in financial crimes, regardless of their influence.

Good governance is not just an aspirational goal but a necessary tool for the stability, integrity, and long-term vitality of Bangladesh’s banking sector.

Would you like to learn more about the specific principles of corporate governance most relevant to the banking sector?