In a dissertation or applied doctoral project, alignment of problem, purpose, and questions is key. To help check initial alignment, some students find the following activity to be helpful.
Instructions for completing the activity:
Activity example:
| Problem | Purpose | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Employers report newly hired graduates of XYZ training program are not demonstrating the highest level of critical thinking skills. | To evaluate the critical thinking skills components that are currently incorporated in the XYZ training program. |
Q1. There are critical thinking skills components included in the curriculum that are currently offered in the XYZ training program. Q2: Practitioners and authors indicate preferred practices for critical thinking skills components to be included in training program curricula. Q3: Alumni of XYZ training program have perceptions regarding their level of critical thinking skills when employed. Q4: Employers of graduates of the XYZ training program have perceptions regarding the critical thinking skills required of newly hired XYZ training program graduates. Q5: The critical thinking skills components of the XYZ training program align with preferred practices identified by experts. |
Evaluating Feasibility Before You Write Page 60 of Your Dissertation
NU Skill Up Series (Producer). (2023, September 29). Evaluating feasibility before you write page 60 of your dissertation [Video file]. National University.
The Doctoral Mindset: Part 1 - Linking and Alignment
NU Skill Up Series (Producer). (2024, March). The doctoral mindset: Part 1 - Linking and alignment [Video file]. National University.
Tips and Tricks for a Successful Chapter 1
National University GSSC. (2022, October 25). Tips and tricks for a successful chapter 1 [Video file].
The problem of your study can be determined by gaps in the literature; HOWEVER, a gap in the literature is not the problem. A problem is a clear and distinct problem that can be empirically verified and has a consequence. NOTE: A problem statement does not suggest any action to be taken, nor does it ask a question.
Example: “My car has a flat tire, so I cannot go to work, and my livelihood is affected.” (This is a statement of fact and can be verified.)
As soon as an action is noted, it becomes a purpose statement – “I need to investigate why I have a flat tire.”
If you ask a question, it is no longer a problem statement either – “How does my flat tire affect my livelihood?”
In qualitative studies, the problem is the phenomenon under study.
Using the funnel approach, i.e., moving from a general to a specific problem, to write a problem statement, the first component developed is the “phenomenon,” also known as the general problem. The phenomenon represents a situation that exists that can be directly attributed to a specific problem that is the focus of the proposed research.
Use the script below by replacing the italicized text with the appropriate information to write a one-sentence statement representing the phenomenon, and include at least two to three current (within three years) citations to support the statement.
"The general problem is that (describe the phenomenon) (two to three current citations)."
Once again, using the funnel approach to write a problem statement, the second component developed is the “specific problem.” The specific problem represents an undesirable or negative outcome that can be researched and is directly attributable to the phenomenon of the proposed study.
Use the script below by replacing the italicized text with the appropriate information to write a one-sentence statement representing the specific problem, and include at least two to three current (within three years) citations to support the statement.
"The specific problem is when the (participants) (experience the phenomenon), (negative/undesirable outcome) (two to three current citations)."
Often, it may be more effective to write one overarching problem statement that includes both the general and specific problems.
Following the Problem Statement is the Purpose Statement. The purpose should directly align with the problem.
The purpose statement describes the aim of the proposed study and includes the research methodology and design, phenomenon, and participants.
Use the script below by replacing the italicized text with the appropriate information to write a one-sentence statement representing the purpose statement.
"The purpose of this qualitative (design) study is to explore (the phenomenon), (as perceived by participants)."
Often, one question is designed to explore the barriers or challenges related to the phenomenon, and the second question asks about how to improve the phenomenon. However, there can be more than two research questions. The questions can be constructed in several different ways; a few examples are shown in RQ1. And RQ2. The questions should always include the phenomenon and participants and ask the “How,” “What,” or “Why,” as related to the phenomenon.
Use the script below by replacing the italicized text with the appropriate information to write two one-sentence research questions that together explore the phenomenon as it is perceived by the (participants).
"RQ1. What are the challenges of the (phenomenon) from the perspectives of the participants)?"
"RQ2. How can the (phenomenon) be improved, as perceived by the (participants)?"
The problem of your study can be determined by gaps in the literature; HOWEVER, a gap in the literature is not the problem. A problem is a clear and distinct problem that can be empirically verified and has a consequence. NOTE: A problem statement does not suggest any action to be taken nor does it ask a question.
Example: “My car has a flat tire, so I cannot go to work and my livelihood is affected.” (This is a statement of fact and can be verified.)
As soon as an action is noted, it becomes a purpose statement – “I need to investigate why I have a flat tire.”
If you ask a question, it is no longer a problem statement either – “How does my flat tire affect my livelihood?”
Your general and specific problem statements should have at least two to three current (within three years) citations.
An example problem statement format is provided below. Please use the information and templates below to construct each component based on the quantitative research design selected earlier.
The premise is that the “funnel” approach to constructing the problem statement funnels from a general problem to a specific one.
The general problem statement. Using the funnel approach to write a problem statement, the first component developed is the general problem. The general problem represents a situation that exists, which can be directly attributed to a specific problem that is the focus of the dissertation or applied doctoral project.
Based on the type of problem addressed by the dissertation or applied doctoral project, write the general problem statement below.
"The general problem is (describe the situation linked to the negative outcome) (two-three citations)."
Once again, using the funnel approach to write a problem statement, the second component developed is the “specific problem.” The specific problem represents an undesirable or negative outcome that can be researched and is directly attributable to the general problem.
With the type of problem in mind, write the specific problem addressed by the proposed dissertation or project below.
"The specific problem to be studied is when the (study population/site/program) experience/results in/causes (the general problem), (state the negative outcome) (two to three citations)."
Following the Problem Statement is the Purpose Statement. The purpose should directly align with the problem.
The purpose statement describes the aim of the dissertation or applied doctoral project and includes the project design, method, and variables.
Based on the design, the purpose statement can be constructed slightly differently.
Examples:
The purpose of this quantitative correlational study is to examine if there is a relationship between (variable 1) and (variable 2).
The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study is to examine the difference in (dependent variable) between (group 1) and (group2).
NOTE: The groups represent the independent variable. For example, you could be investigating the difference between high school and college students, so the independent variable is education level.
Based on the design write the purpose statement for the proposed study below.
"The purpose of this quantitative (design) study is to examine (connection) of (variables)."
The type and number of research questions are dependent upon the design and purpose of the study.
Visit the following site to identify the appropriate structure for the proposed project: http://dissertation.laerd.com/how-to-structure-quantitative-research-questions.php
Examples:
RQ1. What is the difference in (dependent variable) between (group 1)? (group 2), (group…n)?
OR
RQ1. How are/is (group 1) different from (group 2) in terms of (dependent variable) for (participants) at (research location)?
Q1. What is the relationship of (variable 1)to ( variable 2) for (participants) at (research location)?
Write the appropriate number research question(s) based on the design and purpose of the proposed study.
Research Question:
RQ1. (see examples above to complete)
Hypotheses
For each research question, there should be a null and an alternative hypothesis.
Examples:
H10. There is no difference in (dependent variable between (group 1) and (group 2).
H1A. There is a statistically significant difference in (dependent variable between (group 1) and (group 2).
H10. There is no relationship between (variable 1) and (variable 2).
H1A. There is a relationship between (variable 1) and (variable 2).
Please review the following site to properly construct hypotheses: https://statistics.laerd.com/statistical-guides/hypothesis-testing-3.php
Exercise #5
Write the appropriate hypotheses for the proposed dissertation below.
H10. (see examples above to complete)
H1A. (see examples above to complete)
Chapter 1 |
Chapter 2 |
Chapter 3 |
Chapter 4 |
Chapter 5 |
|
Problem Statement |
The problem statement provides the anchor for your entire dissertation. The problem should be something scholars agree needs to be solved. Evidence should be supported by recent research and citations |
The problem statement generates key topics that you will include in your literature review that describe and provide evidence-based support for the importance of studying the problem. |
The problem statement anchors the research design and methodology. Ask yourself if the methods chosen will get answers to the questions to help solve the problem. |
The problem statement should remain the foundation of the study, and all data results should demonstrate aspects of the problem and potential solutions. |
The problem statement should be addressed in both the implications for practice and the areas for further research. |
Purpose Statement |
The purpose statement should implicitly state the purpose of the study, “The purpose of this (type) study is to …”. The purpose should investigate a potential way to solve the problem. |
The purpose statement generates key topics that you include in your literature review that provide support for your study. |
The purpose statement anchors the research design and methodology. Ask yourself if the methods chosen will get answers to the research questions to help solve the problem. |
The purpose statement should remain the foundation of the study, and all data results should demonstrate aspects of the problem and potential solutions. |
The interpretation of the results will consistently address the purpose statement of the research study. |
Research Questions |
The research questions must directly align with the problem and purpose statements. Ask yourself if the answers to the research questions will help solve the problem. |
The research questions generate key topics that you include in your literature review to provide rationale and support for your study. |
The research questions guide your choices for research design and methodology. |
The research questions provide the structure for your Chapter 4 Results section. Each research question is a sub-heading in the section, under which the data collected are presented. |
In Chapter 5, the interpretation of the data provides the answers to your research questions. |
Framework |
In Chapter 1, include an overview of the cited framework(s) you have chosen to support your research. Include a rationale for the selection. Also include a short description of the primary component of the framework (s) and how it aligns with your problem and purpose. |
In Chapter 2, write a thorough review of the literature about your chosen framework(s). Include related research that supports the use of the framework(s) for your research topic. |
The framework(s) provide integral support for how you collect data. In qualitative research, the frameworks inform your data collection instruments, including interview or survey questions and observation checklists. |
When you analyze the data, the framework(s) inform your analysis strategies. For qualitative studies, use your framework(s) to develop priori codes. When you identify themes in qualitative data, refer back to your framework(s) to demonstrate alignment |
At the end of the study, your final interpretation of the results should demonstrate how the framework(s) support the proposed solution to your research problem. |
Compiled by Dr. Cynthia Akagi, School of Education 2018
| Section 1 | Section 2 | Section 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Problem Statement |
The problem statement is the foundation of your entire applied doctoral project. The problem should be something scholars agree on that needs to be, and can be, addressed. A gap in the literature may help discern the problem, but a gap in and of itself is not a problem. Evidence should be supported by recent (last three years) literature. The problem statement generates key topics that you will include in your literature review that describe and provide evidence-based support for the importance of studying the problem. |
The problem statement dictates the Research Methodology and Design. Ask yourself if the methods chosen will get answers to the questions to help address the problem. |
The problem statement should remain the foundation of the study, and all Results/Findings should demonstrate aspects of the problem and potential solutions. The Evaluation of the Outcomes section and Implications and Recommendations for Practice and the Recommendations for Future Research should address the problem statement. |
| Purpose Statement | The purpose statement should explicitly state the purpose of the study, “The purpose of this (type) study is to …”. The purpose should investigate a potential way to address the problem. | The purpose statement aligns with the problem statement and prompts the Research Methodology and Design. Ask yourself if the methodology and design chosen will get answers to the research questions to help address the problem. | The purpose statement should directly connect to the study's Results/Findings. The Evaluation of the Outcomes section will consistently address the purpose statement of the research study. |
| Research Questions | The research questions must directly align with the problem and purpose statements. Ask yourself if the answers to the research questions will help address the problem and purpose. | The research questions guide your choices for Research Methodology and Design. |
The research questions provide the structure for your Section 3 Results/Findings and Evaluation of Outcomes sections. Each research question is a sub-heading in the section, under which the data collected are presented. The Evaluation of the Outcomes provides the answers to your research questions. |
| Conceptual/Theoretical Framework | In Section 1, include an overview of the framework(s) you have chosen to support your research. Continue with a thorough review of the literature about your chosen framework (s). Include related research that supports the use of the framework(s) for your research topic. Include a rationale for the selection. Ensure you demonstrate how the framework(s) align with your problem and purpose. | The framework(s) provide integral support for how you collect data. The framework(s) inform your data collection instruments. | When you analyze the data, the framework(s) inform your analysis strategies. Your Evaluations of the Outcomes, Implications, Recommendations for Practice, and Conclusions should demonstrate how the framework(s) addressed and supported a potential solution to your research problem. |
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