Clarify the concept of research problem. Explain the components that should be included in writing statement of problem.

A research problem is a specific issue, difficulty, contradiction, or gap in knowledge that a researcher aims to address or investigate. It serves as the foundation for a research study, guiding the objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. It highlights what needs to be known or solved.

A well-written statement of the problem typically includes several key components:

• The Ideal: This describes the desired state or what is expected to be happening. It sets the context for what should be.
• The Reality/The Problem: This section outlines the current situation that deviates from the ideal. It clearly articulates the specific issue, challenge, or gap in knowledge that exists.
• The Consequences: Here, the negative impacts, implications, or costs of the problem are detailed. It explains why the problem is significant and what happens if it is not addressed.
• The Proposed Solution/Research Gap: This component briefly indicates how the proposed research will contribute to resolving the problem or filling the identified knowledge gap, often by suggesting the need for further investigation.