Posted: September 16th, 2017

Problem statement and research question

Problem statement and research question

Review the NCU Guidebook Applied Degree 2013, the Doctoral Candidacy Resource Guide (DCRG), and the NCU Template Applied Degree CP 2013 documents in the NCU Dissertation Center.

Now that you have compiled an annotated bibliography on your topic area and identified multiple issues related to theory in the area, you are ready to develop a draft of the problem statement and research questions that you will use in your Concept Paper.

Main Task: Develop a Problem Statement and Research Questions
Keeping in mind all you have learned about research design in previous courses, your instructor’s feedback on Activity 1, and ethical and practical considerations about the kind of study needed to address the problem, write a problem statement and research questions based on the articles in your annotated bibliography. Follow these guidelines:
The Problem Statement should be 250-300 words that is in accord with the NCU Template Applied Degree CP 2013 document. The problem should be related to an issue you have already identified.

Absolutely avoid one of the most common errors in problem statements (and literature reviews): reporting what previous researchers have done instead of using critically evaluated findings from previous research to demonstrate the existence of a gap in knowledge appropriate to a dissertation. Your problem statement must use sources to show what we know and don’t know, not what researchers have done and not done.

The Research Questions addresses the research problem identified in the problem statement and are in accord with the NCU Template Applied Degree CP 2013 document.

Your paper should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts that are presented in the course and provide new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards. Be sure to adhere to Northcentral University’s Academic Integrity Policy.

Submit your document in the Course Work area below the Activity screen.

Learning Outcomes: 7, 8

•Develop a problem statement for a concept paper.

•Compose research questions for a concept paper.