The problem statement is the heart of a research paper. It is the core in which every single data and opinion contained within the research paper is directed. It tells instructors and readers what they are about to learn. To produce a powerful problem statement that immediately grabs anyone’s attention, here are a few guidelines you can follow.

First, ask if the problem is relevant in the real world. If it is, then describe the facts that surround the problem and what is the preferred situation. Once you have done this, you can begin to focus on the obvious and underlying causes of the problem or on the events that may have led to it.

From a theoretical point of view, determine the factors that have led to the unpleasant situation. Your objective in doing this is to identify the symptoms of the problem and to sort them into categories. With the help of information taken from books, newspapers and other reliable resource materials, you will identify symptoms, barriers, and possible answers to the problem. Much of the information found in reliable research papers are taken from primary resources, and not from materials extracted from the internet.

While keeping a theoretical standpoint, identify actions that will resolve the problem. Your gathered resources will help you determine some of these actions, but do not forget to formulate your own strategies and remedies. Provide unique ideas even though they are just hypothetical, as they are effective in attracting attention and in increasing your chances of getting a high mark.

Giving a hypothetical solution is tapping your creativity. After relying upon your gathered data to identify theoretical actions that can resolve the problem, it’s time to provide a solution that can be applied in the real world. Move readers to pursue a certain action, which can change the situation. Be specific. Explain the action plan in details. It is in this part of the research paper where you can let your original thinking shine through.

Now wrap up your research paper by restating the problem and your call to action. Make sure your work is thoroughly checked for incorrect spelling and grammar. Use the proofreading tool of Microsoft Word or let a friend read your work. A fresh set of eyes can detect flaws we may have overlooked. Just remember, even research papers with the most interesting topics can still fail if they failed to undergo proper editing.