Whether addressing a problem presented in a created case study or pursuing theoretical or practice-based research, the problem space is a way to help you establish boundaries for the literature review so that you have a clear idea of what to include and what to exclude.

Whether addressing a problem presented in a created case study or pursuing theoretical or practice-based research, the problem space is a way to help you establish boundaries for the literature review so that you have a clear idea of what to include and what to exclude. The topic, the problem statements that other researchers have defined, the approaches that other researchers have taken, and/or the literature regarding the practice within an organization or setting all constitute the “problem space” for a study. What needs to be understood is the result of the analysis of the literature review within the problem space, and the problem statement expresses how the proposed study will address what needs to be understood. An argument supporting the need for the study is also formed from the results of the analysis of the literature review. The description of the problem space and the problem statement will be refined over time as you read and synthesize additional information.

Using your knowledge to date from RES-815, RES-820, and your independent reading in your field of interest, briefly describe the problem space and argue the need for your proposed study. Then, draft an potential problem statement that emerges from the problem space and the need for the study.