Statement of the Problem, and Purpose of the Study, and Description of Theoretical Framework

1 Write Statement of the Problem for the Prospectus: The Research Prospectus is an overview of your Doctoral Project, giving the reader sufficient information about the work you are proposing, the societal problem you are investigating, and about the way you plan your research. Provides insights and perspectives for why the study should be conducted.
The statement of the problem describes the societal problem and establishes the parameters for the problem that you will address in one sentence. Provide substantive context of the study based upon current research and information. This section is one paragraph that succinctly names and supports the problem under investigation. Keep in mind that the background of the Problem should provide all support for the need to conduct the study. This section simply provides a well honed description of the problem.

Please refer to the Doctoral Project Manual for additional information.

2 Write Purpose of the Study for the Prospectus: The Research Prospectus is an overview of your Doctoral Project, giving the reader sufficient information about the work you are proposing, the societal problem you are investigating, and about the way you plan your research. Provides insights and perspectives for why the study should be conducted.

The purpose of the study must be in direct alignment with the problem and establishes how the study will be conducted. This section is a discussion of how key elements of the study will be explored by identifying the methodology and research questions. The first sentence of the section should clearly the purpose of the study including the method that will be used for the study. As you develop the section you can insert information specific to the methodology in a sentence or two such as specific type of study method and estimated number of participants. Provide adequate context to support the research questions. The questions for research are posed using the format of a short question that reflects the focus of the study. Generally, a study consists of 3-5 research questions. Please refer to the Doctoral Project Manual. Length 1-2 paragraphs.

3 Theoretical Framework: Provide a brief overview of the Theoretical Framework. Include the origins of the theory. Establish whose version of the theory you will use. Briefly describe the theory. Link the theory to the critical areas of your study. The areas of your study should reflect the focus of your research questions. One theory is sufficient sometimes two theories are necessary. Keep in mind that the theory or theories you select will be elaborated on in chapter two and tied into the results and findings.

Please refer to the Doctoral Project Manual for additional information. Length 1 page.