Problem Statement Locke et al', 2000

1
Problem Statement (Locke et al., 2000)

• Problem -the experience we have when an
  unsatisfactory situation is encountered
• Question - a statement about what you wish to
  know about an unsatisfactory situation
• Purpose -explicit intention of the investigator
  to accumulate data in such a way as to answer the
  research question

2
Parts of research proposal

• Problem Statement
• Literature Review and Background
• Justification
• Client/Societal Relevance (what need are you
  filling, why is this a need)
• Science Relevance (how does this fit with
  existing knowledge about your system and systems
  similar to yours)
• It is a reasonable question to ask, possible to
  answer
• It has not already been answered

3
Literature Review

• Goal Oriented
• Science Relevance (how does this fit with
  existing knowledge about the problem/question)
• It is a reasonable question to ask
• It has not already been answered
• Requires defining the system (geography, scale
  (time and space), components/interactions of
  interest)
• Based on placing yourself in the map of
  existing knowledge about the system
• Map - Existing knowledge and acceptable
  techniques (measurement and analysis) to obtain
  that knowledge

4
Assignments

• Over the next two weeks, meet with Priya to get
  additional feedback on PS
• April 22th Final Problem Statement, Print and
  bring to class
• April 21nd Start mapping out your literature
  review
• Strategic list of topic/points that you will need
  to address
• Potential sources (rough - client?, literature
  from a particular field?)
• Include Problem Statement
• Email to Priya
• pverma_at_bren.ucsb.edu Office Hours Monday 10-11,
  Tuesday 10-11, by appointment

5
Grading for the course

• Final Problem Statement 10
• Annotated Literature Review 15
• Proposal Peer Review 10
• Presentation 20
• Final Proposal 45