Problem Statement: Employee burnout and retention among HR professionals

Overview The purpose of this assignment is to write a problem statement that focuses on a

potential topic for your dissertation research. A problem statement narrowly defines your

topic area to a specific problem or issue. In this case, you are taking the next step in

developing your dissertation topic that was the basis of your assignment in Week

4—Research Topic Investigation. The idea is to take what you learned in completing

that assignment and what you gained from your instructor's feedback to develop a more

formal, concise, and specific statement of a precise problem that can be researched.

The skills involved in writing a problem statement will serve you well throughout your

program and are particularly important in the dissertation process. They are critical skills

needed to become a competent doctoral researcher in psychology.

A research problem is a concern, issue, or controversy that you investigate. The

problem may come from the need to extend research into an area not yet studied. Many

times, the specific problem or issue is identified at the end of another research study

where the author calls for additional research. Regardless of the source of the problem,

a researcher needs to have a clear idea of the goal: the answers that are sought and

the specific questions that need to be asked.

This assignment will not be your final statement of this problem. The mini literature

review you will complete in Week 8 may cause you to revise your statement to some

extent, based on what you learn. However, this problem statement should be more

clearly defined and more precise than the assignment you submitted two weeks ago.

You are familiar with the names of the researchers who have already studied your topic

area. You have located several literature resources—articles, books, and

summaries—that provide some of the existing knowledge on that topic area. In the

discussions and writing assignment in Weeks 3 and 4, you may have already begun the

process of summarizing what is already known in the topic area. When you write your

problem statement, rely on this work to help you articulate a focus for your research—a

concise summary of what is already known and a clear statement of what you want to

find out. What questions do you want to answer?

Writing a clear problem statement requires some significant thinking; consider this

assignment as a learning experience, one that helps you hone your thinking in

preparation for attending the residencies.

Instructions In a 1–2 paragraph problem statement (180–250 words):

● State the research problem clearly and succinctly. ● Summarize what is already known and the gap in the literature you perceive

to exist. ● Justify very briefly the need to study the problem by presenting a couple of

reasons why the issue is important.

Additional Requirements Your assignment should meet the following requirements:

● Written communication: Include written communication that is free of errors that detract from the overall message.

● APA formatting: Format resources and citations according to APA style and format guidelines.

● Number of resources: Include a minimum of two resources. ● Length of paper: Write 1–2 pages, double spaced, not including the title and

references page. ● Font and font size: Use Times New Roman, 12 point.

Review the Problem Statement Scoring for more information on how you will be

assessed.

Submit your assignment as a Microsoft Word attachment in the assignment area.

Competencies Measured By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the

following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:

● Competency 1: Apply advanced critical thinking skills. ○ State a specific problem or issue to be investigated in your

specialization of interest, including variables of the research. ● Competency 2: Apply research processes and standards and the technical

skills of a researcher in the field of psychology. ○ Explain specific research of what is currently known in the field on

the selected topic. ● Competency 3: Analyze and apply professional ethical standards in

psychological research and practice. ○ Justify the need to study the specific issue and how the findings will

ethically advance practice in the field. ● Competency 4: Develop a professional identity as a doctoral-level

psychologist. ○ Describe a clear gap (what is not known) in the current research on

the selected topic to be addressed. ● Competency 5: Convey purpose, in an appropriate tone and style,

incorporating supporting evidence and adhering to organizational, professional, and scholarly writing standards.

○ Convey purpose in a well-organized text, incorporating appropriate evidence and tone in grammatically sound sentences.

○ Apply APA style and formatting to scholarly writing.