Writing a problem solution research paper requires identifying a real problem or issue and proven solutions. These types of papers require research, analysis and proposals for solutions to problems. Here are the basic steps:
Choose a relevant topic. Choose a topic that interests you or that you are passionate about solving. Make sure it is something that can actually be solved or improved upon with recommendations instead of just identifying problems. Some good topics include social issues, environmental problems, community concerns, poverty, disease prevention and control or health issues. Avoid overly broad topics that cannot be reasonably addressed in the confines of a research paper.
Research the problem. Conduct thorough research on your topic to fully understand the nature and scope of the problem. Gather credible statistics, facts and studies that establish the significance and urgency of the issue. Identifying key causes and contributors to the problem is important to understand root causes instead of just symptoms. Interviewing experts or organizations actively working on the issue can provide valuable first-hand perspectives. Analyze case studies and lessons learned from past efforts to address the issue. Review past and present approaches taken by others to understand what solutions have been attempted and their effectiveness or shortcomings. This research establishes credibility by demonstrating your understanding of the issue beyond a surface level.
Determine likely causes. After researching the scope and history of the problem, analyze possible underlying contributing factors. Identify direct and indirect causes. For example, the cause of homelessness may be related to lack of affordable housing, poverty, lack of living-wage jobs, lack of access to education, mental illness, drug addiction and more. Determining multiple contributing factors establishes a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.
Consider various solutions. Brainstorm possible courses of action that could potentially ameliorate or solve the problem based on the research findings. Consider solutions implemented elsewhere that showed positive results as well as new, innovative ideas. Typical solutions may involve policy changes, advocacy programs, community organizing efforts, technological solutions, funding initiatives or regulatory reforms. Identifying a wide range of solution options at this stage allows for selecting the most viable approaches after critical evaluation.
Evaluate solution options. Use critical thinking to analyze the feasibility, advantages, disadvantages and likelihood of success for each potential solution option. Consider practical factors such as costs, required resources, political viability, societal acceptability, easy of implementation, anticipated effectiveness, and time frames to achieve results. Numerical scoring systems can help compare options objectively. Consulting experts may provide valuable input on likelihood of different solutions achieving meaningful impact. Impact analysis also estimates potential challenges or unintended negative consequences of each proposal. This process eliminates less practical ideas to focus on the strongest solutions.
Recommend solutions. Based on the evaluation, select two or three well-researched, viable solution options to recommend. Provide detailed explanations for how these options could realistically alleviate or solve the problem if implemented. Cite evidence from research findings to demonstrate how the recommended solutions would specifically address causes identified. Suggesting integrated, multifaceted solutions is typically more credible than single measures alone. Outline realistic action steps, timelines, and required resources and stakeholders needed for successful adoption of recommendations. Present solutions objectively to gain reader buy-in for workable proposals versus unrealistic utopian ideas.
Anticipate objections. Researchers know opposing viewpoints and alternative solutions exist. Addressing likely counterarguments preemptively strengthens proposals. Objective consideration of dissenting opinions and potential issues enhances credibility. For example, if recommending a tax increase solution, acknowledge the political resistance and taxpayers’ burden objections up front, then provide rebuttals. Demonstrating proposals are well-thought out makes them more convincing for readers with differing viewpoints or concerns. Likewise mentioning limitations and areas needing more study projects balance versus advocacy alone.
Conclusion. Restate the issue, root causes and specific recommendations selected. Summarize how proposed solutions directly address research findings to genuinely improve the problem versus stop-gap or feel-good measures alone. Illustrate the social and personal impacts if recommendations are successfully adopted over time. Emphasize urgency for action given problem scope and consequences of inaction. Call upon target stakeholders to consider recommendations along with next steps to realize solutions. Express confidence evidence-based proposals provide a workable way forward if pursued with commitment and resources. Restating key points drives the messages home effectively without introducing new content.
References. Include complete reference listing citing all sources per required style guide. Carefully adhering to citation protocols avoids plagiarism accusations. Proper attribution lends credibility as meticulous research was actually conducted versus relying on few surface sources. Readers often review sources cited to verify facts and findings. References represent the quality and depth of exploration done to address a complex issue with viable, evidence-based recommendations.
Edit and refine. Review the entire paper critically to strengthen logic, flow, transitions and proofread for mechanics. Ask others to also carefully review and provide feedback. Revise accordingly based on input from others to address any weaknesses before submission. Attention to detail elevates the quality and readability of solutions offered for the issue at hand. Taking the research process seriously presents viable solutions the audience will want to seriously consider for enacting positive change.
Writing compelling problem solution research papers requires thoughtful investigation, analysis, balanced evaluation and sound recommendations. With diligent work, these types of papers can generate lively discussions and potentially spur real-world progress solving important social or community issues. If research is well presented, readers hopefully come away empowered with new ideas worth supporting to make constructive impacts through enacted solutions. Making issues tangible and progress feasible motivates taking action over maintaining the status quo. Overall, problem solution papers hold value to foster positive advancement on concerns scholars care deeply about remedying.
Andrew Stroud