Research project is an academic exercise that students undergo at the final year in the university. It is a show of many years of knowledge and ability gained in all the years spent in the university. It is a way of test-running what has been put in place. In the process of project writing, it is expected follow the format approved by either the school or the department.
Undergraduate research project writing is an academic exercise every undergraduate student must encounter in their years of study in the university. Most universities tend to brief their students on this exercise which they must carry out in their final year as well as give them a clue of what they are expected to do. This is to get them ready mentally, financially, psychologically, and otherwise. Therefore, the process of project writing will require them to make intensive research and come up with a well formulated and articulated project topic and then sort ways to source out materials for their research work.
Conducting research can be a powerful experience for students. It comes with lots of benefits to both students and the entire education system. It helps to increase research awareness and enthusiasm in undergraduate students; it also improves professional presentation and self evaluation skills as well as promotion of active learning and collaboration with fellow students, supervisors, and professors of the school. The research carried out by undergraduate students makes an original intellectual or creative contribution to their various disciplines.
With the numerous benefits that comes with a good research it is expected that statement of the problem be included in every research because it is what explains in clear terms your purpose of research. It is also this problem of research that influences your project topic and of course the whole research work. There is always a problem which you’ve identified and seek to find solution to which is the obvious reason for going into research which at the end of the research it is either you find solution to the problem stated or add to an already existing knowledge.
Therefore, the key objective of every research is not just about discovering new knowledge but also to confront assumptions and explore what we don’t know.
WHAT IS THE STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Statement of the problem is the reason behind every research. It is the part of research that explains why and what you intend to achieve in the research. Through your statement of the problem your audiences are able to understand the problem you identified and seek to find solution to or finding the reasons why certain things happen and making appropriate recommendations and conclusion. In short, the statement of the problem is what necessitated the research in the first place.

HOW DOES IT INFLUENCE THE OUTCOME OF UNDERGRADUATE PROJECT

A) IT CREATES A PATHWAY TO THE OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

One of the ways statement of the problem influences the outcome of undergraduate project is that it helps in creating a pathway to the objectives of the study. It acts as a direction to the objectives of the research. The objectives of the study in every research draw its strength form statement of the problem. From the statement of the problem, a researcher is able to identify and state in clear terms what the aim and objectives of the research is and that explains what the research wants to achieve. It doesn’t end in just stating the research problem; you must also be able to draw your objectives from the identified research problem. A researcher should be able to create objectives of the research which is the part of reason for the research and also tells your supervisor and audience what you intend to research on or make findings about. And to get these objectives, you must understand your research problem very well because that is where your objectives will emanate from.

B) IT GIVES IDEAS ON THE METHODOLOGY TO BE ADOPTED

An understanding of your research methodology is vital in the process of your research work. That is why it is also important you have more understanding on the statement of the problem as it will influence then methodology to employ in the research work. After choosing a project topic, the next thing you should have in mind is the methodology to apply which must concise with your project topic. Just as the variables in your research topics determines the methodology to use in your research work so also does your statement of the problem influences and gives you idea on the methodology to use or adopt in your research. Going by what you intend to achieve form the research, you will able to know what method to adopt in achieving your research aim. In the use of methodology there is the primary and secondary data. If your research work requires primary data then you must understand the use of the primary data very well and apply it accordingly in your research work. If it’s the secondary data, then you must also understand it application in your research work. Whatever methodology you use, make sure you understand it very well and apply it accordingly.
However, your research methodology must be able to convince your readers how you propose to carry out the project work.

C) IT GIVES YOUR RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS A TARGET

Through statement of the problem in a research, it also influences your research by giving your research hypothesis a target. It shows the direction in which your research hypothesis should go.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the statement of the problem in an undergraduate research has a great influence in the whole of the research work. No research work is complete or can be considered a good research without first stating why or what necessitated the research. Your audience must be able to know and understand what led to the research as well as what you intend to achieve which can either be a solution or an added knowledge.