PD In Practice: Appendix B - Problem statement templates
The fourth step of the design process is defining the problem and writing a problem statement. A problem statement is a concise description of an issue you want to address or a condition you want to improve. This step is important because your framing of the problem will influence how you plan the initiative to solve, or at least mitigate, the problem you identify. Problem statements are best situated at the sub-objective level, although broad sub-objectives might require more than one problem statement to fully encapsulate the challenges and significance for PD practitioners. Then you will design initiatives to address all or part of the problem you have identified. Although problem statements drive toward specificity to facilitate program design and evaluation, PD practitioners must always remember how the Integrated Country Strategy (ICS) sub-objective fits into broader mission, regional, or administration objectives and goals.
Regardless of the format, the problem statement should (1) define the central problem or challenge; (2) assess its impact and significance; and (3) analyze how it advances U.S. foreign policy. The problem statement should be specific and provide direction about how PD will address it – that is, the problem statement should hint at the audience attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors that represent the obstacle, opportunity, or challenge in the context of the larger situation.
There are several ways to write problem statements at the sub-objective level. Some of the most common ways are described below, along with examples. The templates provided below offer starting points for writing problem statements; they can be modified to suit particular initiatives and policy objectives.
- Template 1: Goal, reality, obstacles, consequences
- Template 2: Defining the context, issue, and relevance
- Template 3: Defining the issue, effects, and impacts
- Template 4: 5Ws + H
Template 1: Goal, reality, obstacles, consequences
ICS sub-objective: Strengthen standards through skill-building, knowledge-based exchange, and scholarship programs.
The goal is __________; however, the reality is __________. One of the key obstacles in reaching the goal is __________. The consequence is __________. This issue is important to the United States because __________.
Example: Learning standards must be increased; However, a lack of education in the northern region has led to limited opportunities for post-secondary students, preventing them from securing jobs that require higher education. This issue is particularly concentrated in rural and farming-focused areas, where young people often see only one possible future after completing primary school. The absence of educational pathways increases the risk of alignment with radical ideals, raising concerns for the United States, as ideological extremism can contribute to regional instability and broader security threats.
In this example, a clear gap is identified between the ideal situation and the current situation regarding learning standards and opportunities for youth. . It identifies an obstacle (limited perception of future opportunities) ) that may be addressed by a PD initiative, and then it explains why tackling this obstacle may affect the situation.
Template 2: Context, issue, relevance
ICS sub-objective: Calorman’s public institutions will begin to provide their services in a more accountable, effective, and transparent manner through U.S. assistance and engagement.
A [cultural/social/political/economic] factor that contributes to __________ is __________, which leads to __________. The [significance/impact] is __________. This issue is important to the United States because __________.
Example: A political factor that contributes to institutional corruption is the lack of transparency and accountability practices in Calorman's public institutions, which leads to decision-making being influenced more by bribes than by the rule of law. The impact is a systematic erosion of public trust and a weakening of governance structures. This issue is important to the United States because corruption in Calorman can facilitate illicit activities, destabilize the region, and ultimately undermine U.S. economic and security interests.
In this example, we see the identification of a broad problem (lack of transparency and accountability practices) as well as the identification of a single contributing factor that signals an attitude we would like to change (the influence of bribes ). Then, the problem statement identifies two potential audience groups (public trust , and government structures) and a belief (that corruption destabilizes ) around which to organize a PD initiative. In further planning, PD practitioners would likely want to segment and target these audiences more narrowly - which public segments and government structures will be the most likely to change their beliefs about the issue?
Template 3: Defining the issue, effects, and impacts
ICS sub-objective: Strengthen civil society and citizen participation in electoral and political processes.
The issue is __________, resulting in __________. The problem is observed by __________ and affects __________, which is important to the United States because __________.
Example: In Terabithia, the issue is that citizens, especially women, fear electoral violence, resulting in low voter turnout. The problem is observed primarily in election years and diminishes trust in democratic institutions, which is important to the United States because the United States wants to promote democracy and democratic processes.
In this example, we see the outlines of an audience (women who are of voting age) and a belief (fear of electoral violence) that could be targeted by PD initiatives. An effective PD initiative might then work to improve trust in democratic institutions more broadly.
Template 4: 5Ws + H
ICS sub-objective: Increased levels of educational attainment by Atropian youth.
In this style of problem statement, focus on answering six questions: What is the concern? Where is the problem concentrated? When does the problem emerge? Who is affected by the problem? How does it affect them? Why is it a concern for the United States?
Example: Increased violence related to transnational criminal organizations linked to drug trafficking in the interior of Atropia has prompted mothers of school-age children to keep their children at home, rather than sending them to school. School attendance for teenagers has declined by 50 percent in the last year, which reduces their educational attainment and limits their employment prospects. This situation presents a concern for the United States because underemployment is a key push factor for irregular migration to the United States.
This style of problem statement may seem long or complex, but it is clear in presenting analysis and logic. By answering “basic” questions – who, what, when, where, why, and how – this problem statement template ensures that few assumptions or aspects are left unexamined.
