The Statement of the Difficulty the Bill Addresses

(a.k.a. The Social Problem)

Function of the Social Problem Section of the Research Report

This section of the research report should begin with a general statement of the problem, that uses quantitative and qualitative evidence to describe how the problem affects people, the economy and/or the environment. The general statement of the problem should convince the reader that the research report addresses a serious subject, worthy of legislative action and scarce resources. If the report focuses on a narrow aspect of a larger social problem, the author should explain why she is focusing on the narrow social problem, including how addressing this aspect of the larger problem will forseeably impact the greater social problem.

The author must then describe whose and what behaviors comprise the narrow social problem. In order to do this, the author must first identify the role occupants whose behaviors are problematic. Then, the author must describe the role occupants' actions in as much detail as possible. Painstakingly describing role occupants' actions is an essential component of the problem-solving methodology. More projects fail because the role occupants' behaviors have been inadequately described than for any other reason. The rule here is: detail, detail, detail. When describing the role occupants' behaviors, do not forget to describe how the implementing agencies are contributing to, monitoring, evaluating and responding to the problem!

Criteria for evaluating the Statement of the Social Problem

Does this part adequately:

1. describe the social problem’s surface appearance, including relevant facts as to its nature and scope;
2. describe the relevant evidence as to whose and what behaviors comprise the social problem – that is, the institutions that comprise it (including both the primary role occupant(s) and the implementing agen(cies); and
3. provide facts as to who benefits and who suffers as a result of the social problem?