1. A problem statement is actually a QUESTION!
Problem Statements
A problem statement is actually a QUESTION!
It lets your reader know what problem (or question) your experiment is trying to answer.

2. Problem Statements
Often we define problem as something that’s wrong or done incorrectly.
For example:
I have a problem with my computer.
My friends and I are having problems.

3. Problem Statements
In science, a problem is a question we are trying to solve, similar to math “problems.”
For example:
Math: Solve the problem 3x - 2 = 10
Science: Why do people get cancer?

4. How do birth control pills affect ovarian cancer rates?
Problem Statements
When we carry out an experiment, we test one factor (variable) at a time to see its affect on our problem.
We write a very specific statement (question) to show what we are testing.
For example:
How do birth control pills affect ovarian cancer rates?

5. How does the IV affect the DV?
Problem Statements
Though there are many fine ways to write a “problem statement,” the most clear and widely accepted format is to say:
How does the IV affect the DV?

6. IV: distance walked DV: amount of wear on sneaker tread
Problem Statements
IV: distance walked
DV: amount of wear on sneaker tread
How does the distance walked affect
the amount of wear on sneaker treads?

7. IV: the amount of calories eaten DV: weight change
Problem Statements
IV: the amount of calories eaten
DV: weight change
How does the amount of calories eaten affect weight change?

8. IV: length of a mouse’s tail DV: balance
Problem Statements
IV: length of a mouse’s tail
DV: balance
How does the length of a mouse’s tail affect its balance?

9. How does the IV affect the DV?
Problem Statements
Though there are many fine ways to write a “problem statement,” the most clear and widely accepted format is to say:
How does the IV affect the DV?

10. Write a problem statement!
Use the format: How does the IV affect the DV Independent Variable (IV): the temperature food is stored at Dependant Variable (DV): the growth of bacteria

11. Write a problem statement!
Use the format: How does the IV affect the DV Independent Variable (IV): shape of a toy Dependant Variable (DV): how many can be packed in a box

12. Write a problem statement!
Use the format: How does the IV affect the DV Independent Variable (IV): the amount of aloe in lotion Dependant Variable (DV): moisture of skin

13. Write a problem statement!
Use the format: How does the IV affect the DV Independent Variable (IV): amount of plastic in the pacific ocean Dependant Variable (DV): the health of baby turtles

14. Write a problem statement!
Use the format: How does the IV affect the DV Independent Variable (IV): acid rain Dependant Variable (DV): reproduction rates of fish

15. Write a problem statement!
Use the format: How does the IV affect the DV Independent Variable (IV): temperature Dependant Variable (DV): baking speed of a cake