Whats the problem?

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

What is a ‘problem’ in an academic research project?

Delft University of Technology

Prepared by Roberto Rocco Group Spatial Planning and Strategy Delft University of Technology

SpatialPlanning &Strategy

or why do I have to write a ‘problem statement’ in a research project?

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For Darlene Price, author of ‘Well Said! Presentations and Conversations That Get Results’:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/02/15/13-things-you-should-never-say-at-work/

“Accentuate the positive”

“Negative words to avoid”

PROBLEM! Source: Photocave Collection by National Archive

Photo: Rex Features/Aroldo di Crollalanza

The belief that words shape our thoughts and attitudes comes from cognitive and behavioural neuro-science

It is conceivable that avoiding negative words in social interaction leads to better results

HOWEVER

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BESIDES

Eartha Kitt in a TV series in 1975 during her stay in Britain. Photograph: ITV/REX

In current common language (English)

"Problem." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2014. <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/problem>.

But there is more to it!

"Problem." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2014. <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/problem>.

Image source: http://www.frankiedean.com.au/blog/eartha-kitt-1927-2008/

The etymology of the word

In the scientific method

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Problem statement

This is relevant because...

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Scientific method

http://www.divasthroughthedecades.com/?_escaped_fragment_=eartha-kitt/zoom/c1ya8/image7rq

Urbanism

Human sciences

Eartha Kitt Photograph by Phillipe Halsman

In the human sciences

In the social sciences

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Interpretation

http://www.bet.com/news/national/2014/01/17/this-day-in-black-history-jan-17-1927.html

http://randyreport.blogspot.nl/2012/05/eartha-kitt-on-life.html

Building on the shoulders of giants

What about design?

http://fashionbombdaily.com/2013/02/06/black-history-month-on-the-fashion-bomb-eartha-kitts-influen

Problems are opportunities to advance knowledge!

Challenge the future

http://randyreport.blogspot.nl/2012/05/eartha-kitt-on-life.html