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
Image source: http://www.historyguy.com/moviesandtvhistory/catwoman_in_movies_and_tv.htm#.UuYGlnmCrUo
Problem statement
This is relevant because...
Image source:The Amazing Eartha Kitt. (PRNewsFoto/FastLane Pictures)
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
Image source: http://www.historyguy.com/moviesandtvhistory/catwoman_in_movies_and_tv.htm#.UuYGlnmCrUo
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