(A research problem is a definite or clear expression [statement] about an area of concern, a condition to be improved upon, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in scholarly literature, in theory, or within existing practice that points to a need for meaningful understanding and deliberate investigation. A research problem does not state how to do something, offer a vague or broad proposition, or present a value claim. In philosophy, the research problem establishes the means by which you interrogate the relevant literature, and drives both your argument and implications for new knowledge and understanding). A template for the problem identification essay includes:Introducing the reader to the importance of the topic for study, and the uniqueness of your question.Placing the topic into a particular context that defines or identifies the parameters of what would be investigated (if you were to write a full essay).Anchoring the specific research questions, hypotheses, or assumptions that would follow in your study (if you were to write a full essay). Fleshing or parsing out the question in its complexities.Proposing new and better questions as a result of #4. Providing the framework for reporting the results and indicating what is probably necessary to conduct the study and explain how the findings will present this information(if you were to write a full essay).A template for the abstract to a researched argument essay should:1.Convey the study's importance, benefits, and justification 2.Demonstrate a researchable topic or issue—the feasibility of conducting the study is based upon access to information that can be effectively acquired, gathered, interpreted, synthesized, and understood3.Identify what would be studied, specifically, while avoiding the use of value-laden words and terms,4.Identify an overarching question or small set of questions accompanied by key factors or variables5.Identify key concepts and terms6.Articulate the study's conceptual boundaries or parameters or limitationsConvey more than the mere gathering of descriptive data, or providing only a snapshot of the issue or phenomenon under investigationAn introduction to a researched argument essay should contain:A lead-in that helps ensure the reader will maintain interest over the studyA declaration of originality—how your study adds to the prior literature An indication of the central focus of the study—establishing the issue and boundaries of analysisAn explanation of the study's significance or the benefits to be derived from investigating the research problemNOTE: An introductory statement describing the research problem of your essay should not be viewed as a thesis statement with which you may be very familiar. Instead, you establish the philosophical problem, present the research, and then offer a very soft claim. There are four general conceptualizations of a research problem in the social sciences:1.Casuist Research Problem -- this type of problem relates to the determination of right and wrong in questions of conduct or conscience by analyzing moral dilemmas through the application of general rules and the careful distinction of special cases.2.Difference Research Problem -- typically asks the question, “Is there a difference between two or more groups or treatments?” This type of problem statement is used when the researcher compares or contrasts two or more phenomena. This a common approach to defining a problem in the clinical social sciences or behavioral sciences.3.Descriptive Research Problem -- typically asks the question, "what is...?" with the underlying purpose to describe the significance of a situation, state, or existence of a specific phenomenon. This problem is often associated with revealing hidden or understudied issues.4.Relational Research Problem -- suggests a relationship of some sort between two or more variables to be investigated. The underlying purpose is to investigate specific qualities or characteristics that may be connected in some way.RUBRIC:INDIVIDUAL ESSAY RUBRICSSection 1) Extracting the question(s): a) As far as you are concerned, what ethical question(s) arose from the film of your/the group’s choice?—parse out the intricacies of the question(s) as you see it/them b) As far as you are concerned, what ethical question(s) were addressed insufficiently or not at all (but should have been)? Section 2) Response to the question(s): a) Having identified and fleshed out your question(s), what are your thoughts?In what ways would you (would you?) claim responsibility for these ethical issues?How does this response square with your worldview? Section 3) What soft claim can you make toward some resolve of the ethical issue(s)?Section 4) What new questions arise for you from sections 1-3?