HANDOUT: IRCA FRAMEWORK – Statement of the Problem. INTRODUCTION The Statement of the Problem is the core of…

By Dr. Motia Mannan

HANDOUT: IRCA FRAMEWORK – Statement of the Problem.

INTRODUCTION

The Statement of the Problem is the core of Chapter 1. It does NOT repeat background or list what other researchers said. Its only purpose: explain clearly why your research is necessary, urgent, and must be done now.

To write it easily and correctly, use the IRCA Framework — a simple 4‑step logical structure.

IRCA FRAMEWORK – 4 STEPS

I = ISSUE → Current Reality

What is happening right now? What is the existing situation or practice?

Short phrase: “Currently… / At present… / Today…”

R = GAP → What is Missing

What is unknown, incomplete, limited, unsolved or wrong? This is the MOST IMPORTANT part — this is WHY we need your study.

Short phrase: “However… / Yet… / Little is known… / No study addresses…”

C = CONSEQUENCE → Why It Matters

What problems, difficulties, losses or harm happen because of this gap? Show the negative impact — prove this is a real problem.

Short phrase: “As a result… / Consequently… / This leads to… / Therefore…”

A = AIM → Your Solution

What exactly will YOUR study do to fix, answer or solve this problem? State your research goal clearly.

Short phrase: “This study aims to… / This research will… / The purpose is…”

EXAMPLE

I: Currently, most universities use digital tools for teaching and learning.

R: However, there is no suitable model designed specifically for public universities with limited resources.

C: As a result, institutions spend too much money, systems fail, and many students cannot access quality learning.

A: This study aims to design and test an affordable, practical digital learning model fit for these universities.

GOLDEN RULE

I → R → C → A = Reality → What’s missing → Why it hurts → What I will do

* Keep it short: 3–5 paragraphs only.

* Do NOT write literature review here — only the PROBLEM.