Full Answer Section

Output: A minimum 3-page written explanation of the problem and proposed solution.

Phase 1: Identifying a Problem

What makes a good “problem” for this project?

• Observable and Tangible: It’s something you can see or feel the impact of in your community, country, or even globally. Avoid overly abstract philosophical issues unless you can tie them to concrete societal impacts.
• Affects a Significant Group: The problem doesn’t just impact one or two people, but a community, a demographic, or society at large.
• Has Potential for a Solution: While no problem is perfectly “easy” to solve, choose one where you can realistically propose actionable steps, rather than something entirely intractable.
• Personal Relevance (Optional but helpful): If you feel personally connected to the problem, your passion will shine through in your writing and research.

Brainstorming Questions:

• What issues are frequently discussed in local news or community meetings?
• What challenges do you and your peers face in your daily lives (e.g., in school, public spaces, transport)?
• Are there any social injustices or inequalities that bother you?
• What environmental concerns are prominent in your area or globally?
• Are there any economic challenges facing individuals or businesses?
• Think about public services: transportation, healthcare, education, sanitation, safety. Are there areas for improvement?

Examples of Societal Problems (Broad Categories):

• Environmental Degradation (e.g., plastic pollution, deforestation, water scarcity)
• Access to Education (e.g., quality disparities, dropout rates, digital divide)
• Healthcare Access and Affordability
• Poverty and Inequality
• Unemployment or Underemployment
• Public Safety and Crime Rates
• Infrastructure Deficiencies (e.g., roads, public transport, internet access)
• Food Insecurity
• Mental Health Stigma and Access to Care
• Discrimination and Social Injustice
• Waste Management
• Traffic Congestion
• Lack of Green Spaces/Recreational Facilities

Phase 2: Researching a Solution

Once a problem is identified, the next step is to move beyond simply complaining to actively seeking solutions.

Key Research Aims:

• Understand the Root Causes: Why does this problem exist? What are the underlying factors contributing to it? A superficial understanding will lead to superficial solutions.
• Explore Existing Solutions: Has anyone tried to solve this problem before? What worked? What didn’t? Why? Learn from past successes and failures. Look locally, nationally, and internationally for models.
• Identify Stakeholders: Who is affected by this problem? Who has the power to influence a solution? (Government bodies, NGOs, community leaders, private sector, individuals).
• Gather Data/Evidence: Use credible sources to support your understanding of the problem’s scope and the effectiveness of potential solutions.
  • Credible Sources: Academic journals, reputable news organizations, government reports, non-profit organizations, established research institutions.
  • Avoid: Unverified blogs, social media posts, biased political sites.

Research Questions to Guide You:

• What data exists to quantify the problem (e.g., statistics, surveys)?
• What are the short-term and long-term consequences of this problem?
• What policies or regulations currently exist related to this problem? Are they effective?
• What organizations (local, national, international) are working on this issue? What are their approaches?