The underlying problem is the most important step in the problem-solving process. All steps after step 2 rely on an important and well-stated underlying problem.
Your objective in step 2 is to write an underlying problem that identifies a single goal and a reason for accomplishing that goal.
An excellent underlying problem has a manageable scope, addresses a significant issue from the future scene through the key verb phrase, and identifies a positive outcome of accomplishing the goal in the purpose.
Successful students demonstrate a skillful understanding of the future scene and respond to the charge as they write their underlying problem. The charge is located in a colored or shaded box. High-scoring students strike a careful balance between the size of the problem they choose and how important that issue is to the future scene.
Additional Step 2 resources
- How to write an underlying problem checklist
- 10 Underlying problem dos and don’ts (Step 2 tips)
- Questions to consider in Step 2 underlying problems
- Free Tool: Writing the Underlying Problem
- Free Tool: Identifying the Underlying Problem (4I’s)
