An underlying problem is stated as one question and contains four parts.
Condition Phrase
The condition phrase is a lead-in fact or logical extension from the future scene that is used as the basis for the entire underlying problem. The condition phrase is the reason you selected the focus of your underlying problem. It should connect clearly with the future scene, your key verb phrase, and your purpose.
Many writers start with “since” or “because”.
Stem and Key Verb Phrase
After the condition phrase, use the stem “how might we” or “in what ways might we.”
Then write the key verb phrase. The key verb phrase shares the primary action goal you will address in your solutions. Use one active verb to describe what you want to do in your solutions.
Together, the stem and the key verb phrase indicate the primary action goal, which addresses an issue from the future scene. Avoid absolute verbs like eliminate, ensure, stop, or prevent. These are difficult to solve. Instead, use words like reduce, increase, promote, or enhance.
Purpose
Your purpose is the desired outcome that should result from accomplishing the action goal in your key verb phrase.
Begin with “so that” or “in order to.” Then provide a single reason for why you are pursuing the action goal from the key verb phrase.
Future scene parameters
The underlying problem must include the parameters from the future scene: time, place, and topic. Using the parameters helps you focus on the scene and charge.
Example
Since many of the effective neurotechnologies are invasive and have caused various physical, psychological, security, and ethical issues, how might we increase the effectiveness of non-invasive neurotechnology, so that patients at the Cascadia Institute for Nanotechnology can safely use neurotechnology treatments in 2045 and beyond?
Condition Phrase: Since many of the effective neurotechnologies are invasive and have caused various physical, psychological, security, and ethical issues,
Stem and Key Verb Phrase: how might we increase the effectiveness of non-invasive neurotechnology
Purpose: so that patients at the Cascadia Institute for Nanotechnology can safely use neurotechnology treatments in 2045 and beyond?
Parameters: time: 2045; place: Cascadia Institute for Nanotechnology; topic: neurotechnology
Importance
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 (purpose) of accomplishing the action goal (key verb phrase).
Successful students demonstrate a skillful understanding of the future scene and respond to the charge. Writers should aim to have a careful balance between scope and significance as they write their underlying problem.
The underlying problem is the basis for the remaining steps of the problem-solving process. It is very important that you are thoughtful as you develop this step to support your success throughout the rest of the problem-solving process.
