Problem= something that isn’t working
•    Think about what conflict creates this problem
Your Task= understand/define the problem
•    solve/resolve it

5 STEPS FOR ANALIZING PROBLEMS:
1.     Define the conflict or issue:
a.    Stating a topic and defining a problem are different things:
i.    Ex:  topic= pollution
Problem= people want clear air vs. industrial productivity
o    Conflict:  between 2 legitimate needs & groups
?    (look at the critical issues of each)

2.     Place the problem in a context:
a.    See it broadly
i.    Put it in a category with similar problems
1.    THE CONTEXT YOU CHOOSE IMPACTS THE SOLUTIONS YOU PROPOSE  [& delimits the research you will do towards solving the problem]
EX:  pollution:
o    Context= technical?
?    =developing technology

o    Context= social?
?    =educating people

3.     Make the problem definition more operational:
a.    State the problem in terms of goals and specific tasks/actions you could carry out  [=VARIABLES THAT CAN BE ACTED UPON] :
i.    Ex:  smoking—?  cutting down on smoking–?stop smoking at parties with friends.
Q:  How do I break the habit of smoking around friends without feeling left out?  [= OPERATIONAL DEFINITION]