Q: What happens if there is no statement of the problem in a research paper?
To answer your question, let’s begin by taking a look at what a problem statement is, or does. A problem statement (or statement of the problem) in research (or even otherwise) is a detailed and precise expression of the problem. It is written in three parts: the current state regarding the problem, the desired or ideal state, and the solutions or remedies gained through your research that will help attain the desired state.
Research is basically conducted to respond to a problem, whether to solve it or to understand it better. Without a problem statement, it would be challenging, if not outright impossible, to provide direction to the research and to come up with a solution. The problem statement therefore helps guide your research, and before that, to anchor it.
Hope that helps. For more insights and information into the problem statement, you may find it worthwhile to go through the following resources:
This content belongs to the Conducting Research Stage