What is the problem? (specific major problem, sub-problems; identify level, scope, and trend).
2) Analyze the problem.
? What is the history or background, the facts?
? What are the effects or consequences of this problem (negative and positive)?
? What individuals, groups, organizations, social institutions are involved?
? What values, beliefs, norms, and issues by whom are involved?
? What stand and (political) ideology are taken by whom?
3) CAUSES OF THE PROBLEM
What sociological assumption(s) fit this problem?
What are the major causes of the social problem you are considering?
What social factors (causes) are involved by level? (Who says so? research done?)
Make references to past and current scholars on your topic of interest (called Literature Review)
What sociological perspectives are involved (by whom?
Provide the sociological theories on your problem and explain in details which theory best fit your social problem
4) SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEM
What solution(s) are proposed by whom (individuals, groups)?
Which causes are addressed? Which are not?
How would you go about solving the social problem?
What do you predict will happen with your solution in the next 10-20 years, and why?
What solution(s) have been tried already? What solutions work? Research support?
What additional problems do the solutions raise?
5) SUMMARIZE AND TAKE A PERSONAL POSITION
What conclusion(s) can you draw about the problem? What are your own reactions now that you’ve analyzed it?
What do you think would be the best solution? Why? Be sure to back up your conclusions with relevant research and data to support your view.