PROBLEM STATEMENT

• Write down what actually happened, being as specific as possible.

• Write down what was expected to have happened given the known conditions at that time

• Avoid including causes or consequences in the description of Actual & Expected.

• List the consequences (actual & potential) of the gap between the Actual & Expected outcomes.

• Avoid barrier and solution statements

• Note that there may be many potential problem statements. The consequences may help decide which problem statement to choose. If in doubt, select the ‘higher level’ problem. 

Example: If there is a choice between:

• The driver swerved into an oncoming vehicle, or

• The driver had an accident

Choose the latter, as it will incorporate the fact that the driver swerved, but may also include other events to analyze - for example: ‘There was a car approaching in his blind-spot’.