What Is Meant By Problem Distillation

​Problem distillation is synonymous to “refining of the issue”. As per our textbook, it is “whereby a general issue is restated in sufficiently specific terms” (Weirich 11). This helps enable productivity in the research process, as it helps conserve time by cutting “irrelevant sources”. And it implicates the entire research process.
 
Implications to the research process starts in Step 1, “Identify the Relevant Facts and Issues”. Problem distillation helps the researcher understand, define, and state the problem by refining the overarching issue, and then helps guide the researcher what facts are pertinent.
 
For example, Step 1 of the Research Process refers to the idea that to successfully understand the problem, we need to gather all the facts. And then concurrently, define the problem. Our textbook helps drive this point when it states, “Undoubtedly, writing a clear, concise statement of the problem is the most important task in research” (12).

​Identifying the Source: 
Weirich, Thomas R., Thomas Pearson, Natalie Churyk. Accounting and Auditing Research: Tools and Strategies, 9th Edition. Wiley, 2017-08-23.