Deep Dive Into Problem Distillation

Problem distillation will then further implicate Steps 2 -5 in the Research Process. The following is a breakdown, detailing the steps in the research process and the impact problem distillation will have:

• Collect The Evidence – This refers to the researcher familiarizing themselves with “the sources available, identify which to use, and know the order in which to examine them and other applicable authorities” (12). So, it is paramount that during the early identification phases, the researcher refines the search in where to find the evidence. The more the issue is refined, the clearer the direction in where to find the sources.

 

• Analyze the Results and Identify the Alternatives – This refers to the researcher evaluating “the results and identify alternatives for one or more tentative conclusions. They must fully support each alternative by authoritative literature or a theoretical justification with complete and concise documentation” (13). We see parallels to problem distillation. When the author discusses how in this step each alternative and justification must be complete and concise, that practice begins in Step 1, when we are continually refining the problem to best state it. So, if the foundation is solid, being the researcher has established the issue and ensured that the evidence was clearly relevant to the issue, then effectively, the researcher can begin to ensure that justifications and evaluations are as well pertinent to the “problem we are trying to solve”. All made more effective with “Problem Distillation”.

 

• Develop a Conclusion – This step is self-explanatory. The implications here are traced back in the earlier stages of the process. The more focus and refined the problem statement is, the better the conclusion will be.

​

• Communication the Results – This step is prescriptive when it details that the researcher must avoid excessive discussion, excessive citations, appearance of avoiding a conclusion, and irrelevant information (14). Therefore, we see the “Problem Distillation” implications in this step, because this is the output of properly refining the issue, to begin with. If the statement to the problem was concise in step one, the researcher could refine the issue to where he was effective and efficient in pulling evidence, in conducting his analysis, and then feeling comfortable in a conclusion, the communication of all the initial steps will be a product of the above.

 
Problem Distillation Relation To FASB’s Conceptual Framework
 
Briefly, the Conceptual Framework details concepts that underlie the preparation and presentation of financial statements for external users. It includes (i) the objective, (ii) qualitative characteristics, (iii) constraints, (iv) elements, (v) general requirements, and (vi) convergence. Therefore, according to FASB, it helps the “board in setting sound financial accounting standards and helps members of the Board’s constituency not only understand and apply those standards but also contribute significantly to their development” (FASB.org). There is a direct link in using the “Problem Distillation” concept to helping solve complex financial accounting and/or reporting problems. If there is a situation where a new standard needs to be established and/or amended, then it is critical to remember that “refining the issue” and understanding “the exact problem that needs to be solved”, helps implicate the entire process favorably. 

Identifying the Source: 
Weirich, Thomas R., Thomas Pearson, Natalie Churyk. Accounting and Auditing Research: Tools and Strategies, 9th Edition. Wiley, 2017-08-23. VitalBook file.
FASB. "The Conceptual Framework." Financial Accounting Standards Board, May 22, 2018.