Writing Background of the Study Example | A Comprehensive Guide

What is the Background of the Study?

The background of the study is a crucial section in any research work. It sets the foundation for the entire research process by offering important context and framing the research question. The background of the study provides readers with an understanding of why the research is being conducted and how it fits within the broader field of study.

• The background of the study outlines the research topic and provides an overview of the research, ensuring that readers understand the context in which the study is being conducted.
• It is essential to begin the background by defining the research problem, which helps clarify the focus of the study and the specific research topic.
• The background of your study serves to connect the research problem with the broader issues in the field of study, making it relevant to the research community and the readers.

Understanding the Background of a Study

The background of a study explains the reasoning behind the research project. It helps in building a strong foundation for the research question and sets the stage for the research methodology and design.

• The background of the study should include an explanation of the research objectives and study aims.
• It allows the researcher to introduce the research question and highlight how the study aims to address this question.
• The background also provides insight into the significance of the study by showing how it contributes to solving the research problem or filling knowledge gaps in the field of study.

Key Components of Background Information

When writing the background of a study, it’s important to cover several key elements:

• Overview of the research topic: This section introduces the specific research topic and explains its importance in the current research landscape. It may include references to existing studies and research findings.
• Research problem: Clearly define the research problem that the study seeks to address, making it easy for readers to understand the challenge at hand.
• Research question: Articulate the research question that will guide the entire research process, ensuring it aligns with the research objectives.
• Study aims: Describe what the study aims to achieve, giving an overview of the goals and objectives.
• Significance of the study: Emphasize the importance of the study in addressing gaps in the field and its potential contributions to future research.

Importance of Background of the Study in Research

The background of the study plays an essential role in setting the context for the entire research project. It provides an opportunity to:

• Establish the stage for the research question by detailing the research problem and why it is important to conduct the study.
• Offer a comprehensive understanding of the study’s significance and how it fits within the current research landscape.
• Provide a framework for the research design and methodology, ensuring the study aims are aligned with the research problem.

The background also enables the researcher to define the scope of the research and to justify the choice of research methodology. A well-constructed background of a research paper ensures that the reader understands why the research is necessary and what the study aims to achieve.

By beginning the background with a clear definition of the research problem, you create a foundation that guides the rest of the research work, helping to ensure the research objectives are met effectively.

Quick Links to Introduction Chapter Resources – Learn More

• Understand how to clearly write primary purpose of your study by reading our article on Example of Purpose of the Study | Purpose Statement.
• Learn how to write a compelling problem statement in your dissertation/research paper by reading our article on Write an Effective Problem Statement: A 5-Step Guide.
• Highlight the importance and contribution of your study by reading our article on How to Write Significance of the Study Example in 7 Steps.
• Craft a powerful introduction chapter of your dissertation by reading our article on Writing A Dissertation Introduction Chapter | 8 Key Sections.
• Learn how to develop smart objectives for your research by reading our article on What’re Research Objectives | 5 Step Guide for Good Research.
• Frame strong, answerable research questions by reading our article on Writing Strong Research Questions | 4 Steps in Dissertation.

5-step guide for writing a background of the study example

Here’s a 5-step guide for writing a background of the study example:

1. Begin the background by defining the research topic:
Start your background of the study example by providing an overview of the research topic. Define the central theme of your research and explain the specific research topic you’re addressing. This sets the stage for the research and helps readers understand the context of the research problem.

2. Provide information about the background and significance:
In this step, focus on writing an effective background that clarifies the importance of the study. Discuss previous research and prior research related to your field of study. Highlight any research gaps or areas where current research is lacking. This information helps establish the novelty of the research topic and the significance of the research.

3. Outline the research problem or question:
Clearly state the research problem or question your study aims to address. This is crucial for helping readers understand the research better and grasp the purpose of the study. Explain how your research aims to fill the identified research gap and contribute to the field.

4. Describe the research aims and objectives:
In your background of the study example, outline the specific research aims and objectives. Explain what your study aims to achieve and how it will contribute to the understanding of the research problem. This sets the stage for the research methodology and overall research design.

5. Establish the context for your research project:
Conclude your background section by providing an overview of how your study fits within the broader context of the research field. Explain how your research work builds upon previous research and how it will contribute to current research in the area.

By following this guide on how to write a background of the study example, you’ll create a well-written background that effectively introduces your research manuscript. Remember, the background study is the first section of a research paper and forms the foundation for the entire research project. A strong background clarifies the importance of the study and sets the stage for a successful research endeavor.

Types of Background Information

When writing a background of the study example, it’s crucial to understand the various types of backgrounds you can incorporate into your research paper. The background of a study serves as the foundation for your research, providing essential context and information that helps readers grasp the significance of your work. Here are several types of backgrounds you might consider when you write the background of your study:

1. Historical Background: This type of background provides a chronological overview of events related to your research topic. It helps readers understand how the issue has evolved over time and sets the stage for your current research.

2. Theoretical Background: When your study is grounded in specific theories or concepts, a theoretical background is essential. It outlines the key theories relevant to your research and how they inform your study.

3. Empirical Background: This type focuses on summarizing previous research findings related to your topic. It’s crucial for establishing what’s already known and identifying gaps in existing knowledge.

4. Contextual Background: This type describes the setting or environment in which your study takes place, providing readers with a clear picture of the research context.

5. Problem-Based Background: When your research topic involves an issue or problem, this type of background emphasizes the specific challenge your study aims to address.

6. Multidisciplinary Background: If your research spans multiple fields, this type of background synthesizes information from various disciplines relevant to your study.

When you write a background for your research paper, you may combine elements from several of these types to create a comprehensive and effective background. The key is to provide the information the reader needs to understand your research problem and its significance.

To write an excellent background of the study, consider the following tips:

• Start broad and narrow down to your specific research question.
• Provide clear and concise background information relevant to your research.
• Highlight the gaps in existing knowledge that led to your research.
• Clearly state the objectives of your research and what it aims to address.
• Ensure a logical flow of information that guides the reader towards understanding the importance of your study.

Remember, the background section is typically placed at the beginning of a research paper, setting the stage for your entire study. By crafting an impactful background, you’re not only providing context but also demonstrating the relevance and significance of your research within the broader field of study.

What Should be Included in a Research Background Section?

The background of the study is an essential part of the first section of a research paper. It provides the context for your research by introducing the research topic, reviewing relevant literature, identifying research gaps, and explaining the significance of the research. Writing a strong background for your research helps readers understand the research problem, objectives, and why the study is necessary.

• The background of the study sets the foundation for the entire research study.
• It provides the necessary context to guide the research process, allowing you to clearly explain your research problem, the study’s aims, and how your study fits within the broader research field.
• Understanding the background of the study is crucial for clarifying the significance of your research and guiding your research methodology.

Introduction to the Topic

• The first step in writing the background of the study is to introduce the research topic, which helps orient readers to the focus of your research.
• The introduction should highlight the central theme of your research, providing a general overview of the research problem or question your study aims to address.
• Begin the background by explaining the significance of your research and why it is important within the context of the broader field of study.
• This section should provide enough background information for readers to understand the study within the context of current research findings and relevant literature.
• The introduction to the topic in the background section allows you to establish a solid foundation for your study by presenting the background study and its relevance to the research problem.

Critical Literature Review of the Existing Evidence

• A well-written background section should include a review of existing evidence, helping readers understand what has already been researched about the topic.
• The critical literature review should highlight previous research findings related to the research problem and provide insights into gaps in the literature.
• Reviewing existing studies and findings is crucial to providing a clear context for your research, as it shows what is known, and more importantly, what is not known in the field.
• This section will explain the theoretical and empirical backgrounds related to your research, helping you identify what areas require further investigation.
• The background of the study should synthesize the relevant literature to inform the research objectives and show how your study contributes to filling gaps in knowledge.

Identification of Key Gaps in Literature

• The background of the study must also address any gaps in the current literature, highlighting areas where further research is needed.
• Identifying the research gap is essential because it justifies why your study is necessary and what new knowledge it aims to provide.
• The research gap could relate to a lack of empirical studies, conflicting findings, or unanswered questions in the existing research.
• By identifying these gaps, you make it clear to the reader how your study will fill these gaps and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the research problem.
• The identification of gaps in the literature is integral to shaping the research questions and objectives, making the background of the study a pivotal section in any research paper.

Rationale of the Study to be Conducted

• Once the research gap has been identified, the background of the study should provide the rationale for conducting the research.
• This section explains why your study is necessary, clarifying its relevance to the research community and its potential impact on advancing knowledge in the field.
• The rationale outlines how the study will address the research problem or question, offering a logical explanation for why your research aims are worth pursuing.
• The background also helps readers understand the broader significance of the research, both in terms of its academic value and its potential real-world applications.
• Establishing a strong rationale is key to demonstrating the novelty and importance of your research study.

Research Problem Statement

• A critical component of the background of the study is a clear and concise statement of the research problem.
• The research problem defines the focus of the study and provides the foundation for the research question.
• Understanding the research problem is essential for ensuring that the study objectives and methodology are aligned with the overall aims of the research.
• The problem statement should address what issues the study is seeking to explore or solve and explain how these problems relate to existing knowledge in the field.
• This section is important because it guides the entire study by clarifying what the study aims to address and why the issue is relevant to the field.

Propose the Research Questions or Objectives

• After outlining the research problem, the background of the study should introduce the research questions or objectives that will guide the research process.
• The research question is directly derived from the research problem and should be specific, measurable, and focused on resolving the issues identified in the problem statement.
• The research objectives are broader goals that the study aims to achieve, helping to clarify the scope and purpose of the research.
• In this section, you should provide a clear outline of what the study aims to investigate, ensuring that it aligns with the identified research gap and addresses the problem in a meaningful way.
• Proposing the research questions or objectives is vital for helping readers understand how the study will be conducted and what it hopes to achieve.

Study Structure and Context for Your Research

• The background of the study also provides the context for your research, explaining how the study is structured within the broader research framework.
• It outlines the research methodology, design, and study structure, offering readers a clear understanding of how the study will proceed.
• This section clarifies the context of the research, ensuring that the study objectives, research questions, and methodology align with the background and significance of your research.
• By providing the study’s context, you help readers understand how your study fits within the existing body of knowledge and contributes to the research field.

Writing the Background for Your Research

• Writing a strong background section is essential for framing the entire research study. It requires clarity, conciseness, and a thorough understanding of the research problem and its context.
• An impactful background helps set the stage for the research questions, methodology, and objectives, guiding the study’s direction and helping the research stay focused.
• A well-crafted background section will not only explain the study’s significance but will also clarify how your research aims to address the identified research gap and contribute to the field.

Background of the study is a critical section in any research paper. It provides the foundation for understanding the research problem, justifying the study’s purpose, and proposing clear research objectives. Writing this section effectively ensures that readers understand the context of your research and the significance of your study within the broader academic field.

How to Write an Effective Background Section?

Writing an effective background section is essential for setting the stage for your research. The background of the study helps provide context for your research problem and establishes the significance of your study. Below are some key points and a guide on how to write an excellent background section.

Steps to Write a Background

• Introduce the Research Topic: Begin by introducing the research topic. Make sure the background of the study example explains what the topic is and why it is relevant to your research. The introduction should set the stage for the rest of the study and provide clarity on what the research problem is about.
• Review Existing Literature: A solid background of the study example often includes a literature review. This involves summarizing and evaluating the findings of previous research that is relevant to your research topic. By reviewing existing studies, you can demonstrate how your research fits into the larger body of work and highlight the research gap that your study will address.
• Identify the Research Problem: In this section, you should clearly state the research problem that your study will investigate. A good background of the study example provides an explanation of the issue that the research aims to solve or explore. This helps readers understand the research problem and its importance.
• Explain the Purpose of the Study: The background should explain the purpose of the study, detailing what your study aims to achieve. It also helps clarify why your research is necessary and how it will contribute to the existing knowledge in the field. A well-crafted background of the study example makes it easy for readers to understand the goals of the research.
• Outline the Research Objectives: Clearly define the research objectives in the background section. This will guide your research work and give readers a clear understanding of what the study aims to address. The research objectives should align with the research problem and help in defining the scope of the study.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Background Section

• Being Too Vague: Avoid being vague in your background of the study example. Be specific about the research problem and objectives. General statements do not help the reader understand the context or significance of the study. Make sure to focus on relevant information that directly supports your research problem.
• Overloading with Information: While providing background information is essential, it’s important not to overwhelm the reader. Ensure the background section is concise and to the point. Too much irrelevant information can detract from the purpose of the study.
• Lack of Clarity: Ensure that your background section is easy to understand. Avoid jargon and overly complex language. The goal is for the reader to fully grasp the context of your research and understand the problem you’re addressing. A background of the study example should serve as a guide to help readers better understand the research.

Tips for Writing a Compelling Background

• Use Clear Structure: Organize the background in a logical flow. Start with the general introduction to the topic, followed by a review of the literature, identification of the research problem, and a discussion of the study’s objectives and significance. This ensures a coherent structure, making it easier for readers to follow.
• Be Concise: While it’s important to include all necessary background information, aim for conciseness. Focus on key concepts relevant to your research, and make sure every point adds value to understanding the research problem.
• Provide Context: The background section should provide sufficient context for your research. This includes clarifying the relevance of the research problem and the objectives of the study. A background of the study example will highlight how your study fits within the broader research context.
• Clarify the Significance: Clearly explain the significance of the research in your background. Address why your study is important and how it will contribute to the existing body of knowledge. A strong background of the study example will demonstrate the value of your research.

A well-written background section is crucial for setting the context for your research. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can write a compelling and effective background of the study example that will guide your readers in understanding your research better.

What is the Difference Between Background and Introduction?

The background of the study and the introduction are two distinct components in a research paper, though they share similarities. Understanding their differences is crucial for organizing your study effectively.

Defining the Background of a Study vs. Introduction

• Background of the Study: This section provides the study background by offering context for the research. It explains why the study is being conducted and explores the research problem in depth. A background of the study example typically includes a review of existing literature, identifies gaps in knowledge, and clarifies the importance of the research. It sets the stage for the study by explaining the research objectives and justifying why the research is necessary.
• Introduction: The introduction section of a research paper is generally broader and more concise. It introduces the research topic, giving readers an overview of the study and how it fits into the field. The introduction provides an outline of the study and how to write it, briefly introducing the research problem, and often touches on the novelty of the research topic. It is designed to pique the reader’s interest and prepare them for the detailed exploration found in the background.

When to Use Each Section in a Research Paper

• Background of the Study: The background of the study example is typically placed right after the introduction in a research paper. This section allows you to delve into the research problem and provide an in-depth explanation. It helps readers understand the research better by providing a historical context and a review of related studies. The background clarifies the importance of the research and highlights how the study addresses the identified gaps in knowledge.
• Introduction: The introduction is often the first section of the research paper and serves as a gateway for the reader to understand the study in a research paper. It briefly introduces the research topic, states the research question, and gives a general overview of the specific research without going into too much detail. It prepares the reader for the study background, where deeper explanations and references to previous findings are provided.

Examples of Background and Introduction

• Background of the Study Example: A background of the study example might review past research findings, explain how the research problem led to the research, and detail how the study fits into the existing body of knowledge. It might also identify research gaps that the study will address and explain how your study will fill those gaps.
• Introduction Example: In contrast, an introduction section might simply state, “This study examines the impact of social media on adolescent behavior,” and briefly mention the purpose of the study without going into deep details about the study background or prior research.

The background of the study provides detailed context and justification for the research, while the introduction introduces the study in a general sense, leading into the more in-depth exploration found in the background.

Example of an effective background of the study

This is an example of a well-structured background of the study that can serve as a guide for your own research. It introduces the research topic, provides a critical review of existing literature, identifies key gaps in the literature, and establishes the rationale for the study. The research problem is clearly defined, and the objectives of the study are outlined in a focused manner. This example illustrates how to contextualize your research, highlight its significance, and propose relevant research questions. You can use this as a framework to develop your own background section in alignment with your research goals.

Frequently asked questions about background of the study example