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Example of a Background Information in Dissertation and Research Paper

Example of a Background Information in Dissertation and Research Paper

Background Information

What is Background of the Study in Research Paper?

To begin, this is a very important section of the introduction to your research, hence an essential parts of the research paper. The background of the study in a research paper serves to provide the reader with the necessary context and foundation to understand the significance and rationale behind the research being conducted. Any type of research paper or dissertation such as systematic literature review MUST have a background information section. This is a very key section of a dissertation introduction chapter.

The background of the study typically includes the following elements:

  1. Introduction to the research topic or problem: This section introduces the broad area or subject matter that the research paper aims to explore. It may include a brief overview of the topic’s importance, relevance, or current state of knowledge. Explain ideas that may be important in your research.
  2. Review of relevant literature: The background section often includes a review of existing literature related to the research topic. This involves summarizing and critically analyzing previous studies, theories, and findings from scholarly sources to establish a theoretical and empirical foundation for the current research.
  3. Identification of research gaps: By reviewing the existing literature, the researcher can identify gaps, inconsistencies, or areas that require further investigation within the research topic. This helps justify the need for the current study and highlights the potential contributions it can make to the field. Findings of your study MUST be related to the information in the background section.

    How to write the background of a study


    Introduce the broad topic or subject area, highlighting its importance and relevance. This is the first section of a research paper and provides central theme of your research or major aspects of your research topic. Provide a concise overview of the existing knowledge and literature in the field. Critically review the key theories, findings, and debates relevant to your research problem.


    Identify the gaps or problem statement, inconsistencies, or areas that require further investigation within the existing literature. Clearly state the specific research problem, question, or hypothesis that your study aims to address. Explain the significance and potential implications of your research, justifying why it is important to investigate the identified problem. Ensure a logical flow from the broad context to the specific research focus, supported by relevant citations.


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Importance of Having Enough Background Information

Having enough background information in a research paper is crucial because it:

  • Establishes the context and foundation for the study, situating it within the existing body of knowledge, you should begin the background by defining the research, and make sure that the background of your study is the first section of the introduction and it defines the novelty of the research topic.
  • Demonstrates the researcher’s familiarity with the subject matter and related literature. Make sure that the background clarifies the importance of doing the research. This section is key in defining the research topic.
  • Justifies the need for the research by identifying gaps or unanswered questions.
  • Helps readers understand the significance and potential implications of the study.
  • Provides a solid theoretical and empirical basis for the research problem, methodology, and analysis.
  • Enhances the credibility and relevance of the research by building on prior work.
  • The length and detail of this section depends on the overall number of words of your dissertation. Always include this in the introduction of your research paper.

How should one write the background of a research paper?

When writing the background of a research paper, one should follow these steps in a concise and structured manner:

When writing a background, begin by introducing the broad topic or subject area and its significance. Provide an overview of the existing literature and current state of knowledge related to the research problem. Critically analyze and synthesize the key theories, concepts, and findings from relevant scholarly sources. Generally, this section provides context of the study or the current state of research hence it is important that you have key tips when writing an effective background.

Presenting the Study Background

Identify the gaps, limitations, or contradictions in the existing literature that justify the need for further research. Clearly state the specific research problem, question, or hypothesis that the study aims to address.

Explain the potential implications and significance of the research, highlighting its theoretical, practical, or societal contributions. Use proper citations and maintain a logical flow from the general context to the specific research focus. It explains the statement of the problem.

The background should lay a solid foundation for the study, demonstrating the researcher’s understanding of the topic and establishing the rationale for the proposed research as well as the key information that you will need when conducting the research.

Background Information of a Dissertation

Where does the study background section go in a paper?

The study background section typically appears early in a research paper, often following the introduction and before the methods section. It serves to provide context and foundational information relevant to the study, helping readers understand the rationale, significance, and scope of the research.

The background section may include a review of relevant literature, historical context, theoretical frameworks, or previous research findings related to the topic. Its placement before the methods section allows researchers to establish the background and context for the study before describing the research design and methodology. Information in this section helps the reader understand the research better

Providing Background Information

Providing background information is an essential component of any research paper, as it helps to contextualize the study and establish its significance within the broader field of inquiry. This section typically appears early in the paper, following the introduction and before the methods section. Here are some key elements to include when providing background information or when writing this section:

  1. Introduction to the Topic: Start by introducing the topic of your research and its importance. Explain why the topic is relevant and worthy of investigation.
  2. Literature Review: Review relevant literature to provide an overview of existing research, theories, and findings related to your topic. Identify key studies, debates, and gaps in knowledge that your research aims to address.
  3. Historical Context: Provide historical background or context if relevant to your study. Explain how the topic has evolved over time and highlight any historical events or developments that have shaped current understanding.
  4. Theoretical Framework: Discuss any theoretical frameworks or conceptual models that inform your study. Explain how these theories or models relate to your research questions and hypotheses.
  5. Significance of the Study: Clearly articulate the significance of your research and its potential contributions to the field. Explain how your study fills gaps in knowledge, advances theory, or addresses practical problems.
  6. Scope and Objectives: Define the scope of your study by specifying its focus, boundaries, and objectives. Clarify what aspects of the topic will be addressed and what will be excluded from the study or when writing a research specifically in the thesis introduction chapter.

Dissertation/thesis introduction example with background information section

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FAQ – Example of a Background Information in Dissertation and Research Paper

What is the importance of providing background information in a research paper?

Providing background information in a research paper is crucial as it helps the readers understand the background of the study, the research topic, and the research problem being addressed. It sets the context for the study and helps in establishing the relevance and significance of the research. This is a very important section for your dissertation or thesis.

How to write the background section of a dissertation or research paper effectively?

When writing the background section of a dissertation or research paper, it is important to provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of the existing literature related to the topic. You should also clearly state the research aims, objectives, and the research methodology being used in the study. At bestdissertationwriter.com, we provide you with a guide on how to write a background section.

What should be included in the background of a study in a thesis or dissertation?

The background of a study in a thesis or dissertation should include a detailed explanation of the research gap being addressed, the research design, and the necessary background information that provides context for the study. It should also offer insights into the existing research on the topic. This section helps us understand the research problem.

Dr. Robertson Prime, Research Fellow
Dr. Robertson Prime, Research Fellow
http://bestdissertationwriter.com