You’re struggling to write a clear and compelling background of the study section for your research paper. You know it’s crucial in setting the tone for your entire paper, but you’re not sure where to start.
Let’s get your background of the study section back on track
In this article, I’ll show you how to write a strong background of the study section that provides context, establishes relevance, and showcases your expertise.
What is the Background of the Study, Anyway?
The background of the study is an essential component of your research paper that provides an overview of the research context, including the problem statement, research questions, and significance of the study.
It sets the stage for your research by establishing the theoretical framework, reviewing relevant literature, and identifying gaps in existing knowledge.
Think of it as the foundation upon which your entire research project is built.
A well-written background of the study section will help you:
- Establish your research question and objectives
- Provide a clear context for your study
- Showcase your understanding of the research topic
- Demonstrate the significance and relevance of your study
Why is the background of the study important?
Imagine spending months working on your research paper, only to have it rejected due to a weak background of the study section. It’s a nightmare scenario that can be avoided if you understand the importance of this critical component.
So, why is the background of the study so crucial?
Here are the top reasons why you can’t afford to neglect this section:
Reason #1: Establishes Credibility
A well-written background of the study section showcases your expertise and knowledge in the field.
It demonstrates that you’ve done your homework, are familiar with the relevant literature, and have a deep understanding of the research topic.
Reason #2: Provides Context
The background of the study section sets the stage for your research by providing a clear context for your study.
It helps readers understand the research problem, the significance of the study, and the research questions.
Reason #3: Justifies Your Research
A strong background of the study section justifies the need for your research.
It explains why your study is important, how it contributes to the existing body of knowledge, and what gaps in existing research your study aims to fill.
Reason #4: Helps You Stay Focused
Writing a solid background of the study section helps you stay focused on your research question and objectives.
It ensures that you’re on the right track and that your research is aligned with your goals.
Reason #5: Enhances Readability
A well-structured study background section makes your research paper more readable and easier to understand.
It provides a logical flow of ideas and helps readers follow your argument.
What Happens If You Neglect This Section?
If you neglect the background of the study section, you risk:
- Losing credibility with your readers
- Confusing your audience with a lack of context
- Failing to justify the need for your research
- Struggling to stay focused on your research question and objectives
- Producing a research paper that’s difficult to read and understand
How to write background of the study that impress your reader
Now that you know the importance of the background of the study section, it’s time to learn how to write one that will blow your readers away.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft a compelling background of the study section:
Step #1: Identify Your Target Audience
Who are you writing for? Are you writing for academics, industry professionals, or the general public?
Knowing your target audience is crucial in determining the tone, language, and content of your background of the study section.
- What are their needs and concerns?
- What do they already know about the topic?
- What do you want to communicate to them?
Step #2: Define Your Problem Statement
Your problem statement is the foundation of your research paper. It should be clear, concise, and specific.
- What problem are you trying to solve?
- What question are you trying to answer?
- What issue are you trying to address?
Example: “The increasing prevalence of obesity among children in the United States is a major public health concern, with significant implications for their physical and mental health.”
Step #3: Review Existing Literature
A thorough review of existing literature is essential in establishing the context for your research. It helps you:
- Identify gaps in existing knowledge
- Understand the current state of research in your field
- Develop a theoretical framework for your study
- What have other researchers found on this topic?
- What methodologies have they used?
- What are the limitations of their studies?
Step #4: Mention Research Gaps
Identifying research gaps is critical in justifying the need for your study. It shows that you’ve done your homework and are aware of the limitations of existing research.
- What gaps exist in the current literature?
- How does your study address these gaps?
- What new insights or perspectives does your study offer?
Example: “While previous studies have examined the relationship between obesity and physical activity, few have explored the impact of socioeconomic factors on obesity rates among children.”
Step #5: Highlight the Novelty of Your Research
What sets your study apart from others? What new contributions does it make to the field?
- What innovative methodologies or approaches are you using?
- What new data or insights does your study provide?
- How does your study challenge or build upon existing knowledge?
Example: “This study uses a mixed-methods approach to examine the relationship between socioeconomic factors and obesity rates among children, providing a more comprehensive understanding of this complex issue.”
Difference between background and introduction
When writing a research paper, it’s easy to get confused between the background and introduction sections.
While they may seem similar, they serve distinct purposes and have different characteristics.
Background:
The background section provides a detailed overview of the research context, including the problem statement, research questions, and significance of the study.
It:
- Establishes the theoretical framework for the study
- Reviews existing literature on the topic
- Identifies gaps in existing knowledge
- Justifies the need for the study
- Provides context for the research
Introduction:
The introduction section, on the other hand, is a brief overview of the research paper that:
- Introduces the research topic and problem statement
- Provides a concise summary of the background and context
- States the research question and objectives
- Previews the main arguments and findings
- Grabs the reader’s attention and sets the tone for the paper
Key differences:
- Length: The background section is typically longer than the introduction section.
- Purpose: The background section provides a detailed context for the research, while the introduction section provides a brief overview of the paper.
- Content: The background section includes a literature review, while the introduction section does not.
- Tone: The background section is typically written in a more formal and academic tone, while the introduction section is more engaging and attention-grabbing.
Example:
Background:
“The increasing prevalence of obesity among children in the United States is a major public health concern, with significant implications for their physical and mental health. A review of existing literature reveals that socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and lack of access to healthy food, play a significant role in obesity rates among children. However, few studies have examined the relationship between socioeconomic factors and obesity rates among children in rural areas.”
Introduction:
“Obesity among children is a growing concern in the United States, with far-reaching consequences for their health and wellbeing. This study examines the relationship between socioeconomic factors and obesity rates among children in rural areas, a topic that has received little attention in the literature. Our research aims to fill this gap and provide a better understanding of the complex factors contributing to obesity among children in these areas.”
Presenting Your Study Background: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you’ve written your study background, it’s time to present it in a clear and concise manner.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you present your study background effectively:
Step #1: Start with a Hook
Begin your presentation by grabbing the audience’s attention with a hook that sets the stage for your study. This can be a:
- Surprising statistic
- Thought-provoking question
- Personal anecdote
- Relevant quote
Example: “Did you know that obesity among children has increased by 50% in the past decade, with significant implications for their physical and mental health?”
Step #2: Provide Context
Provide a brief overview of the research context, including:
- The problem statement
- The research question
- The significance of the study
Example: “Our study aims to examine the relationship between socioeconomic factors and obesity rates among children in rural areas, a topic that has received little attention in the literature.”
Step #3: Review the Literature
Present a concise review of the existing literature on the topic, highlighting:
- Key findings
- Methodologies used
- Gaps in existing knowledge
Example: “A review of existing literature reveals that socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and lack of access to healthy food, play a significant role in obesity rates among children. However, few studies have examined this relationship in rural areas.”
Step #4: Highlight the Research Gap
Clearly articulate the research gap that your study aims to fill, including:
- What is not known about the topic
- How your study addresses this gap
- What new insights or perspectives your study offers
Example: “Our study aims to fill this gap by examining the relationship between socioeconomic factors and obesity rates among children in rural areas, providing a more comprehensive understanding of this complex issue.”
Step #5: Preview the Study
Preview the main components of your study, including:
- The research design
- The methodology used
- The expected outcomes
Example: “Our study uses a mixed-methods approach to examine the relationship between socioeconomic factors and obesity rates among children in rural areas. We expect to find a significant correlation between socioeconomic factors and obesity rates, with implications for policy and practice.”
Step #6: Conclude with a Call to Action
Conclude your presentation by summarizing the key points and highlighting the significance of your study. End with a call to action that encourages the audience to engage with your research.
Example: “In conclusion, our study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the complex factors contributing to obesity among children in rural areas. We hope that our findings will inform policy and practice, and ultimately lead to improved health outcomes for this vulnerable population.”
Frequently Asked Questions about the Background of the Study
What is the background of the study?
The background of the study is a section in a research paper that provides a detailed overview of the research context, including the problem statement, research questions, and significance of the study. It establishes the theoretical framework for the study, reviews existing literature, and justifies the need for the study.
How do you write a background for a study?
To write a background for a study, start by identifying the research problem and questions, then review existing literature on the topic. Next, provide a detailed overview of the research context, including the theoretical framework, and justify the need for the study. Finally, highlight the research gap and preview the main components of the study.
What is the purpose of background research?
The purpose of background research is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the research topic, identify gaps in existing knowledge, and establish a theoretical framework for the study. It helps researchers to develop a research question, design a methodology, and interpret findings.
Is the background of the study the same as an abstract?
No, the background of the study is not the same as an abstract. An abstract is a brief summary of the research paper, while the background of the study is a detailed section that provides context and justifies the need for the study.
How is the background of the study different from the introduction?
The background of the study is different from the introduction in terms of length, purpose, and content. The introduction is a brief overview of the research paper, while the background of the study is a detailed section that provides context and justifies the need for the study.
Where is the background of the study placed in a research paper?
The background of the study is typically placed after the introduction and before the literature review in a research paper. It provides a transition from the introduction to the literature review and sets the stage for the rest of the paper.
