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The document outlines the importance and structure of writing the background of a research study, emphasizing the need to define the research problem, summarize relevant literature, establish a theoretical framework, and define objectives. It provides a step-by-step guide for effectively crafting this section, including identifying the audience and avoiding common mistakes such as ambiguous writing and lack of connection to the research problem. Proper citation and highlighting the novelty of the research are also stressed as essential components.

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5 views3 pages

I3_Report

The document outlines the importance and structure of writing the background of a research study, emphasizing the need to define the research problem, summarize relevant literature, establish a theoretical framework, and define objectives. It provides a step-by-step guide for effectively crafting this section, including identifying the audience and avoiding common mistakes such as ambiguous writing and lack of connection to the research problem. Proper citation and highlighting the novelty of the research are also stressed as essential components.

Uploaded by

Pia Akisha
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ROBHEA T. BELON Reporter No.

12 STEM B Inquiries, Investigations, and Immersion

Writing The Background of the Study

Research Background

The background section, typically the first section in any manuscript, identifies the specific
problems within the field of study that the current manuscript intends to tackle. It emphasizes the
need for further investigation by highlighting unanswered questions or areas requiring additional
examination.

As the opening chapter of a paper, the research background plays a crucial role in making a
strong initial impression on readers. The research background of different papers may vary in
length and content, but outstanding research backgrounds often share a common trait: they
provide a detailed explanation of the research topic through clear and concise expression,
demonstrating a thorough understanding of the subject and sparking the reader’s interest. Key
information related to the research topic should be initially introduced in the research
background section.

Four Step Guide to Writing a Research Background

1. Start by stating the problem

Begin the background by defining the problem that your research will address. Tell the reader
why the problem is worth your attention and is also worth theirs.

2. Summarize the relevant literature

After defining the research problem, provide a review of the existing research on the subject. The
goal of this exercise is not to simply list relevant studies but to analyze them in the light of your
research problem. Try to identify any gaps in the literature, problems with methodology or
unreliable findings.

3. Establish the theoretical framework

Every good research has sound theoretical foundations. In the background section, it is crucial to
identify the core theories or theoretical models that your study is based on. Ensure that you
describe the core theory or model in simple terms. If your readers understand the theoretical
underpinnings of your research, they will be able to better understand and appreciate your
findings.

4. Define Objectives and Significance


Having set the stage for your study, it is time to unveil the main research questions or
hypotheses. Ensure they are well-defined and align neatly with the key problems you’ve
described earlier. Then, explain the research findings and summarize their significance, such as
their impact on the academic field, other related fields, and real life.

Here are the steps to effectively write a background of the study.

1. Identify Your Audience:

Determine the level of expertise of your target audience. Tailor the depth and complexity of your
background information accordingly.

2. Understand the Research Problem:

Define the research problem or question your study aims to address. Identify the significance of
the problem within the broader context of the field.

3. Review Existing Literature:

Conduct a thorough literature review to understand what is already known in the area.
Summarize key findings, theories, and concepts relevant to your research.

4. Include Historical Data:

Integrate historical data if relevant to the research, as current issues often trace back to historical
events.

5. Identify Controversies and Gaps:

Note any controversies or debates within the existing literature. Identify gaps, limitations, or
unanswered questions that your research can address.

6. Select Key Components:

Choose the most critical elements to include in the background based on their relevance to your
research problem. Prioritize information that helps build a strong foundation for your study.

7. Craft a Logical Flow:

Organize the background information in a logical sequence. Start with general context, move to
specific theories and concepts, and then focus on the specific problem.

8. Highlight the Novelty of Your Research:

Clearly explain the unique aspects or contributions of your study. Emphasize why your research
is different from or builds upon existing work.
Four Common Mistakes That You Should Avoid While Writing The Background of the
Study

1. Ambiguous or overly technical writing

While writing, don’t leave any of the information open to interpretation. Steer clear of any
ambiguity. Strike a balance by avoiding overly technical terms or jargons that may confuse
readers. Researchers should consider clarifying complex concepts or terms beforehand to help
readers accurately grasp the main research topic.

2. Lack of apparent connection with the research problem

The research problem is the anchor for your background section. The expressed purpose of this
section is to set the stage for the research question. If you digress and talk about peripheral issues
unconnected with the research problem, you will confuse the reader, and the background will not
fulfill its purpose. Stay focused on the research problem.

3. Omitting key studies

The background section should provide a detailed explanation of the research topic. Researchers
can use the four steps mentioned above to review their work, avoiding content gaps that could
impact the credibility of both the researcher and the paper, or make the arguments seem too
subjective or insufficiently informed.

4. Failing to cite research correctly

If you are using a theory or concept that is not yours, make sure you mention its creator. If you
have modified a theory or concept, explain how and to what degree. You must cite your sources
correctly to avoid being accused of plagiarism.

Reference

www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667142523000386

https://www.servicescape.com/blog/tips-for-writing-an-effective-background-of-the-study

https://www.aresearchguide.com/write-background-research-paper.html

https://www.enago.com/academy/what-is-background-in-a-research-paper/

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