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  • Evan John Evan John
  • 11 min read

How to write a compelling background of the study

Writing a compelling background of the study is a crucial first step in any academic research project. This section sets the foundation for your research by clearly outlining your study’s context, relevance, and rationale. A well-written background not only introduces the topic but also identifies existing gaps in knowledge, highlights key issues, and justifies why the research is necessary. It helps readers understand the significance of your study within a broader academic or real-world framework. Whether you’re preparing a thesis, dissertation, or scholarly paper, understanding effective background can enhance the credibility and impact of your work.

background of the study

What is the Background of the Study in Research

The background of the study is a critical section in a research paper, thesis, or dissertation that provides context for the research problem. It introduces the topic, explains the research setting, and outlines the existing knowledge and gaps the study aims to address. It tells the reader what the study is about, why it matters, and how it fits into the larger body of research.

Key purposes of the background of the study include:

  • Introducing the research topic clearly and concisely

  • Explaining the current state of knowledge on the subject

  • Identifying gaps, problems, or inconsistencies in the literature

  • Justifying the need for the current study

  • Setting the stage for the research questions or objectives

This section is typically written logically, starting from a broad overview and narrowing down to the specific issue being studied. A strong background helps readers understand the significance of your work and builds the foundation for the rest of your research.

Purpose of Background in Research 

The purpose of the background in research is to provide readers with a clear understanding of the context and significance of the study. It serves as the foundation for the entire research, guiding the reader from general knowledge of the topic to the specific problem the study aims to address. Here’s a breakdown of its primary purposes:

  1. Establish Context
    It introduces the topic and situates the research within a broader academic, social, or professional setting.

  2. Highlight the Research Problem
    It identifies gaps, limitations, or unresolved issues in existing literature that the current study will address.

  3. Justify the Study
    It explains why the research is essential, relevant, and timely, providing logical reasons for conducting the study.

  4. Review Existing Literature
    It briefly outlines what previous studies have found, setting up the basis for the research question or hypothesis.

  5. Clarify Objectives
    It helps lead into the research objectives by aligning the background with the goals and direction of the study.

How to Write a Background of the Study

Writing the background of the study involves presenting the context that led to the research problem. Begin by introducing the broad area of your research, then gradually narrow it down to the specific issue you aim to address. Include relevant facts, recent developments, and existing literature gaps to show your topic’s significance. Clearly explain why the study is necessary, what prompted it, and how it relates to previous work in the field. Maintain a logical flow and ensure your writing provides readers with enough information to understand the research purpose and rationale. Avoid going too deep into results or analysis—focus on setting the stage for your study.

1. Begin with a Broad Overview of the Topic

Start your background by introducing the general subject area of your research. This helps the reader understand the overall context of your study.

In this section, you define key terms, present essential background information, and establish the broader area in which your research is situated. This sets the stage for the reader, especially those unfamiliar with the topic. For instance, if your research is about online education, you might begin by discussing its rise in popularity, key technologies, and current trends.

2. Narrow Down to the Specific Research Problem

After presenting the general context, gradually focus on the specific issue or knowledge gap your study will address.

Identify a problem or gap in existing knowledge that your research aims to fill. Mention relevant studies or findings from previous research that highlight this gap or problem. This not only justifies your study but also shows that you have a clear understanding of the academic conversation in your field.

3. Explain the Significance of the Study

Clearly articulate why your research is essential and what value it adds to the field.

This section should explain who will benefit from your study and how the results may be applied in real-world or academic settings. Emphasize the relevance and urgency of the problem, especially if it addresses a societal, educational, scientific, or technological challenge. This helps establish the impact and contribution of your research.

4. Transition into the Research Objectives or Questions

Lead smoothly from the background information into the specific aims or questions your study will answer.

This final part of the background should naturally lead into your research problem, objectives, or hypothesis. It acts as a bridge between the context and the core of your study. By the end of this section, the reader should clearly understand what your study is about and why it is being conducted.

Read on Best Practices for Dissertation Data Management and Presentation

Background vs Introduction

Background of the Study Introduction
Definition Provides detailed context, history, and rationale for the study Introduces the topic and outlines the structure of the research
Purpose To explain the problem’s origin, existing gaps, and relevance To hook the reader, present the topic, and state the research focus
Content Focus Focuses on previous studies, real-world context, and knowledge gaps Focuses on presenting the research aim, questions, or hypothesis
Scope Broad to specific – explains the background and leads to the issue Specific – centers on the current study and its objectives
Length Usually longer and more detailed Typically shorter
Placement Appears before or as part of the introduction in some formats Always the opening section of the paper/thesis
Includes Literature insights, problem context, justification for the study Topic overview, research aims, sometimes a brief background

How to avoid mistakes in writing the background

1. Stay Focused on the Research Problem
One of the most common mistakes in writing the background of the study is including information that is too broad or unrelated to the specific research problem. While it’s essential to introduce the general topic, writers often get carried away with too much historical or theoretical detail. To avoid this, ask yourself whether the information directly supports your research purpose. Keep your content aligned with the issue and gradually narrow it down to your research gap.

2. Don’t Turn It into a Literature Review
Another mistake is treating the background section as an extended literature review. Listing numerous studies without linking them to your research question can confuse readers and weaken your argument. Instead, focus on a few key sources that help explain the context of your research. Highlight what these studies found, where they fall short, and how your study builds on or addresses those gaps. This keeps your background purposeful and connected to your research objectives.

3. Be Clear and Concise
Using vague or overly technical language in the background can make your study seem less accessible, especially to readers unfamiliar with the topic. Clarity and simplicity are key. Write in straightforward academic language that communicates your points effectively. Avoid long-winded explanations and get to the point quickly. Remember, the goal is to inform, not to impress with complex jargon.

4. Avoid Lack of Structure
A poorly structured background can make your writing hard to follow. If you jump from idea to idea without a logical flow, readers may lose track of the narrative. To prevent this, organize your background in a precise sequence: begin with a general overview of the topic, then explain the current state of research, and finally lead into the specific problem your study addresses. This progression helps your readers understand the logic behind your research.

5. Provide Evidence, Not Opinions
Supporting your claims with data and credible sources rather than personal opinions or assumptions is essential. Some writers include statements like “this issue is critical” without explaining why or citing evidence. Instead, back up your points with references from scholarly journals, statistics, or real-world examples. This approach lends credibility to your background and reinforces the importance of your study.

6. Don’t Repeat the Introduction or Problem Statement
Redundancy is frequent, especially when the background repeats content from the introduction or the problem statement. While these sections are related, each has a distinct role. The introduction sets the stage, the background provides context and justification, and the problem statement clearly defines the issue. Avoid repeating the same points—use the background to explain why the problem exists and matters.

7. Check for Plagiarism
Using source material without proper citation is a serious academic offense. Whether intentional or accidental, plagiarism can undermine your entire research effort. Always paraphrase carefully, use quotation marks when necessary, and cite all sources according to the required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, or Chicago). Running your text through a plagiarism checker can help you catch any accidental overlaps before submission.

Research Background Examples

Example 1: Education (Topic: Online Learning and Student Performance)

The rapid shift to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed traditional education worldwide. While online platforms offer flexibility and accessibility, concerns have emerged regarding their impact on student engagement and academic performance. Several studies have explored the benefits and challenges of e-learning; however, many focus on higher education, leaving a gap in understanding how online learning affects secondary school students. This research examines the relationship between online learning environments and student academic outcomes in high school settings, addressing a timely and underexplored area.

Example 2: Health Sciences (Topic: Mental Health in Healthcare Workers)

Healthcare workers are among the most affected by occupational stress, especially during global health crises. Previous research has identified high rates of anxiety, burnout, and depression among frontline medical staff. However, most studies are centered on hospital settings, with limited focus on primary care professionals. Additionally, few have examined long-term mental health outcomes. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of mental health disorders among primary healthcare workers and explore coping strategies, filling a critical gap in occupational health literature.

Example 3: Business (Topic: Social Media Marketing and Consumer Behavior)

Social media has become a vital marketing tool for businesses aiming to reach and engage consumers in real time. While platforms like Instagram and TikTok offer unique opportunities for brand promotion, their influence on consumer purchase decisions remains a growing area of interest. Existing research has primarily focused on traditional marketing or specific industries, such as fashion and cosmetics. There is limited data on how social media marketing affects consumer behavior in the technology sector. This study seeks to analyze the impact of social media strategies on consumer trust and purchase intent within the tech industry.

FAQ 

1. What is the background of the study?

The background of the study is a section in your research that provides context for your topic, explains relevant prior work, identifies gaps, and justifies why your study is essential.

2. Why is the background of the study essential?

It helps readers understand the significance of your research, builds a logical foundation for your problem statement, and highlights the value your work adds to existing knowledge.

3. How long should the background of the study be?

It depends on the level and type of research. These and dissertations may be several pages long. For journal articles or short papers, 1–2 paragraphs are often sufficient.

4. What should I include in the background of the study?

  • A brief overview of the topic

  • Relevant statistics or facts

  • Summary of existing studies

  • Identification of knowledge gaps

  • Justification for the research

5. Is the background of the study the same as the introduction?

Not exactly. The background provides context and rationale, while the introduction presents the topic, research objectives, and outlines the structure of the paper. In some papers, the background is part of the introduction.

6. Can I cite sources in the background section?

Yes, and you should. Use scholarly sources to support your points and demonstrate your understanding of the existing research.

7. How do I avoid making the background too broad?

Start with general context, but quickly narrow down to your research area. Stay focused on what’s relevant to your study and its objectives.

8. Should I discuss the research gap in the background?

Yes, identifying the gap is a crucial part of the background. It shows what is missing in current knowledge and leads directly to the need for your research.

9. How can I make my background compelling?

Be clear, focused, and concise. Use evidence and credible sources. End with a strong rationale that leads logically to your research question or problem statement.

10. What’s the difference between background and literature review?

The background gives a brief overview and justification of the study, while the literature review is a more detailed analysis of past research, typically in a separate section.

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