How to Write a Background of the Study

Writing an engaging background for your research paper is important to provide context
and explain the significance of your study. Many authors struggle with this section and confuse it
with the literature review. In this essay, we will focus on the basics of writing the background and
explain its difference from the literature review.
The background of the study gives context to your research. It explains why your research
topic is important and relevant. Usually, it is the first part of your paper and justifies why you are
conducting the study and what you aim to achieve.
To structure the background effectively, briefly outline the historical developments in the
literature that led to your research topic. If your study involves different fields, explain how they
are connected and which aspects you will investigate.
Also, highlight the main developments in your research topic and identify the gaps you
want to address. Provide an overview of your study, answering these questions: What is known
about the topic? What are the gaps? Why is it important to address these gaps? What is your
research's purpose and hypothesis?
Present your findings in a chronological order, emphasizing the progress in the field and
the missing points you want to fill. The background should summarize your interpretation of
previous research and the goals of your study.
To make the background engaging, tell a story around your research theme. Make sure
the story aligns with your main idea and doesn't wander into a broad literature review. Connect
each idea to the next, helping readers understand the story and identify the gaps you aim to fill.
When writing the background, avoid common mistakes. Keep it neither too long nor too
short, including relevant details while being concise. Be clear in your writing, considering that
readers may not be familiar with your research. Stay focused on the important aspects, such as
literature gaps, the uniqueness of your study, and the need for conducting it. Organize your writing
carefully and discuss themes chronologically to prevent confusion and help readers understand
the field's progress.
It should be comprehensive, describing studies mentioned in the background. Discuss
studies that support your study and explore current trends. Conduct a thorough literature search
to find relevant studies and present a focused survey related to your objectives. Organize them
thematically and chronologically to show the field's evolution and progress, highlighting previous
research and future directions.
In conclusion, writing an effective background for your research paper is crucial. By
following these guidelines and using simple language, you can provide context, highlight the
significance of your research, and engage readers. Differentiating the background from the
literature review maintains clarity and structure in your paper. With a well-crafted background, you
can set the stage for your research and capture readers' interest from the start.