BACKGROUND OF

THE STUDY
ENA IZABEL CALLEJO
MIKAELA BANGGO
The background of the study is the
part of your paper where you inform
the reader of the context of your
study. When we say context it
means the situation or
circumstances within which your
topic was conceptualized.
Ideally, this part is written when you have already
conducted a literature review and has a good
perception of the topic so you can articulate the
importance and validity of the research problem.
It is also in this part of the paper where you justify
the need to conduct a research study about the
topic selected by establishing the research gap.

A research gap is an under or unexplored area of

a topic that requires further exploration. The gap
can be in a form of other variables, conditions,
population, methodology or test subject.
 A literature review regarding
the topic is required. You may
IDENTIFY 1
have to look for similar or
related studies employing
RESEARCH GAP quantitative, qualitative, or
mixed methods from
legitimate sources and
examine the gray areas.
While both the Background of the Study and the Review of
Related Literature involve reading past related studies,
they differ in some aspects. The former is at the
introductory part of the paper with the purpose of relaying
the importance of your research study; the latter is more
comprehensive and thoroughly discusses the studies
mentioned in the background of research.
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY ANSWERS THE FOLLOWING
QUESTIONS:

1. What is already known about the

topic?
2. What is not known about the topic?
3. Why do you need to address those
gaps?
4. What is the rationale of your study?
HOW SHOULD ONE WRITE THE
BACKGROUND OF A
RESEARCH PAPER
 Start with a strong beginning: Begin the background by defining the
research topic and then identify the target audience.
Cover key components: Explain all theories, concepts, terms, and
ideas that may feel unfamiliar to the target audience thoroughly.
Take note of important prerequisites: Go through the relevant
literature in detail. Take notes while reading and cite the sources.
Maintain a balance: Make sure that the background is focused on
important details, but also appeals to a broader audience.

Source: Author Services

Include historical data: Current issues largely originate from
historical events or findings. If the research borrows information
from a historical context, add relevant data in the background.
Explain novelty: If the research study or methodology is unique or
novel, provide an explanation that helps to understand the research
better.
Increase engagement: To make the background engaging, build a
story around the central theme of the research
 Unrelated themes: Steer clear
from topics that are not
AVOID THESE related to the key aspects of
your research topic.

MISTAKES WHILE Poor organization: Do not

WRITING THE
place information without a
structure. Make sure that the
background reads in a
BACKGROUND chronological manner and
organize the sub-sections so
that it flows well.

Source: Author Services

THAT’S ALL. THANK YOU.