Background of the study

Background of the study means the background information that should include the theoretical
rationale, pertinent facts, observation, or claims that have lead the investigator to propose
research questions.
The information is derived from the literature review and from previous or related works done by
the investigator himself/herself.
Literature review is to integrate published materials. It is not simply a series of abstracts of
papers on the topics.
The researcher/ author has to convey an integration of content that supports the need,
importance, and rationale for the proposed study.
The author must continually ask:
 Is this reference or point of information directly related to this study?
 Does it contribute to the rationale or clarity the basic assumptions that underline the
research question?
The researcher/ author should read more than will be or should be included in the background.
The major portion of the literature review may focus on prior research and address related
question, reflecting current knowledge or lack of knowledge.
The final element of the review may include a summary of the fact, problems, or controversies
found in the literature and relevant perspectives of the research that lead directly back to the
specific need and stated purpose of the proposed study.
Checklist:
 Introduction to the research topic/area
 Literature review- precise and concise
 Discovering research gaps/ controversies
 Reflecting upon the researcher’s context
 Finding research needs/ problem(s)
 Showing justification of addressing the problem(s)

Statement of the problem/ Research Needs

Statement of the problem:
The research problem:
 Is the most critical and important part of the study
 Is the focus of both basic and applied research
 Identification and explanation affect the quality, usefulness, effectiveness, and efficiency
of the research more than any other part of the research plan.
 Is the reason the research is being undertaken
The written problem description is the only credible evidence that a clear understanding of the
issue has been achieved.

Research problems are always linked to a more general set of problems; hence it is useful to
separate the problem statement into two parts:

The general problem (or the problematic situation)

The specific problem (or the researchable problem)

The researchable problem is the very specific problem at which the objectives of the research are
directed. It can be understood by contrasting it with the general problem or problematic situation.

The general problem statements:

Provides the background or setting for the researchable problem

Usually helps to introduce the problem with very general statements, then progressively narrow
the focus to more specific, precise issues.
Sets the stage for the specific, researchable problem

The specific problem narrows the perspective to a set of issues on which knowledge or
information is needed
Checklist in developing effective problem statements:
The researchable problem must be sufficiently specific to be addressed with available resources
(e.g., time, research expertise, data, tools, financial support, etc)
The dimensions of the problem should be described in objective rather than subjective terms, for
example:
“Wheat producers in the European Economic Community are overpaid”
Better
“Wheat producers in the European Economic Community are subsidized”
The problem must be described sufficiently so that other people can comprehend it.
The researcher’s perceptions of the problems may be intuitive, but must be developed logically.
The problem explanation must provide the reason/ justification for the research objective.