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Grade 8 STE- RESEARCH 2

Quarter 1 – Module 8:
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

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Grade 8 STE- Research 2
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 – Module 8: Background of the Study
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education – Schools Division of Sorsogon

Schools Division Superintendent – Jose L. Doncillo, CESO V
Asst. Schools Division Superintendent – Ma. Jeany T. Abayon
Curriculum Implementation Division Chief – Rolando F. Embile
Education Program Supervisor (Science) – Michelle H. Guadamor

DEVELOPMENT TEAM OF THE MODULE

WRITER: MARIA SHEILA F. FAJARDO

EDITORS: DOLORES E. ENDRACA

CINDY D. GONZALES

REVIEWERS: MICHELLE H. GUADAMOR

WELIMEN C. OSEO
REY EUGENE R. LEE
CARLA C. PAVIA
CINDY D. GONZALES
DOLORES E. ENDRACA
JERIEL G. MARTIREZ

LAYOUT ARTISTS: JERIEL G. MARTIREZ

JOHN BRYAN M. EVASCO

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 8

GRADE 8 STE- RESEARCH 2

Quarter 1 – Module 8:
Background of the Study

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 Most Essential Learning Competency

Determine the appropriate steps in planning and designing

a research study.

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 Background of the Study

Introduction

The research proposal paper starts with the

introduction. The Introduction part of the paper
includes several subparts. What provides the
context to the information discussed throughout the
paper is the Background of the Study. This part
includes information that would focus attention on
the importance and validity of the problem.
The background of the study has important
features. These features will be the focus of this
module. By the end of this module, you will
formulate the background of the study for your
identified research problem.

Most Essential Learning

Competency & Objectives

In this module, you will determine the appropriate steps in planning and
designing a research study.

Specifically, you should be able to:

1. Identify important features of an introduction/background of the study.
2. Formulate an introduction/background of the study of the identified
research problem/study.

Duration: 2 meetings

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 Pre-Test

Before we start our lesson, try to answer these

five (5) questions below.

Directions: Read the questions carefully and write the letter of

the correct answer.

1. Which of the following does NOT describe the Background of the Study?
a. It provides a justification for doing the study.
b. It is a statement of an objective to be achieved by the study.
c. It focuses the attention on the importance and validity of a problem.
d. It provides information about the concepts mentioned in the study that
may not be familiar.

2. A researcher is writing a paper about the possible beneficial role of bacteria in

treating cancer. Which of the following background information must be given
importance in writing the introduction?
a. causes of cancer
b. bacteria that cause cancer
c. cancer treatment centers
d. the role of bacteria in cancer therapy

3. Which feature of the background of the study discusses the situations or

circumstances that form the setting to fully understand the topic of study?
a. context c. justification
b. rationale d. structure

4. Which feature of the background of the study discusses the reasons or logical
bases for conducting the study?
a. context c. rationale
b. structure d. general information

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5. A research study is entitled “Conditioned reflex in earthworms.” Below is an
excerpt from the paper:
“Animals, from the simplest to the most complex, modify their
behavior by previous experience. This adaptation is called learning.
We humans place a high premium on learning. Indeed, civilization is
sustained and advanced by learning, and a large segment of society
is fully engaged in directing the learning of others. Yet, learning as a
phenomenon is one of the most exciting frontiers in science. One
research avenue involves simple animals, such as protozoans and
various phyla of worms, popularly thought to be incapable of
learning.”

Which feature of the background of the study is being described by the

sample paragraph given?

a. context c. justification
b. rationale d. structure

How did you find the questions? If you cannot

answer all questions correctly, that is fine. As we go
through the lesson in this module, you will
understand the concepts better.

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 Learning Activities

E licit
In the previous lessons, you discussed the steps in
planning and designing a scientific research.
The boxes below describe the steps in planning
and designing a research study.
Try the given task below.

Preparation of research Formulate research

design and procedure questions and
hypothesis

Identification of a Review of Related

Research Problem Literature

Complete the flowchart below about the steps in planning and designing a
scientific research by using the phrases in the boxes above.

In planning for a scientific research, one must read

extensively to have a broad understanding about a particular
topic.
When you choose a topic to research on, you must have your
reasons for it. When you write your research paper, you will
need to discuss your reasons in your introduction.

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 E ngage
Your research paper will start with an introduction.
The introduction will contain the Background of the
Study.
What is the Background of the Study about?
Read the concept cartoon below and answer the
question that follows.

Four students were having a conversation regarding what they think about the
background of the study in a research paper. Below are their statements:

Out of the four statements, only one is not correct. Whose idea is NOT correct?
Answer: ______________________________

Are you curious which student’s idea about the

Background of the Study is not correct? If you were
not able to identify correctly, do not worry. Let us find
out as you continue with this module.
In the next part, you will be shown an example. What
are the features of the Background of the Study?

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 E xplore
Read the Introduction part of a research study
below done by a student in 1991. Afterwards,
answer the questions that follow.

Activity 1: Features of the Background

of the Study
Refer to the sample Investigatory Project in Chemistry given below. This
sample only shows the title and the background of the study. Answer the questions
that follow after the passage.

Pectinase-Enhanced Production of
Essential Oil from Lemongrass
(Cymbopogon citratus)
By Kren Kristil J.Cinco

Essential oils are very much in demand in the Philippines, especially in

pharmaceuticals and cosmetic industries. These industries heavily depend on foreign
essences and cosmetics preparation for adequate supply and are spending millions
of dollars for the import of essential oils and other toilet preparations (Manalo et.al.,
1982). The Philippines rank 8th among the importing countries, garnering 1.3% of the
world’s import share and practically imports more than 90% of the country’s
requirements (Dar, 1997).
High dependence of the Philippines on imported essential oils increased from
US$ 37.2 million in 1989 to US$ 59.3 million in 1993 while exports decreased from a
value of US$ 2.4 million in 1989 to US$ 1.5 in 1993; in terms of quantity (net kg) from
328,494 kg in 1989 to 180,084 kg in 1993. Data for the period 1989 – 1993 shows an
increasing trend value of importation of essential oils (De Guzman, 1997).
Given the outlook for the continuing economic growth of the country, one will
assume that the demand for essential oils is also likely to grow, as more money
becomes available for discretionary funding. It is therefore timely and relevant to
further develop and explore the essential oil-bearing plants to lessen the country’s
dependence on imported essential oils (Jamilla, 1997).
Moreover, lemongrass is a very important oil component in soaps, bath salts,
sprays and perfume preparations. It is also used for the isolation of citral which is
employed in artificial flavors and in the manufacture of ionones. In addition,
lemongrass is also used as starting materials for Vitamin A.

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 Lemongrass is obtained by methods such as steam distillation, extraction by
volatile solvent, expression by hand or machine and enfleurage. Steam distillation and
solvent extraction are used commercially. However, the processes produce only small
amounts of oil, thus, have low cost effectivity.
On the other hand, the use of pectic enzyme in various industries is increasing.
It is energy-efficient and economically feasible (Espino, 1997).
This study, therefore was conducted in order to develop a new technique, the
pectinase application, in extracting essential oils from lemongrass so as to increase
its yield, quality and stability.

Guide Questions:
A. General Information:
1. Summarize the information provided to help you understand the following:
a. Essential oils
__________________________________________________________
b. lemongrass
__________________________________________________________
c. methods of extracting oil
__________________________________________________________
d. use of pectic enzyme to produce essential oil (pectinase-enhanced
production)
__________________________________________________________

B. Context
2. Why is lemongrass chosen as the raw material for this study?
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

3. a. What technique was used in the study?

__________________________________________________________
b. Why was this technique chosen for this study?
__________________________________________________________

C. Rationale/Justification
4. What problem or issue is the researcher trying to address in this study?
__________________________________________________________
5. Why is there a need to conduct this study?
__________________________________________________________

D. Link to the statement of the problem

6. Which statement provides a link between the introduction and the statement
of the problem?
__________________________________________________________

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 Activity 2: Evaluating the Features of the
Background of the Study
After answering Activity 1, evaluate if the features of the Background of the
Study were identified in the sample given. Use the rubrics below as your guide.

Rating
Features 3 2 1 Score
All important Some important Most important
General concepts/details concepts/details concepts/details
Information about the study are about the study are about the study are
described. described. not described.
Current conditions Current conditions Current conditions
or situations or situations or situations
surrounding the surrounding the surrounding the
topic were topic were topic were not
discussed in detail. discussed a little discussed.
bit.
Past information or Past information or Past information or
Context
data from previous data from previous data from previous
studies were studies were barely studies were not
discussed to better discussed to better discussed.
understand the understand the
situation. situation.
Rationale/ Problem being Problem being Problem being
Justification addressed by the addressed by the addressed by the
study was study was study was not
discussed in discussed but in discussed.
general before general.
discussing specific
details.
Reason for doing Reason for doing Reason for doing
the study was the study was the study was not
explained explained but not explained.
completely. completely.
Link to the A link to the A link to the No link to the
statement of statement of the statement of the statement of the
the problem problem was problem was not problem was
clearly specified at clearly specified at mentioned.
the end. the end.
Structure The introduction is The introduction is The introduction is
written in a clear written in a not written in a
and logical order. somewhat clear clear and logical
and logical order. order.
TOTAL

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 Great job!
You have just analyzed a sample and identified the
important features of the Background of the Study.
In the next activity, you will formulate the background
of the study for your chosen research study.

Activity 3: Formulate your Background

of the Study
This time think of your chosen topic or research study. Make sure that the
important features of the background of the study are covered.

A. Complete the outline below that should discuss the details about your research
study. You may need a bigger space for some parts.

Your Research Title/Topic: ____________________________________________

B. Write the Background of the Study of your research study on a separate paper. Use
the rubrics in Activity 2 as your guide.

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 E xplain
Now let’s try to understand what the Background of the
Study is about. This part will also discuss the features
of the Background of the Study.

The introduction of your research paper basically answers the question ‘Why’.
Specifically, it talks about why you choose that topic for research, why it is important;
why you adopted a particular method or approach and other reasons. You can also
think of the Introduction as the section that points out the gap in knowledge that the
rest of the paper will fill, or the section in which you define and claim your territory
within the broad area of research (Joshi, 2018).

The background of the study is a part of a research provided in the introduction

section of the paper. The background of the study is a compilation of adequate
information that is based on the analysis of the problem or proposed argument, the
steps and methods needed to arrive at the design and the implementation of the
results achieved and feasible solutions. While the introduction gives an overview of
the research topic, the background of the study is more in-depth and provides an
explanation why the research study is worth the time of the readers (Olawale, 2020).
In writing the background of the study, here are the important points that you
would want your readers to know concerning your topic:

The general information about your topic includes terms, concepts, theories
or ideas that surround your research study that need to be mentioned and explained
so that the readers will understand your topic. Your title will mention several terms or
concepts that may not be familiar to the reader and thus will require you to give some
background information.

The context of your topic is about the interrelated conditions in which your topic
exists. This part will help your readers make sense about the situations surrounding
your research study. Important findings from previous studies conducted related to
your study may be mentioned to help readers better understand your reasons for
undertaking your chosen topic for research.

The rationale or justification for your topic should discuss the acceptable
reasons for doing the study. The problem or current issue that your study will address

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should be clearly explained. Data or information from past researches can help
emphasize why your study is relevant and important.
The table below gives some information about these features.

Features Questions to address How to address

General information • What is happening now Describe any theories,
about your topic about the issue you want concepts, terms and
to study? ideas surrounding the
concept that may be
unfamiliar to the target
audience and will
require you to provide
additional explanation.
Context of your topic • What are the conditions, Describe the current
settings, and situations situations/conditions
with respect to your regarding your topic.
topic?
• Who are directly and Include historical data
indirectly involved? that need to be shared
to provide context why
the current issue
emerged.

Rationale/Justification of • Why should we pay Review relevant

your topic attention to your topic or research to provide
issue you want to rationale.
address?
• Why should we care
about your topic?
• Why is there a need to
focus on the topic?

Aside from the general information, context and rationale, the background of
the study must also have the following:

A link to the statement of the problem should be written at the end of the
introduction. It may be composed of one or two sentences that would provide a
connection between the introduction to the statement of the problem.

In addition, any form of writing must have a good structure. Structure refers to
the order of ideas. The progression of your writing should feel smooth with similar
points linked together. When writing the introduction, move from general to specific:

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explain the background of your study from a broad picture, then narrow it down to
focus on your research question or topic. The figure below describes this:

General: including a “hook” to grab the readers’ attention

Background
Context
Previous
Researches
Key References

Specific: What is it that you are contributing to address the problem

When discussing the problem being addressed, establish the degree of

seriousness or severity of the problem at the global level, then national, before
focusing on the local or community level. When citing related literature and related
studies to establish connection and relevance to the research problem, do the same
way – from global, then national, before focusing on local level.

You should also be able to make a clear link between the problem and the
solution, the question asked and your research design, and prior research and your
experiment.

I hope that you now have a better understanding of the

features of the Background of the Study.
You may go back and refine what you have written in
Activity 3 if it is necessary.

To give you more ideas, read the next part of the

module.
I hope you get some inspiration!

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 E laborate/ Extend
Here is an excerpt from an article by Mickey Wren for the Wall Street Journal about
an invention by a Filipina and her brother:

The idea is so simple, yet kind of genius. With just a few strips of metal,
table salt and tap water, or seawater, their brilliant invention can bring light
to millions of homes that don’t have electricity, and can’t afford gas.

Thanks to sister-brother team Aisa and Raphael Mijeno in the Philippines,

thousands of underprivileged families in the country, especially those
living in rural communities that don’t have access to electricity can now
benefit from their brilliant invention: this lamp.

It looks like any ordinary handheld lamp. But it has one huge difference.
This lamp requires no fuel. All you need is a few strips of metal and salt
water, and you will have this bright lamp that can run for eight hours.

Aisa Mijeno came up with the idea while working for Greenpeace in one
of the rural communities in her country where residents use kerosene-
powered lamps as primary light source. She also saw them trekking
nearly 50 kilometers to the nearest town along jagged paths to buy
kerosene for their wick-type lamps, as many in those communities don’t
have access to transportation.

She realized this was a major problem that needed a solution.

“That’s when the SALt Lamp was born,” Aisa told WSJ. “My vision was to
solve this problem for the 16 million Filipinos who have no access to
electricity—those in the mountains, 14
on small islands, people off the grid.”
 She realized this was a major problem that needed a solution.

“That’s when the SALt Lamp was born,” Aisa told WSJ. “My vision was to
solve this problem for the 16 million Filipinos who have no access to
electricity—those in the mountains, on small islands, people off the grid.”

The salt-water powered lamp can run for 8 hours. It’s environmentally
friendly, cost effective, and easy to operate.

“The planet is three-fourth ocean water,” Aisa said, “What is the best way
to solve our energy shortage other than using the abundant natural
resource that we have? The science behind this has been existing for a
Vocabulary List
hundred years, I’m not really sure why people deviated from developing
this principle.”

Communities living in remote villages in the mountains can use the lamp
using one glass of water and two teaspoons of salt. “In the Philippines,
Context
Ionones
even in [low-income households], you will surely find three things: water,
Citralrice, and salt,” Aisa’s brother Raphael said.
Pectinase
enfleurage

From the article, you will be able to have an idea

regarding the rationale and context of the study
conducted by Mijeno.
Did you know that Aisa Mijeno was even given
commendation by then President Barack Obama
during the APEC Summit in Manila in 2015
because of her invention? Awesome, right?
You can achieve something like this too!

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 Vocabulary List

Background of the Study – part of the research paper that includes information which
would focus attention on the importance and validity of the problem.
Context – the interrelated conditions in which something occurs.
Enfleurage – a process of extracting perfumes by exposing absorbents to the
exhalations of flowers.
Excerpt – a passage (as from a book or musical composition) selected, performed or
copied.
Introduction – part of the research paper that an overview about your topic .
Ionone – an aromatic compound used in perfumes.
Pectinase – an enzyme that breaks down pectin, a polysaccharide substrate found in
cell walls of plants.

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 Post-Test

The questions below will test how much

you have learned in this module.
I know that you can now answer the
questions. I have faith in you!

E valuate
Directions: Read the questions carefully and write the letter of
the correct answer.

1. Which of the following does NOT describe the Background of the Study?
a. It provides the rationale for doing the study.
b. It discusses in detail the findings and conclusion of the study.
c. It focuses the attention on the importance and validity of a problem.
d. It provides information about the concepts mentioned in the study that
may not be familiar.
2. A researcher is writing a paper about the effect of magnetic field on snails.
Which of the following background information is NOT important in writing the
introduction?
a. suitability of snails as a test subject
b. importance of snails to the economy
c. effect of magnetic field on organisms
d. responses of organisms to a magnetic field
3. Which feature of the background of the study discusses the situations or
circumstances that form the setting to fully understand the topic of study?
a. structure c. context
b. rationale d. justification
4. Which feature of the background of the study discusses the justifications for
conducting the study?
a. rationale c. context
b. structure d. general information

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5. A research study is entitled “The Effect of Varying Concentrations of Detergent
on the Survival of Fish.” Below is an excerpt from the paper:
“Synthetic detergents, though desirable in the home and in
industry, contribute in major fashion to our problems of water
pollution. These chemicals when contained in disposed waste,
do not sufficiently break down to prevent foaming, the destruction of
aquatic life, taste and odor problems, difficulties in coagulation and
settling. The use of detergents is increasing in the United States at
the rate of 5 percent a year. Considerable study is needed on the
degradation of detergent compounds in sewage treatment plants.
Also important is the need to learn of the toxicities of detergents, their
components, and their form after treatment.”

Which feature of the background of the study is being described by the

sample paragraph given?

a. context c. rationale
b. structure d. general information

Hooray, you have finished your fourth

module!
Please check your answers by referring to
the answer key. If you scored lower than 4, please
go over the earlier parts of this module and take on
the activities once again. If you scored 4 or above,
you are now ready for the next module.
CONGRATULATIONS!

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 Answer Keys

Pre-Test Answer Keys

1. B 2. D 3. A 4. C 5. A

Learning Activities Answer Keys

Elicit:

Engage: Student C
Explore:
Activity 1:
1. a. Essential oils – are highly used in pharmaceutical and cosmetics
industries
b. Lemongrass – its essential oil an important component in a lot of
preparations
c. Methods of extraction oil – methods commonly used are steam
distillation ad extraction using a volatile solvent. Other methods
include expression by hand or machine, and enfleurage.
d. Use of pectic enzyme – a method of extracting oil that is used in
various industries because it is energy efficient and
economically feasible.
2. Lemongrass is suitable as raw material because it is an oil-bearing
plant and is already used in a lot of applications.
3. a. Method used in this study is production of oil using pectic enzyme
(pectinase application).
b. This technique is chosen because it is energy efficient and
economically feasible. Also, it can increase yield, quality and
stability of extracted essential oil.
4.The problem or issue is the high demand of our country for essential
oil but most of it are imported. (high demand, low supply)
5. This study can help lessen the country’s dependence on imported
essential oil.

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 6. The last statement serves as the link between the introduction and
the statement of the problem.
Activity 2:
Rating
Features 3 2 1 Score
All important Some important Most important
General concepts/details concepts/details about concepts/details
Information about the study are the study are about the study are 3
described. described. not described.
Current conditions or Current conditions or Current conditions or
situations surrounding situations surrounding situations
the topic were the topic were surrounding the topic
discussed in detail. discussed a little bit. were not discussed. 3
Past information or Past information or Past information or
data from previous data from previous data from previous
Context studies were studies were barely studies were not
discussed to better discussed to better discussed. 3
understand the understand the
situation. situation.
Rationale/ Problem being Problem being Problem being
Justification addressed by the addressed by the study addressed by the
study was discussed was discussed but in study was not
in general before general. discussed. 3
discussing specific
details.
Reason for doing the Reason for doing the Reason for doing the
study was explained study was explained study was not 3
completely. but not extensively. explained.
Link to the A link to the statement A link to the statement No link to the
statement of the problem was of the problem was not statement of the
of the clearly specified at the clearly specified at the problem was 3
problem end. end. mentioned.
Structure The introduction is The introduction is The introduction is
written in a clear and written in a somewhat not written in a clear
logical order. clear and logical order. and logical order. 3
TOTAL 21/21

Activity 3: Answers for Activity 3 may vary depending on the research topic of
the student. Score will depend on whether the information required was
provided and rubrics is used to evaluate each student’s Background of
the Study.

Post-Test Answer Keys

1. B 2. B 3. C 4. A 5. C

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 References

Printed References:

Alfonso, Lilian G., et. al. Science Research Process Handbook. INTEL-DOST-SEI

Almeida, Adelaida B., Gaerlan, Amelita A., and Manly Norita E. Research
Fundamentals From Concept to Output: A Guide to Researchers and
Thesis Writers. Quezon City: Adriana Publishing Co., Inc., 2016.

Calderon, Jose F., and Gonzales, Expectacion C. Methods of Research and

Thesis Writing. Mandaluyong City: National Bookstore, 1993.

Faltado III, Ruben E., et. al. Practical Research 2: Quantitative Research. Quezon
City: Lorimar Publishing, Inc., 2016.

Merriam Webster Dictionary. “Context.” Accessed July 17, 2020.

Research II: A Guide to Investigatory Projects. Instructional Enrichment

Materials for Special Science Classes of S & T Oriented High Schools.`

Online References:

Adu, Philip. “Writing the Background of Your Study.” Published April 26, 2017.
Retrieved from https://www.slideshare.net/kontorphilip/writing-the-
background-of-your-study

“Background of the Study – How and Why is it Important?” Accessed July 15, 2020.
Retrieved from https://www.dissertationempire.co.uk/background-of-the-study-
how-and-why-is-it important#:~:text=The%20main%20reason%20that%
20background,an%20insight%20on%20the%20topic.

“How to structure your writing.” Last updated June, 2013. Retrieved from
http://www.learnhigher.ac.uk/writing-for-university/academic-writing/how-to-
structure-your-writing/

Ionones. Encyclopedia Britanica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/science/

ionone

Joshi, Yateendra. “4 Steps Approach to Writing the Introduction of a Research

Paper.“ Last updated Sept. 19, 2018. Retrieved from https://www.editage.com
/insights /4-step-approach-to-writing-the-introduction-section-of-a-research-
paper

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National Science Teachers Association. “Award Winning FSA Science Projects.”
Accessed July 27, 202. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/
ED024594.pdf

Olawale, Johnson. “Background of the Study in Research: How to write One (2020).”
Lat updated March 03, 2020. Retrieved from https://www.legit.ng/1174941-
background-study-research-write-2020.html

Pectinase. Retrieved from https://www.biologyonline.com/dictionary/pectinase

Tischler, Marc E. Scientific Writing Booklet. [PDF] Department of Biochemistry &

Molecular Biophysics. University of Arizona. Retrieved from
https://cbc.arizona.edu/sites/cbc.arizona.edu/files/marc/Sci-Writing.pdf

“What is Background in a Research Paper?” Last updated Dec. 5, 2019. Retrieved

from https://www.enago.com/academy/what-is-background-in-a-research-
paper/#:~:text=The%20background%20of%20your%20study%20will%20
provide%20context%20to%20the,supports%20or%20refutes%20your%20thesis.

Wren, Mickey. “Filipina and Her Brother Invented a Lamp That Runs Entirely on
Metal and Salt Water.” Published November 2, 2016. Retrieved from
http://www.atchuup.com/salt-water-powered-lamps/

Graphics:

Cover Art Photo retrieved from https://www.freepik.com/premium-vector/education-

online-illustration-vector-internet-studying-concept_4306891.htm

Salt Lamp Photo retrieved from http://www.atchuup.com/salt-water-powered-lamps/

Teacher Graphics by freepik.com

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