The Background of the Study is the first major building block of your research paper or thesis. It sets the stage by explaining where your topic came from, why it matters now, and what gap still exists.
This section helps readers understand the context, relevance, and foundation of your study before diving into the core problem you’re trying to solve.
Table of Contents
What Is the Background of the Study?
The Background of the Study is a key section in Chapter 1 of a research paper, thesis, or dissertation. It provides the foundational context for your research by discussing the origin, current relevance, and pressing nature of the issue being explored. This section helps the reader understand where the research topic came from, why it is important today, and what existing gaps or challenges it aims to address.
In essence, it answers three major questions:
- What is the history behind this topic?
- Why is it relevant now?
- What problem still needs to be solved?
Purpose of the Background of the Study
The primary goal of the background section is to introduce and justify your research problem. It allows readers to:
- Understand the development and current status of the research topic
- Recognize the gap in existing literature or practices
- Appreciate the significance and necessity of your study
It creates a logical transition into the Statement of the Problem and supports the overall flow of the research introduction.
What to Include in the Background of the Study
An effective background section includes the following key elements:
1. Historical Context
Provide a concise historical background that outlines the evolution of the topic. This may include important events, changes in societal perspectives, or the development of relevant policies or technologies.
2. Present Trends and Relevance
Discuss current data, trends, or ongoing issues that make the topic timely and significant. This helps show that your study is addressing a real-world concern.
3. Review of Key Literature
Briefly reference previous studies, theories, or expert opinions that support the relevance of your topic. This adds academic credibility and shows familiarity with the existing body of knowledge.
4. The Research Gap
Identify what has not yet been explored, what problems remain unresolved, or what specific area your study is focusing on. This justifies your research and positions it as a valuable contribution.
5. Rationale of the Study
Explain why this study was initiated. Mention why the issue deserves academic attention and how the results may contribute to existing knowledge or real-world solutions
Qualities of a Strong Background of the Study
To ensure your Background of the Study sets the right foundation for your research, make sure it has these essential qualities:
- Clear and Focused Narrative
- The background of the study should clearly outline the topic’s evolution, current status, and relevance.
- Avoid vague or confusing statements, be direct and specific about what the study is about and why it matters.
- Keep the flow tight, don’t overload with unnecessary details.
- Logical Structure and Organization
- A strong background of the study flows smoothly from general context to specific issues.
- Start with historical background, then move to present trends, and finish with the research gap.
- Make sure each paragraph builds upon the last in a coherent way.
- Sufficient Context Without Overloading
- Provide just enough background to help readers understand the setting and importance of your research.
- Don’t turn this section into a literature review summarize only what’s essential to set up the problem.
- Stay concise but informative.
- Strong Connection to the Statement of the Problem
- The background of the study must naturally lead into the Statement of the Problem.
- Use the background to highlight what has been done and what still needs to be addressed.
- This sets the stage for presenting your research gap.
- Use of Credible and Updated Sources
- Back up your statements with recent and reputable references scholarly journals, books, or verified reports.
- Cite current data to show your topic is timely and relevant.
- Avoid using outdated or unverified sources.
- Academic Tone and Objective Reasoning
- The background of the study should be written in a formal, academic tone.
- Stay objective don’t insert personal opinions or emotional language.
- Let the evidence speak for itself and guide the reader logically toward your research problem.
- Alignment With the Study’s Direction
- Make sure the background of the study supports your overall research aim.
- All points mentioned here should lead into or align with your objectives, questions, and significance.
- Avoid introducing ideas that won’t be explored in your actual research.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes to keep your background section clear, relevant, and academically sound:
- Writing Too Broadly or Generally
- Trying to cover everything about the topic dilutes the focus.
- Stick to information that directly builds toward your research problem.
- Avoid turning it into an encyclopedia entry.
- Turning It Into a Full Literature Review
- The background should summarize context, not deeply analyze studies.
- Save critical evaluations and comparisons of previous research for Chapter 2 (Review of Related Literature).
- Failing to Cite Credible or Updated Sources
- Outdated or questionable sources weaken your credibility.
- Use peer-reviewed journals, scholarly books, or current reports to back up your claims.
- Including Unrelated or Off-Topic Information
- Every sentence should contribute to justifying your study.
- Don’t include facts, events, or theories that don’t link directly to your research problem.
- Repeating Content From Other Sections
- Avoid duplicating the problem statement, significance, or research questions here.
- Each section has a unique purpose, keep the background focused on context only.
- Using Vague or Unsupported Claims
- Avoid general statements like “this is a serious issue” without showing how or why.
- Always support your points with data or logical reasoning.
- Poor Organization and Flow
- Jumping between time periods, ideas, or sources confuses readers.
- Organize the content logically: start with history, then present trends, followed by gaps.
Learn More About:
- Coming Soon: Common Mistakes in Writing the Background of the Study – What to Fix and How to Do It Right →
- Coming Soon: Common Problems in Background Writing – How to Identify and Solve Them →
How It Connects to Other Sections
The Background of the Study sets the stage for:
- Statement of the Problem – Clearly defines what’s wrong or missing
- Research Objectives & Questions – Focuses on what you’re trying to discover or solve
- Significance of the Study – Explains why your research matters and who benefits
A strong background helps create a smooth transition into these key areas.
Related Guides
Explore these important Chapter 1 sections that are tightly connected to your background section:
- Chapter 1 Research Introduction ➔
- Statement of the Problem ➔
- Objectives of the Study (General & Specific)
- Research Questions/Hypotheses
- Significance of the Study
- Scope and Delimitations
- Definition of Terms
- Summary/Conclusion
Background of the Study Resources
Coming Soon:
- How to Write the Background of the Study ➔
- Background of the Study Sample Paragraphs and Templates
- Checklist: Is Your Background Section Clear and Justified?
- How to Connect Background with Problem and Objectives
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the difference between background and literature review?
The background gives overall context and sets up the problem. The literature review does a deeper dive into specific studies, theories, or findings. Think of the background as the “why this study now” and the lit review as the “what others have said.”
How long should the background be?
Typically 2–4 paragraphs or about 300–500 words. Long enough to give context and identify the gap, but short enough to keep focus.
Can I cite studies in this section?
Yes. Use key studies to support relevance and show you know what’s been done already. But save detailed analysis for the literature review.
What makes a good background section?
Clear, focused, well-organized, and backed by evidence. It should build up to the problem statement naturally, like a setup before the punchline.
Can I use the same content for the background and the introduction?
Nope. The Introduction is for grabbing attention. The Background gives the story behind the topic, more detailed and informative.
Should I include statistics or data in the background?
Yes! if they highlight the problem’s relevance or urgency. Just make sure they’re current and from credible sources.
How many sources should I use in the background?
No set number, but usually 3–5 well-chosen sources are enough. The focus is on context, not an exhaustive review.
Can I use the background section to argue my point of view?
Not yet. Keep it neutral and informative. You’re building the foundation, not persuading, save the arguments for discussion or analysis sections.
Should I mention theories in the background?
Only if they’re essential to understanding the issue. If theories play a big role, briefly mention them, then explore in detail in the Theoretical Framework.
What if my topic doesn’t have much previous research?
Focus more on the real-world context- current issues, needs, or gaps in practice. You can still build a strong case even if formal research is limited.
Can I include personal experience in the background?
Avoid personal stories unless your study is autoethnographic. Keep the tone academic and objective.
Is the background of the study the same as the rationale?
They’re related but not the same. The background gives the context. The rationale explains why your study matters and what it will contribute.
Do I need to restate my research problem in the background?
You can lead up to it, but don’t fully state it. That’s what the Statement of the Problem section is for.
What kind of language should I use in the background?
Professional, objective, and formal but not overly technical. Be clear, avoid fluff, and get to the point.
Should I organize the background chronologically or thematically?
Either works just be consistent. Chronological for topics with historical development; thematic if you’re covering multiple angles or issues.
Final Thoughts
The Background of the Study is your opportunity to tell the full story behind your research topic. It links past developments, current challenges, and future needs clearly leading to the research problem your study aims to address.
Get this section right, and the rest of your Chapter 1 will follow naturally, with clarity and purpose.
Remember: You’re not just introducing a topic you’re building the foundation for a research project that matters.
Note: We’re not your school’s official research coordinator, but we provide reliable support to help you stay on track. Always follow your institution’s final guidelines and formatting requirements.
Information Disclaimer
Notice:
Philscholar® is an informational platform dedicated to sharing scholarship and grant opportunities. While we provide guides and articles to assist with admissions and scholarship applications, we do not directly process applications or award scholarships.
Users are encouraged to verify all details independently, as information is for reference purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, scholarship criteria, deadlines, and other details may change without prior notice.
For further verification or inquiries, please refer to the official sources provided at the end of the content section.
Be Updated!
Stay updated and never miss important scholarship announcements through our official channels:
📧 Subscribe to our Email Newsletter for Updates
Leave a Reply