Background of The Study

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 What is Background of the Study in Research

 The background of your study will provide context to the


information discussed throughout the research paper. Background
information may include both important and relevant studies. This
is particularly important if a study either supports or refutes your
thesis.
 Why is Background of the Study Necessary in Research?
 The background of the study discusses your problem statement,
rationale, and research questions. It links
introduction to your research topic and ensures a logical flow of
ideas. Thus, it helps readers understand your reasons for
conducting the study.
 Providing Background Information
 The reader should be able to understand your topic and its
importance. The length and detail of your background also depend on
the degree to which you need to demonstrate your understanding of
the topic. Paying close attention to the following questions will help
you in writing background information:
• Are there any theories, concepts, terms, and ideas that may be
unfamiliar to the target audience and will require you to provide
any additional explanation?
• Any historical data that need to be shared in order to provide context
on why the current issue emerged?
• Are there any concepts that may have been borrowed from other
disciplines that may be unfamiliar to the reader and need
an explanation?
 How to Write a Background of the Study
 The structure of a background study in a research paper generally
follows a logical sequence to provide context, justification, and an
understanding of the research problem. It includes an introduction,
general background, literature review, rationale, objectives,
scope and limitations, significance of the study and the
research hypothesis. Following the structure can provide a
comprehensive and well-organized background for your research.
 Here are the steps to effectively write a background of the study.
 1. Identify Your Audience:
 Determine the level of expertise of your target audience. Tailor the
depth and complexity of your background information accordingly.
 2. Understand the Research Problem:
 Define the research problem or question your study aims to
address. Identify the significance of the problem within the broader
context of the field.
 3. Review Existing Literature:
 Conduct a thorough literature review to understand what is already
known in the area. Summarize key findings, theories, and concepts
relevant to your research.
 4. Include Historical Data:
 Integrate historical data if relevant to the research, as current issues
often trace back to historical events.
 5. Identify Controversies and Gaps:
 Note any controversies or debates within the existing literature.
Identify gaps, limitations, or unanswered questions that your
research can address.
 6. Select Key Components:
 Choose the most critical elements to include in the background
based on their relevance to your research problem. Prioritize
information that helps build a strong foundation for your study.
 7. Craft a Logical Flow:
 Organize the background information in a logical sequence.
Start with general context, move to specific theories and
concepts, and then focus on the specific problem.
 8. Highlight the Novelty of Your Research:
 Clearly explain the unique aspects or contributions of your
study. Emphasize why your research is different from or
builds upon existing work.
Example of a Research Background
 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
In recent years, the influence of social media on individuals’ lives has become
a subject of growing concern, particularly in relation to mental health
outcomes. The exponential rise in the use of social media platforms has
created unprecedented opportunities for social connectivity and information
sharing. However, alongside the benefits, a burgeoning body of evidence
suggests that the excessive use of social media may be associated with
adverse effects on mental well-being.Studies examining the relationship
between social media usage and mental health have yielded mixed findings,
necessitating a comprehensive investigation into the nuanced dynamics at
play. On one hand, social media platforms offer a space for individuals to
cultivate relationships, express themselves, and access diverse content. On
the other hand, concerns have been raised regarding the potential for social
media to contribute to feelings of social isolation, body image dissatisfaction,
and anxiety, especially among vulnerable populations such as adolescents
and young adults.
 Recent research has also explored the role of specific features of social media,
such as the prominence of curated self-presentations and the prevalence of
cyberbullying, in shaping mental health outcomes. Given the ubiquity of social
media and its potential impact on mental health, there is a pressing need for
a nuanced understanding of the mechanisms through which social media
usage may influence psychological well-being. This research aims to
contribute to the existing literature by investigating the relationship between
different dimensions of social media use and various aspects of mental
health, with a focus on identifying both risk factors and potential protective
factors.Through a multidimensional approach that incorporates quantitative
surveys, qualitative interviews, and analysis of user-generated content, this
study seeks to shed light on the complex interplay between social media and
mental health. The findings are expected to inform the development of
evidence-based interventions and recommendations for individuals,
educators, and policymakers aiming to mitigate the potential negative effects
of social media on mental well-being.
 What Makes the Introduction Different from the Background?
 Your introduction is different from your background in a number of ways.
1. The introduction contains preliminary data about your topic that
the reader will most likely read, whereas the background clarifies the
importance of the paper.
2. The background of your study discusses in depth about the topic,
whereas the introduction only gives an overview.
3. The introduction should end with your research questions, aims, and
objectives, whereas your background should not (except in some cases
where your background is integrated into your introduction). For
instance, the C.A.R.S. (Creating a Research Space) model, created by John
Swales is based on his analysis of journal articles. This model attempts to
explain and describe the organizational pattern of writing the
introduction in social sciences.

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