How to Write Background of the Study

How to Write Background of the Study: Complete Guide for Filipino Researchers

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

• Understanding the purpose of the Background of the Study
• Components to include: Historical Context, Current State of Research, Significance and Relevance, Connection to Research Problem
• Best practices for writing effectively
• Example outline for structuring your section
• Additional resources for further guidance

Table of Contents

• Understanding the Purpose of the Background of the Study
• Components to Include in the Background of the Study
• Best Practices for Writing the Background of the Study
• Example Outline for the Background of the Study Section
• Final Thoughts
• FAQ Section

Understanding the Purpose of the Background of the Study

The Background of the Study is a vital part of your research project. Its primary purpose is to provide context for your research questions and hypotheses. In this section, you will typically delve into the following aspects:

1. Historical Context: Offering a background on how the research area has developed over time.
2. Current State of Research: Summarizing recent studies and highlighting gaps that your research aims to address.
3. Significance and Relevance: Clearly articulating why your study matters and the implications it may hold.

Understanding these components is crucial for meeting research expectations set by various academic institutions, particularly in the Philippines. The guidelines provided by educational institutions such as the University of the Philippines and De La Salle University outline standards that provide excellent frameworks for structuring this segment of your research.

Components to Include in the Background of the Study

1. Historical Context

Start by introducing the broader historical framework of your topic. This helps to position your research within a continuum of existing studies.

Example: If your study revolves around the impact of social media on mental health among Filipino teenagers, you might include information on the rise of social media use over the past decade and its increasing prevalence in the Philippines.

2. Current State of Research

Next, analyze and summarize existing research pertinent to your topic. Discuss notable findings, methodologies, and conclusions from previous studies. Point out the discrepancies and gaps in the existing literature that your research intends to fill.

Example: Discuss recent findings from studies conducted by Filipino psychologists on social media’s role in shaping adolescent self-esteem. Highlight any conflicting data or movements that evoke further inquiry into the subject matter.

3. Significance and Relevance

This section should clarify the relevance of your study to the field, the community, and academic discourse. Contextualize your research problem using factual data or compelling statistics if applicable. Your aim is to demonstrate the urgency for your research.

Example: Emphasize the growing mental health concerns among Filipino youth, supported by statistics from the Department of Health, to illustrate the importance and timeliness of your study.

4. Connection to the Research Problem

Finally, explicitly articulate how the background information connects to your specific research problem. This creates a logical flow into your study’s objectives and hypotheses.

Example: Link the identified gaps in literature to your research questions, demonstrating how addressing these gaps will contribute to improved understanding and possible interventions for mental health issues among teenagers.

Best Practices for Writing the Background of the Study

1. Stay Focused: While it’s essential to provide context, avoid delving into excessive detail. Keep your background concise and relevant to your study.
2. Use Reliable Sources: Cite credible sources to support your claims and provide evidence for historical context and current research. Utilize resources like Google Scholar and institutional repositories to find relevant literature.
3. Incorporate Local Studies: Highlight research that is specifically conducted in the Philippines to give your study a more significant local context. This can also foster a connection with your audience.
4. Organize Logically: Use subheadings and logical transitions to ensure clarity and coherence in your writing. This will help your readers follow your argument easily.
5. Revise and Edit: After drafting the section, revisit it to ensure clarity and flow. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to strengthen your presentation.

Example Outline for the Background of the Study Section

1. Introduction to the Topic
   • Briefly introduce the research problem.
2. Historical Context
   • Overview of prior developments and milestones in the research area.
3. Current State of Research
   • Summary of recent studies and identified gaps in literature.
4. Significance and Relevance
   • Explanation of why the study matters both academically and socially.
5. Connection to Research Problem
   • Clear articulation of how the background sets up the research questions.

Final Thoughts

Writing a strong Background of the Study is essential for laying a solid foundation for your research. By clearly presenting the context, existing research, and significance of your work, you can guide your readers into understanding the relevance and necessity of your study.

Remember, if you’re facing difficulties in drafting your Background of the Study or any other section of your research, expert help is available! Need expert help with your research background? Message Premium Researchers today at [email protected] for professional research writing services.

FAQ Section

What is the purpose of the Background of the Study?

The purpose of the Background of the Study is to provide context for your research questions and hypotheses, highlighting the relevance and significance of the research.

How do I structure the Background of the Study?

Start with an introduction to your topic, followed by historical context, the current state of research, significance and relevance, and a connection to your research problem.

What are best practices for writing this section?

Stay focused, use reliable sources, incorporate local studies, organize logically, and revise and edit your draft for clarity.

Where can I find reliable sources for my research?

You can use academic databases like Google Scholar and institutional repositories to find relevant literature and studies.

Can I seek help for writing my research background?

Yes, consider reaching out for professional assistance, such as contacting us at [email protected].