Background of the Study

Background of the Study

Background of the Study:
Understanding the nature of the background of the study in research and knowing exactly what to include in it, allows us to have both greater control and clear direction of the writing process.

What is the background of the study?:
It is a compilation of adequate information based on the analysis of the problem, the steps and methods needed, the design, implementation of results achieved, and feasible solutions.

Core Elements of the Background:
The background should contain an overview of the research explaining why it is done, establish the context, explain the importance of the research, and provide an understanding of the main aspects of the study.

Key Questions to Address in the Background

Key Questions:
- What is known about the topic under investigation?
- What gaps or missing links need to be addressed?
- What is the significance of addressing these gaps?
- What are the rationale and hypothesis of your study?

Research Gap

Research Gap:
A research gap refers to the missing piece or pieces in the research literature. It could involve under-explored populations, research methods, data collection, or other variables.

According to Zikmund et al. (2013), a research gap is a deficiency in literature that hasn't been fully studied.

Importance of Research Gaps:
Addressing research gaps provides reasons for conducting the study, helps in framing the problem statement, improves the study’s objectives, and gives insights into methodologies.

Example of a Research Gap:
Despite well-established findings in brand consumption, its effect on the hotel industry and consumption settings remains elusive. This study aims to confirm the moderating role of social visibility in hotel consumption and examines the impact of image and functional congruities on brand attitudes.

Significance of Addressing Research Gaps

Why Address Gaps?:
- Provides insights into the problem statement
- Helps refine study objectives
- Guides the research methodology
- Identifies further research areas to explore.

Rationale and Hypothesis

Rationale:
- States the urgency of the research
- Specifies the existing problem
- Justifies why the research is necessary
- Provides solutions or approaches to the problem.

Steps in Writing the Background of the Study

Steps:
1. Conduct preliminary research to clarify your thoughts.
2. Develop a research question or thesis statement.
3. Use the thesis statement to guide your research.
4. Write relevant sections and organize the background study.
5. Conclude with further research suggestions or solutions.
6. Revise and edit your background study.