Lesson Goal
By the end of this lesson, learners will understand what the Background to the Study is, why it is vital in academic research, the structure and content it should contain, and how to write one that impresses assessors and supervisors.
1. Lesson Overview
The Background to the Study (often the first major section in Chapter One of a research work) introduces the research topic by explaining the context, existing situation, problem, gaps, and the purpose of the study.
It sets the stage for the entire project by answering the reader’s first questions:
“What is this study about, why is it important, and what problem does it seek to address?”
2. Learning Objectives
After this lesson, learners should be able to:
- Define what a background to the study is and its role in research.
- Identify the major components of a well-written background.
- Explain the difference between background, statement of the problem, and literature review.
- Write an original, detailed, and coherent background section for a chosen topic.
3. Meaning and Purpose of “Background to the Study”
The Background to the Study:
- Introduces the topic to readers who may not be familiar with it.
- Explains the historical, theoretical, and practical context of the research problem.
- Highlights the gap between what is known and what still needs to be investigated.
- Justifies why the study is necessary and relevant at this time.
- Leads logically to the statement of the problem and research questions.
In simple terms, the background answers “Where are we coming from?” and prepares the ground for “What is wrong and what needs to be done.”
4. Key Components of a Good Background to the Study
A perfect background usually has five major parts, which can appear as well-developed paragraphs.
(i) The General Introduction / Context
Begin broadly by introducing the general theme or area of the research.
Explain what the topic means conceptually, its global or theoretical relevance, and how it operates in real life.
Example:
Education remains the backbone of national development, providing the skills, values, and knowledge necessary for human capital formation and socio-economic growth.
(ii) The Specific Context
Narrow down from the global or general context to the national and local situation.
Show how the issue manifests in your country or region (e.g., Nigeria, Cross River State, Calabar, etc.).
Example:
In Nigeria, the education sector has continued to face numerous challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, poor funding, and limited access to digital learning resources, especially in public secondary schools.
(iii) The Existing Condition and Gap
Present facts, statistics, or previous research findings that describe the current situation.
Then show the gap or deficiency — what is missing, inconsistent, or under-researched.
This is where you subtly introduce the “problem” without yet stating it formally.
Example:
Although several initiatives have been introduced to improve students’ access to digital resources, studies reveal that the rate of utilization remains low, particularly in rural and semi-urban schools. This indicates a persistent gap between policy intentions and actual practice.
(iv) The Importance and Rationale for the Study
Explain why this issue deserves attention and how the study will be beneficial.
You can highlight its potential contribution to knowledge, policy, or practice.
Example:
Understanding the factors that influence students’ access to digital resources is crucial for designing effective educational policies, bridging the digital divide, and enhancing academic achievement in secondary schools.
(v) The Link to the Study Variables and Objectives
Conclude the background by introducing the main variables (independent and dependent) and showing how they connect to the identified problem.
End with a clear statement that logically leads into the “Statement of the Problem.”
Example:
Therefore, this study seeks to examine how management variables such as funding, supervision, and staff ICT competence influence students’ access to digital resources in secondary schools in Cross River State, Nigeria.
5. Qualities of a Perfect Background to the Study
| Quality | Description |
| Logical flow | Moves from general to specific, showing clear progression of ideas. |
| Depth and substance | Goes beyond superficial statements by including relevant facts, statistics, or citations. |
| Coherence | All paragraphs connect smoothly and support one central idea. |
| Relevance | Every sentence contributes to understanding the research problem. |
| Originality | Written in the researcher’s own words, not copied or patched from internet sources. |
| Current references | Draws on recent and authoritative sources (within 5–10 years). |
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing only definitions instead of discussing the issue in depth.
- Repeating what belongs in the Statement of the Problem.
- Lifting whole paragraphs from journals or websites.
- Including irrelevant historical details.
- Failing to connect the background to the research variables.
7. Step-by-Step Guide for Writing Your Own Background
- Brainstorm the broad topic (e.g., teacher job satisfaction, corporate profitability, student achievement).
- Gather current and relevant information from journals, reports, and policy documents.
- Start with a general overview of the issue at global or national level.
- Narrow down to your study area or population.
- Identify the problem gap supported by evidence.
- Explain why the study is necessary and who benefits.
- Introduce your variables and study focus.
- End with a transitional sentence that leads directly to the statement of the problem.
8. Example Outline (Template)
Paragraph 1: Global context of the study area.
Paragraph 2: National or regional context (Nigeria, West Africa, etc.).
Paragraph 3: Local context and statement of existing condition or statistics.
Paragraph 4: Identification of gap, need, or unresolved issue.
Paragraph 5: Rationale, importance, and introduction of variables.
Final sentence: Link to the problem statement.
9. Illustrative Example (Condensed Sample)
Education plays a vital role in the socio-economic advancement of any nation. Globally, the integration of technology into school administration has become a key determinant of institutional effectiveness. In developed countries, technological innovations have streamlined communication, enhanced record management, and improved decision-making processes.
In Nigeria, however, many secondary schools still rely heavily on manual administrative systems, resulting in delays, inefficiency, and poor data management. Despite several government initiatives to digitalize school administration, the level of adoption remains low, especially in public schools in Cross River State.
Existing studies have examined the influence of ICT on teaching and learning but have paid less attention to how technology integration in administration affects school effectiveness. This gap necessitates an in-depth investigation into administrative technology use.
Consequently, this study examines the integration of technology in administration and its influence on secondary school effectiveness in Cross River State, Nigeria.
10. Classroom/Workshop Activities
- Paragraph Development Practice:
- Students draft a five-paragraph background on any chosen topic using the structure provided.
- Peer Review Exercise:
- Exchange drafts and evaluate based on flow, depth, and clarity.
- Editing Task:
- Provide a weak background; learners identify missing parts and rewrite it correctly.