what is background research in science

Background Research is a Vital Part of the Scientific Method

by Teresa Coppens | Mar 17, 2021 | Scientific Method | 0 comments

Inside:  Background research is necessary so you know what knowledge is already known about your topic.  It also provides your reasons for doing an experiment on this topic.  You will also let the reader know what knowledge gaps your experiment hopes to fill.

What is background research.

Background research is a necessary step in any kind of research and it is the first step in the scientific method.  You need to know what is known about your research question before you begin.

Any experiments and research already done are important in understanding your topic.  Having that information helps you to add to what is known and it is helpful when designing your experiment .  Background research can also help you avoid the pitfalls other researchers have dealt with.  It helps you run a more successful experiment.  You will be better able to interpret your results.  As well, it will be easier to draw conclusions from those results when you understand what is already known about your topic.

When I completed my fourth year thesis in university, I needed to complete background research before I designed my hypothesis and method.  Masters students and researchers alike must complete the background research to tell them what has been done and how their project can further what is understood about the topic.

Finding Material for your Research

High school science fair projects usually ask for a section on background research.  There are a variety of sources to find information about your research question and similar experiments done on your topic.

• school library including nonfiction library books or scientific magazines such as National Geographic Kids.
• internet searches using Google Scholar or sites from reputable scientific organizations and schools
• visits to science centers
• visits to university libraries
• if possible, interviewing a working scientist who has done research on similar research questions is very valuable

What to Include in your Background Research

The following is an acceptable format for presenting your background research:

• background information should be presented at the beginning of your report
• if you are conducting an experiment on plant growth you would include information about the process of photosynthesis, nutrients and raw materials required and why it is important to the plant; you could included biographical information on scientists who have provided essential information on plant growth
• DO NOT include anything about your experimental design
• DO NOT give the expected result of your experiment
• include the need for your experiment…what will your experiment contribute to the topic?….what research gap does it fill?
• include a purpose statement that lets readers know why you chose this particular research question and why it is scientifically significant

When you are writing your background research, use third person.  No I’s or You’s are acceptable.  Use formal writing and also avoid using contractions.  Inform the reader all about the topic of your research question,  Let the reader know why you chose to do an experiment on this topic.  Finally, let them know what your experiment will contribute to the body of scientific knowledge about your topic.

Following the scientific method is an acceptable means of doing experiments.  Background research is the first step of this method.  You find out what is already known about a topic.  Then you design an experiment that will add to what is already known.  Hopefully, you can fill in some knowledge gaps with your chosen design.

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I’m Teresa Coppens, science geek, book nerd, educator, coffee lovin’ mom with a coconut aversion. My entire family is crazy about science including my cats! I am passionate about the weird and unusual. Here in my cabinet of science curiosities get your science geek on. Grab a cup of your favorite brew, get comfortable at Science Alcove and learn to love your inner science geek!

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How To Write Background Information For Science Fair

Science Fair / Step 2: Background Research . Step 2: Background Research.

Background research is really important. Scientists read to find out what has already been done in experimenting with their topic. A scientist needs to come up with original research – they can’t just repeat what someone else has already done. For science fair background research is important because you need to learn about your topic in order to form your hypothesis and correctly design your experiment. You can think of yourself as a science detective. You need to find whatever evidence you can (backgound research) before you make an accusation (hypothesis) and then present it to the jury (your experiment).

How do you write background information for an experiment?

Background sentences: state why you want to do the experiment , why is it relevant, what other kinds of similar experiments have been done in the past. Goal: In one sentence, state what you are going to do in the experiment and what you hope to find. This is probably the most important part of the introduction.

What should background information include science?

The background information should indicate the root of the problem being studied , appropriate context of the problem in relation to theory, research, and/or practice, its scope, and the extent to which previous studies have successfully investigated the problem, noting, in particular, where gaps exist that your study ...

How do you write a science background?

The background should be written as a summary of your interpretation of previous research and what your study proposes to accomplish .... How to avoid common mistakes in writing the background

• Don't write a background that is too long or too short. ...
• Don't be ambiguous. ...
• Don't discuss unrelated themes. ...
• Don't be disorganized.

What is science background information?

1 What Is Background Information? Science project background information includes all research that you conduct before beginning the activity .

What is an example of background information?

Background information is often provided after the hook, or opening statement that is used to grab the reader's attention. ... Examples of Background Information: In his inaugural speech at Rice University, John F. Kennedy spoke about the space race and going to the moon.

Video advice: How to Write the Background of the Study in Research (Part 1). See Links Below for Parts 2, 3, and 4

Full transcript of the video lecture on \”How to Write the Background of the Study Part 1\” is available at:

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• How To Write A Background Paper For Science Fair
• What Is Background Research For Science Fair
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• What Is Background Information In Science
• What Does Background Information Mean In A Science Project
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How to Write Research Background: Key Points and Case Studies

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Table of Contents

The background section, typically the first section in any manuscript, identifies the specific problems within the field of study that the current manuscript intends to tackle. It emphasizes the need for further investigation by highlighting unanswered questions or areas requiring additional examination. ¹

As the opening chapter of a paper, the research background plays a crucial role in making a strong initial impression on readers. The research background of different papers may vary in length and content, but outstanding research backgrounds often share a common trait: they provide a detailed explanation of the research topic through clear and concise expression, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the subject and sparking the reader’s interest. Key information related to the research topic should be initially introduced in the research background section. ²  

Having understood the purpose of the background section, we’ve summarized four key points 2, ²  ³  for writing a research background, as well as four common mistakes, applicable to researchers from various academic disciplines. Let’s explore how it should be done!

Four Step Guide to Writing a Research Background  

1. Start by stating the problem    

Begin the background by defining the problem that your research will address. Tell the reader why the problem is worth your attention and is also worth theirs.   

2. Summarize the relevant literature   

After defining the research problem, provide a review of the existing research on the subject. The goal of this exercise is not to simply list relevant studies but to analyze them in the light of your research problem. Try to identify any gaps in the literature, problems with methodology or unreliable findings.   

3. Establish the theoretical framework  

Every good research has sound theoretical foundations. In the background section, it is crucial to identify the core theories or theoretical models that your study is based on. Ensure that you describe the core theory or model in simple terms. If your readers understand the theoretical underpinnings of your research, they will be able to better understand and appreciate your findings.  

4. Define Objectives and Significance  

Having set the stage for your study, it is time to unveil the main research questions or hypotheses. Ensure they are well-defined and align neatly with the key problems you’ve described earlier. Then, explain the research findings and summarize their significance, such as their impact on the academic field, other related fields, and real life.  

Once you have touched upon all the above discussed aspects, sum up the background section with a crisp summary before moving on to the next section.   

Now, after having looked at what a background should have, let’s take a look at four common mistakes that you should avoid while writing the background ²   :  

• Ambiguous or overly technical writing

While writing, don’t leave any of the information open to interpretation. Steer clear of any ambiguity. Strike a balance by avoiding overly technical terms or jargons that may confuse readers. Researchers should consider clarifying complex concepts or terms beforehand to help readers accurately grasp the main research topic.  

• Lack of apparent connection with the research problem

The research problem is the anchor for your background section. The expressed purpose of this section is to set the stage for the research question. If you digress and talk about peripheral issues unconnected with the research problem, you will confuse the reader, and the background will not fulfill its purpose. Stay focused on the research problem.  

• Omitting key studies

The background section should provide a detailed explanation of the research topic. Researchers can use the four steps mentioned above to review their work, avoiding content gaps that could impact the credibility of both the researcher and the paper, or make the arguments seem too subjective or insufficiently informed .  

• Failing to cite research correctly

If you are using a theory or concept that is not yours, make sure you mention its creator. If you have modified a theory or concept, explain how and to what degree. You must cite your sources correctly to avoid being accused of plagiarism.

Example of Research Background  

Having listed the dos and don’ts while writing a background section, let’s look at an example of what a good ‘Background’ section looks like ⁴ , notice how historical and technical information is presented from the most general to more specific in this background.  

Needless to say, the background section of your manuscript is essentially the groundwork for the rest of your manuscript. However, crafting a compelling background for your manuscript doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following the key approaches outlined above, and avoiding common mistakes, you can craft an effective background that sets a compelling narrative for your study, captures the reader’s interest, and encourages them to dive deeper into your research. Remember, a well-crafted, strong background section can keep your audience hooked till the very end of your paper.  

For more insights on crafting a contextually relevant, crisp, and fitting background for your manuscript, consider reaching out to Elsevier Language Services . Our experts are available to assist you with a range of services tailored to meet your needs and enhance your manuscript. Contact us to learn more about how we can support your research journey.

Type in wordcount for Standard Total: USD EUR JPY Follow this link if your manuscript is longer than 12,000 words. Upload

References:   

• How to Write a Background for a Research Paper- A Research Guide for Students (2023). https://www.aresearchguide.com/write-background-research-paper.html    
• Tips for Writing an Effective Background of the Study (2023). https://www.servicescape.com/blog/tips-for-writing-an-effective-background-of-the-study    
• Asiwe, Jerome Ndudi, et al. “Inhibition of Oxido-Inflammatory and Apoptotic Pathway Is Involved in the Protective Effect of Ginkgo Biloba Supplement in Cyclosporine-A Induced Vascular Dysfunction in Wistar Rat.” Pharmacological Research – Modern Chinese Medicine , vol. 7, 1 June 2023, p. 100252, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667142523000386 .   
• Inhibition of oxido-inflammatory and apoptotic pathway is involved in the protective effect of Ginkgo biloba supplement in cyclosporine-A induced vascular dysfunction in Wistar rat.  

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