The background section of your dissertation introduction is a critical part of setting the stage for your research. It not only introduces the reader to the broader context of your study but also highlights the importance and relevance of your research topic. Crafting an engaging and informative background section can make a significant difference in how your dissertation is received by examiners and readers. In this guide, we will explore how to write an engaging background section for your dissertation introduction that captivates your audience and effectively introduces your research.
What is the Purpose of the Background Section?
The background section serves several important purposes:
- It introduces the research topic by providing context and an overview of relevant concepts, trends, and issues in your field of study.
- It demonstrates the significance of your research by outlining the gap in existing literature or practice that your study aims to fill.
- It frames your research problem by showing how your study fits into the broader academic landscape.
Ultimately, the background section sets the foundation for the reader to understand the importance of your research and prepares them to engage with the details of your study.
Key Steps to Writing an Engaging Background Section
To ensure that your background section is informative, well-structured, and engaging, follow these key steps:
1. Start with a Strong Opening Sentence
The opening sentence of your background section should grab the reader's attention and clearly introduce the topic of your dissertation. Avoid starting with generic or overly broad statements. Instead, aim for a concise and specific opening that immediately draws the reader into your research area.
For example, instead of starting with "Over the years, many researchers have studied environmental issues," a stronger opening could be: "The rise of industrialization has led to unprecedented environmental challenges, particularly in urban areas."
2. Provide Context and Define Key Terms
After your opening sentence, provide the necessary context for your research. This involves defining key terms and concepts that are central to your study. Readers may not be familiar with the specific jargon or concepts used in your field, so it's important to clarify these terms early on.
For example, if your research is on "sustainable urban development," provide a brief definition of the term and explain its relevance to your study.
3. Review Relevant Literature and Theories
The background section should also include a brief overview of the relevant literature and theoretical frameworks that underpin your research. This demonstrates your understanding of the field and situates your study within the broader academic conversation.
Summarize key studies or theories that have influenced your research, and identify any gaps or unresolved issues in the literature that your dissertation will address. Keep this section concise, as the full literature review will be covered in a later chapter.
For instance, if you're researching social media's impact on political participation, mention prominent studies in the field and highlight where your research will contribute something new or different.
4. Highlight the Gap in the Literature
One of the most important functions of the background section is to identify the gap in the existing literature that your research aims to fill. This gap is what justifies the need for your study. It shows why your research is important and what new knowledge it will contribute to the field.
Be specific when discussing the gap. Instead of stating that "little research has been done on this topic," explain exactly what aspects of the topic are under-researched or what limitations exist in current studies. This can be framed as a question that your dissertation will answer or a problem it will solve.
5. Explain the Relevance and Importance of Your Research
After identifying the gap in the literature, it's crucial to explain the relevance of your research. Why is it important to study this topic now? What potential impact could your findings have on academic theory, real-world practice, or policy?
For example, if your dissertation addresses the effects of climate change on small island nations, you could explain how your research could influence climate policy or disaster preparedness strategies in those regions.
6. Maintain a Logical Flow
A strong background section should follow a logical flow, moving from general context to specific issues. Each paragraph should build on the one before it, guiding the reader smoothly through the background of your research. Avoid jumping between unrelated ideas or including information that is not directly relevant to your research problem.
For example, you might start by discussing the broader trends in your field, then move on to specific studies that are most relevant to your research, before finally highlighting the gap in the literature and the need for your study.
7. Keep It Concise and Focused
While it's important to provide enough background information for your readers to understand your research, avoid overwhelming them with too much detail. The background section is not the place for a comprehensive literature review or an in-depth discussion of every theory related to your topic. Instead, focus on providing the most relevant and important information that sets the stage for your research.
A concise background section keeps readers engaged and ensures that they can easily follow the flow of your introduction.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When writing your dissertation background, be mindful of the following common mistakes:
Being too vague or general: Avoid making overly broad statements that don't contribute to the reader's understanding of your research. Be specific and precise in your explanations.
Including irrelevant information: Stick to information that directly relates to your research question. Avoid discussing tangential topics that will confuse readers or divert their attention from your main focus.
Not highlighting the research gap: Failing to clearly identify the gap in the literature can weaken the impact of your background section. Make sure it's clear why your study is needed and how it will contribute to the field.
Writing a lengthy background section: While it's important to provide context, a background section that is too long can be counterproductive. Keep it concise and focused on the essential points.
Conclusion
Writing an engaging background section for your dissertation introduction is essential to effectively framing your research and capturing your readers' interest. By clearly introducing your topic, providing relevant context, reviewing key literature, and highlighting the gap your research will address, you create a strong foundation for your dissertation. Remember to maintain a logical flow, stay focused on the key issues, and explain the significance of your research to make your introduction as compelling as possible.
