{"id":1269,"date":"2026-07-17T02:50:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-16T21:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/?p=1269"},"modified":"2026-07-18T21:54:15","modified_gmt":"2026-07-18T16:24:15","slug":"introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/","title":{"rendered":"Introduction vs Background in a Research Paper: What Is the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>The introduction states the research problem, objectives, and the structure of the paper, while the background explains the context, history, and existing knowledge that lead up to that problem.<\/li><li>The background typically comes before or inside the introduction and focuses on what is already known; the introduction focuses on what the current study will do.<\/li><li>A background section can run 300 to 800 words depending on the field, while an introduction is usually 400 to 1,000 words and includes the thesis or research question.<\/li><li>Mixing the two sections causes redundancy; a clear line between summarizing prior work and stating a new contribution keeps a paper focused and easier to review.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"#_Toc234564118\">Glossary of Key Terms<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Toc234564119\">What Is a Research Paper Introduction?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Toc234564120\">What Is a Research Paper Background?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Toc234564121\">Why Do Writers Confuse the Introduction and Background?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Toc234564122\">Example Sentences: Introduction vs Background<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Toc234564123\">Key Differences Between Introduction and Background<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Toc234564124\">Structural and Content Differences<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Toc234564125\">Where Should the Background Section Go?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Toc234564126\">How Long Should Each Section Be?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Toc234564127\">Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Toc234564128\">Quick Checklist Before Submission<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#_Toc234564129\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#Glossary_of_Key_Terms\" >Glossary of Key Terms<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#What_Is_a_Research_Paper_Introduction\" >What Is a Research Paper Introduction?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#Core_Elements_of_an_Introduction\" >Core Elements of an Introduction<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#What_Is_a_Research_Paper_Background\" >What Is a Research Paper Background?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#Core_Elements_of_a_Background_Section\" >Core Elements of a Background Section<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#Why_Do_Writers_Confuse_the_Introduction_and_Background\" >Why Do Writers Confuse the Introduction and Background?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#Example_Sentences_Introduction_vs_Background\" >Example Sentences: Introduction vs Background<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#Key_Differences_Between_Introduction_and_Background\" >Key Differences Between Introduction and Background<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#Structural_and_Content_Differences\" >Structural and Content Differences<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#Structure\" >Structure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#Content\" >Content<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#Audience_Expectation\" >Audience Expectation<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#Where_Should_the_Background_Section_Go\" >Where Should the Background Section Go?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#How_Long_Should_Each_Section_Be\" >How Long Should Each Section Be?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#Suggested_Word_Count_by_Document_Type\" >Suggested Word Count by Document Type<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#Common_Mistakes_to_Avoid\" >Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#Tips_for_Combining_Introduction_and_Background_Cleanly\" >Tips for Combining Introduction and Background Cleanly<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#Quick_Checklist_Before_Submission\" >Quick Checklist Before Submission<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#Can_the_introduction_and_background_be_combined_into_1_section\" >Can the introduction and background be combined into 1 section?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#Does_a_background_section_need_its_own_citations\" >Does a background section need its own citations?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#What_is_the_difference_between_background_and_literature_review\" >What is the difference between background and literature review?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#How_do_I_write_a_background_section_for_a_research_paper\" >How do I write a background section for a research paper?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#Should_the_research_question_appear_in_the_introduction_or_the_background\" >Should the research question appear in the introduction or the background?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#How_long_should_a_background_section_be_in_a_journal_article\" >How long should a background section be in a journal article?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#Is_it_acceptable_to_skip_the_background_section_entirely\" >Is it acceptable to skip the background section entirely?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/#What_order_should_introduction_and_background_follow_in_a_thesis\" >What order should introduction and background follow in a thesis?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Glossary_of_Key_Terms\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc234564118\">Glossary of Key Terms<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Term<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Definition<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Background<\/td><td>The section or set of paragraphs that summarize existing knowledge, history, and context relevant to a research topic.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-research-paper\/\">Introduction<\/a><\/td><td>The opening section of a paper that states the problem, purpose, scope, and structure of the study.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/what-is-literature-review-definition-types-and-examples\/\">Literature review<\/a><\/td><td>A focused survey of prior published work that identifies trends, gaps, and debates in a field.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/identify-gaps-in-research-tips\/\">Research gap<\/a><\/td><td>A question or problem that existing studies have not yet answered or addressed fully.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.us\/blog\/what-is-a-thesis-statement-how-to-write-a-thesis-statement-in-an-essay\/\">Thesis statement<\/a><\/td><td>A concise sentence or two that states the main argument or purpose of the paper.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Scope<\/td><td>The boundaries of a study, including what topics, time periods, or populations are covered and excluded.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rationale<\/td><td>The reasoning that justifies why a study is needed or why a particular method was chosen.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Research_Paper_Introduction\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc234564119\">What Is a Research Paper Introduction?<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An introduction is the opening section of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/how-to-write-a-good-research-paper\/\">research paper<\/a>. Its main job is to tell the reader what the paper is about, and why the topic matters. A well-written introduction moves from a general statement about the field to a specific <a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-craft-a-strong-research-question-with-research-question-examples\/\">research question<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/how-to-write-a-research-hypothesis-definition-types-examples\/\">hypothesis<\/a>, often called a funnel structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most introductions include the <a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/what-is-a-research-problem-types-and-examples\/\">research problem<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.us\/blog\/what-are-research-objectives-how-to-write-a-good-research-objective-with-examples\/\">objectives of the study<\/a>, a brief mention of the method, and in fields like economics, a preview of the paper&#8217;s structure. In some of the humanities, the introduction also states the thesis or the main contribution of the work in its final paragraph, so a reader who only reads that section still understands the paper&#8217;s purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Core_Elements_of_an_Introduction\"><\/span>Core Elements of an Introduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>A hook or opening statement that establishes the topic&#8217;s relevance.<\/li><li>A clear statement of the research problem or question.<\/li><li>The objectives or aims of the study.<\/li><li>A brief note on methodology or approach (if essential for understanding the contribution of the paper).<\/li><li>A thesis statement or summary of the main contribution (in humanities papers)<\/li><li>An outline of how the rest of the paper is organized (optional in STEM, mandatory in fields like economics).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Reviewers commonly judge the strength of a paper within the first few paragraphs, so a weak or overly broad introduction can affect how the rest of the manuscript is read. Keeping each element above to 1 or 2 sentences and ordering them from general to specific usually produces a clear, well-paced opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Research_Paper_Background\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc234564120\">What Is a Research Paper Background?<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A background section explains the context surrounding a research topic. It answers questions such as what is already known, how the field has developed, and what theories or events shaped current understanding. Unlike the introduction, the background does not need to state the paper&#8217;s own thesis; its purpose is to inform, not to argue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In shorter papers, the background is often folded into the introduction as its first 1 or 2 paragraphs. In longer papers, theses, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/what-is-a-dissertation-best-practices\/\">dissertations<\/a>, it can stand as its own section or even its own chapter, sometimes running several pages and citing dozens of sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Core_Elements_of_a_Background_Section\"><\/span>Core Elements of a Background Section<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Historical or theoretical context for the topic.<\/li><li>A summary of key prior studies and findings.<\/li><li>Definitions\/<a href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/operationalization-research-definition-examples\/\">operationalization<\/a> of specialized terms the reader needs.<\/li><li>An explanation of the research gap the study will address.<\/li><li>Statistics, trends, or data that establish why the topic matters.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Do_Writers_Confuse_the_Introduction_and_Background\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc234564121\">Why Do Writers Confuse the Introduction and Background?<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Writers confuse the two because both sections appear near the start of a paper and both discuss the topic before the methods section begins. The overlap in placement makes it easy to blend context with purpose, which then causes repeated information later in the paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Journal and university guidelines add to the confusion because they vary widely. Some templates list &#8216;Introduction&#8217; and &#8216;Background&#8217; as separate headings, some combine them under &#8216;Introduction,&#8217; and others use &#8216;Background&#8217; as the only heading before the methods section. Checking the target journal&#8217;s author guidelines or a university&#8217;s formatting manual before drafting removes most of this ambiguity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Example_Sentences_Introduction_vs_Background\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc234564122\">Example Sentences: Introduction vs Background<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Seeing short examples side by side makes the distinction easier to apply while drafting. The left-hand examples describe existing knowledge, while the right-hand examples describe the current study&#8217;s own aims, methods, or contribution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Background-style sentence<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Introduction-style sentence<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Prior studies from 2015 to 2022 reported inconsistent results on this treatment.<\/td><td>This study tests whether a revised protocol reduces that inconsistency.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Urban flooding has increased by 30% over the past decade in coastal cities.<\/td><td>This paper proposes a low-cost drainage model for flood-prone neighborhoods.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Earlier surveys defined customer loyalty using only repeat-purchase data.<\/td><td>This research introduces a broader loyalty index combining 4 behavioral measures.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Most machine-learning models in this area rely on labeled training sets.<\/td><td>We evaluate an unsupervised approach that removes the labeling requirement.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Differences_Between_Introduction_and_Background\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc234564123\">Key Differences Between Introduction and Background<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Aspect<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Background<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Main purpose<\/strong><\/td><td>States the research problem and paper&#8217;s contribution<\/td><td>Explains context and existing knowledge<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Focus<\/strong><\/td><td>What this study will do<\/td><td>What is already known<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Position<\/strong><\/td><td>First section, or after background<\/td><td>Before or inside the introduction<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Tone<\/strong><\/td><td>Argumentative and forward-looking<\/td><td>Descriptive and explanatory<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Typical length<\/strong><\/td><td>400 to 1,000 words<\/td><td>300 to 800 words<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Includes thesis statement<\/strong><\/td><td>Yes, usually in the final paragraph<\/td><td>No, rarely<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Citation density<\/strong><\/td><td>Moderate<\/td><td>High<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Structural_and_Content_Differences\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc234564124\">Structural and Content Differences<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Structure\"><\/span>Structure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The introduction follows a funnel shape: broad topic, narrower issue, specific research question, and then a short preview of the paper. The background follows a more linear or chronological shape, moving through prior research, theory, or events in the order they developed or the order needed to build understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Content\"><\/span>Content<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The introduction contains original framing: why this particular study matters right now. The background contains summarized, cited material from other sources. A useful test is to check whether a sentence describes someone else&#8217;s work (background) or describes this paper&#8217;s own aims and choices (introduction).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Audience_Expectation\"><\/span>Audience Expectation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Readers expect the introduction to answer &#8216;why does this paper exist.&#8217; They expect the background to answer &#8216;what do I need to know to understand this paper.&#8217; Keeping these two questions separate in mind while drafting prevents the sections from blending together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_Should_the_Background_Section_Go\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc234564125\">Where Should the Background Section Go?<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The background section usually sits at the start of the introduction or immediately after it, before the literature review or methods section. In papers that separate the two, the order is background first, then introduction, so the reader is oriented before the specific problem is stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some fields reverse this order slightly, opening with a short introduction paragraph, then a longer background or literature review, and then a closing introduction paragraph that states the thesis. Following the target publication&#8217;s structure matters more than following a single fixed rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Should_Each_Section_Be\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc234564126\">How Long Should Each Section Be?<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Length depends on paper type, but the introduction is typically 400 to 1,000 words in a standard journal article, or 5% to 10% of the total word count. The background, when separate, often runs 300 to 800 words in an article, but can extend to several pages in a thesis or dissertation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A simple planning approach is to allocate roughly 1 paragraph per major idea. An introduction commonly uses 4 to 6 paragraphs; a background section commonly uses 3 to 6 paragraphs, depending on how much prior literature must be covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Suggested_Word_Count_by_Document_Type\"><\/span>Suggested Word Count by Document Type<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Document type<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Introduction length<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Background length<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Journal article<\/strong><\/td><td>400-1,000 words<\/td><td>300-800 words<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Conference paper<\/strong><\/td><td>200-500 words<\/td><td>150-400 words<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Undergraduate thesis<\/strong><\/td><td>800-1,500 words<\/td><td>1,000-2,500 words<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Doctoral dissertation<\/strong><\/td><td>1,500-3,000 words<\/td><td>3,000-8,000 words<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Mistakes_to_Avoid\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc234564127\">Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Repeating the same citations or facts in both sections without adding new information.<\/li><li>Placing the thesis statement inside the background instead of the introduction.<\/li><li>Writing a background that reads like a full literature review when a short summary would fit better.<\/li><li>Opening the introduction with broad, unsupported claims instead of a specific, cited context.<\/li><li>Leaving out a clear statement of the research gap in the background.<\/li><li>Ignoring the target journal&#8217;s specific formatting and heading requirements.<\/li><li>Using vague phrases such as &#8216;much research has been done&#8217; instead of naming specific studies.<\/li><li>Ending the background with new results instead of a clear gap statement.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_Combining_Introduction_and_Background_Cleanly\"><\/span>Tips for Combining Introduction and Background Cleanly<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When a journal requires a single combined section, draft the background material first as a standalone block, then draft the introduction material separately, and merge them only at the end. This order keeps the context and the argument distinct even after merging, since it is easier to trim overlap when both parts already exist in full.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A second useful practice is to read only the last paragraph of the combined section on its own. If that paragraph clearly states the research problem, objectives, and structure without needing the earlier paragraphs, the merge has likely worked. If it still reads like a summary of other people&#8217;s work, more revision is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_Checklist_Before_Submission\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc234564128\">Quick Checklist Before Submission<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Does the introduction clearly state the research problem and objectives?<\/li><li>Does the background explain context without arguing the paper&#8217;s own case?<\/li><li>Is the thesis statement present only in the introduction?<\/li><li>Are citations concentrated in the background rather than scattered evenly?<\/li><li>Does the paper follow the target journal&#8217;s required heading structure?<\/li><li>Is there no repeated information between the 2 sections?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><a id=\"_Toc234564129\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_the_introduction_and_background_be_combined_into_1_section\"><\/span>Can the introduction and background be combined into 1 section?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, many journals combine them under a single &#8216;Introduction&#8217; heading, with the background material forming the opening 1 to 3 paragraphs before the research problem and objectives are stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_a_background_section_need_its_own_citations\"><\/span>Does a background section need its own citations?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, a background section should cite the studies, theories, or data it references, since its purpose is to summarize existing knowledge rather than present new claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_difference_between_background_and_literature_review\"><\/span>What is the difference between background and literature review?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A background gives brief context in a few paragraphs, while a literature review is a longer, more detailed and critical analysis of prior studies, often placed in its own section or chapter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_write_a_background_section_for_a_research_paper\"><\/span>How do I write a background section for a research paper?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Start with the broad context, narrow to specific prior studies, define key terms, and end by identifying the research gap the current study addresses, using 3 to 6 short paragraphs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_the_research_question_appear_in_the_introduction_or_the_background\"><\/span>Should the research question appear in the introduction or the background?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The research question belongs in the introduction, since the background&#8217;s role is to explain context, not to state what the current study will investigate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_should_a_background_section_be_in_a_journal_article\"><\/span>How long should a background section be in a journal article?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most journal articles keep the background section between 300 and 800 words, though this varies by discipline, journal guidelines, and the complexity of the topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_acceptable_to_skip_the_background_section_entirely\"><\/span>Is it acceptable to skip the background section entirely?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some short conference papers and technical reports skip a separate background and fold minimal context into 1 or 2 introduction paragraphs, but most academic journals expect at least brief background context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_order_should_introduction_and_background_follow_in_a_thesis\"><\/span>What order should introduction and background follow in a thesis?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most theses place a short introductory paragraph first, followed by a longer background or literature review chapter, and then a closing statement of objectives and thesis.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Key Takeaways The introduction states the research problem, objectives, and the structure of the paper, while the background explains the context, history, and existing knowledge that lead up to that problem. The background typically comes before or inside the introduction and focuses on what is already known; the introduction focuses on what the current study [&hellip;]","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1377,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_ayudawp_aiss_exclude":false,"_ayudawp_aiss_summary":"Some templates list 'Introduction' and 'Background' as separate headings, some combine them under 'Introduction,' and others use 'Background' as the only heading before the methods section. Some fields reverse this order slightly, opening with a short introduction paragraph, then a longer background or literature review, and then a closing introduction paragraph that states the thesis. Some short conference papers and technical reports skip a separate background and fold minimal context into 1 or 2 introduction paragraphs, but most academic journals expect at least brief background context.","_ayudawp_aiss_summary_provider":"extractive","_ayudawp_aiss_summary_hash":"1c44b002bea0a7409ca094d0746608283d58379f"},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Introduction vs Background in a Research Paper, Thesis, Dissertation | Editage<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Understand the main differences between the introduction and background sections with specific examples and guidelines for length.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Introduction vs Background in a Research Paper, Thesis, Dissertation | Editage\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Understand the main differences between the introduction and background sections with specific examples and guidelines for length.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.editage.com\/blog\/introduction-vs-background-research-paper-thesis-dissertation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Educational Articles For Researchers, Students And Authors - 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