Q: How to write the background to the study in a research paper?

The background of the study provides context to the information that you are discussing in your paper. Thus, the background of the study generates the reader's interest in your research question and helps them understand why your study is important. For instance, in case of your study, the background can include a discussion on how socio economic factors influence learning patterns or the disparity in academic performance among learners of grade 12. However, this is just an example, and you will be the best person to judge what information you would like to include in the background of your study.

Typically, the background of a study includes a review of the existing literature on the area of your research, leading up to your topic. Once you have discussed the contribution of other researchers in the field, you can identify gaps in understanding, that is, areas that have not been addressed in these studies. You can then explain how your study will address these gaps and how it will contribute to the existing knowledge in the field.

You might find this course helpful: How to write an engaging background of the study for your research paper

Recommended reading:

• How to write the background of your study
• What is the best way of stating the background of a study?
• How can I make the background of my study engaging?