• Privacy Policy
  • SignUp/Login

Research Method

Home » Background of The Study – Examples and Writing Guide

Background of The Study – Examples and Writing Guide

Table of Contents

Background of The Study

Background of The Study

Definition:

Background of the study refers to the context, circumstances, and history that led to the research problem or topic being studied. It provides the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and the significance of the study.

The background of the study usually includes a discussion of the relevant literature, the gap in knowledge or understanding, and the research questions or hypotheses to be addressed. It also highlights the importance of the research topic and its potential contributions to the field. A well-written background of the study sets the stage for the research and helps the reader to appreciate the need for the study and its potential significance.

How to Write Background of The Study

Here are some steps to help you write the background of the study:

Identify the Research Problem

Start by identifying the research problem you are trying to address. This problem should be significant and relevant to your field of study.

Provide Context

Once you have identified the research problem, provide some context. This could include the historical, social, or political context of the problem.

Review Literature

Conduct a thorough review of the existing literature on the topic. This will help you understand what has been studied and what gaps exist in the current research.

Identify Research Gap

Based on your literature review, identify the gap in knowledge or understanding that your research aims to address. This gap will be the focus of your research question or hypothesis.

State Objectives

Clearly state the objectives of your research . These should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

Discuss Significance

Explain the significance of your research. This could include its potential impact on theory , practice, policy, or society.

Finally, summarize the key points of the background of the study. This will help the reader understand the research problem, its context, and its significance.

How to Write Background of The Study in Proposal

The background of the study is an essential part of any proposal as it sets the stage for the research project and provides the context and justification for why the research is needed. Here are the steps to write a compelling background of the study in your proposal:

  • Identify the problem: Clearly state the research problem or gap in the current knowledge that you intend to address through your research.
  • Provide context: Provide a brief overview of the research area and highlight its significance in the field.
  • Review literature: Summarize the relevant literature related to the research problem and provide a critical evaluation of the current state of knowledge.
  • Identify gaps : Identify the gaps or limitations in the existing literature and explain how your research will contribute to filling these gaps.
  • Justify the study : Explain why your research is important and what practical or theoretical contributions it can make to the field.
  • Highlight objectives: Clearly state the objectives of the study and how they relate to the research problem.
  • Discuss methodology: Provide an overview of the methodology you will use to collect and analyze data, and explain why it is appropriate for the research problem.
  • Conclude : Summarize the key points of the background of the study and explain how they support your research proposal.

How to Write Background of The Study In Thesis

The background of the study is a critical component of a thesis as it provides context for the research problem, rationale for conducting the study, and the significance of the research. Here are some steps to help you write a strong background of the study:

  • Identify the research problem : Start by identifying the research problem that your thesis is addressing. What is the issue that you are trying to solve or explore? Be specific and concise in your problem statement.
  • Review the literature: Conduct a thorough review of the relevant literature on the topic. This should include scholarly articles, books, and other sources that are directly related to your research question.
  • I dentify gaps in the literature: After reviewing the literature, identify any gaps in the existing research. What questions remain unanswered? What areas have not been explored? This will help you to establish the need for your research.
  • Establish the significance of the research: Clearly state the significance of your research. Why is it important to address this research problem? What are the potential implications of your research? How will it contribute to the field?
  • Provide an overview of the research design: Provide an overview of the research design and methodology that you will be using in your study. This should include a brief explanation of the research approach, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques.
  • State the research objectives and research questions: Clearly state the research objectives and research questions that your study aims to answer. These should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
  • Summarize the chapter: Summarize the chapter by highlighting the key points and linking them back to the research problem, significance of the study, and research questions.

How to Write Background of The Study in Research Paper

Here are the steps to write the background of the study in a research paper:

  • Identify the research problem: Start by identifying the research problem that your study aims to address. This can be a particular issue, a gap in the literature, or a need for further investigation.
  • Conduct a literature review: Conduct a thorough literature review to gather information on the topic, identify existing studies, and understand the current state of research. This will help you identify the gap in the literature that your study aims to fill.
  • Explain the significance of the study: Explain why your study is important and why it is necessary. This can include the potential impact on the field, the importance to society, or the need to address a particular issue.
  • Provide context: Provide context for the research problem by discussing the broader social, economic, or political context that the study is situated in. This can help the reader understand the relevance of the study and its potential implications.
  • State the research questions and objectives: State the research questions and objectives that your study aims to address. This will help the reader understand the scope of the study and its purpose.
  • Summarize the methodology : Briefly summarize the methodology you used to conduct the study, including the data collection and analysis methods. This can help the reader understand how the study was conducted and its reliability.

Examples of Background of The Study

Here are some examples of the background of the study:

Problem : The prevalence of obesity among children in the United States has reached alarming levels, with nearly one in five children classified as obese.

Significance : Obesity in childhood is associated with numerous negative health outcomes, including increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.

Gap in knowledge : Despite efforts to address the obesity epidemic, rates continue to rise. There is a need for effective interventions that target the unique needs of children and their families.

Problem : The use of antibiotics in agriculture has contributed to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which poses a significant threat to human health.

Significance : Antibiotic-resistant infections are responsible for thousands of deaths each year and are a major public health concern.

Gap in knowledge: While there is a growing body of research on the use of antibiotics in agriculture, there is still much to be learned about the mechanisms of resistance and the most effective strategies for reducing antibiotic use.

Edxample 3:

Problem : Many low-income communities lack access to healthy food options, leading to high rates of food insecurity and diet-related diseases.

Significance : Poor nutrition is a major contributor to chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Gap in knowledge : While there have been efforts to address food insecurity, there is a need for more research on the barriers to accessing healthy food in low-income communities and effective strategies for increasing access.

Examples of Background of The Study In Research

Here are some real-life examples of how the background of the study can be written in different fields of study:

Example 1 : “There has been a significant increase in the incidence of diabetes in recent years. This has led to an increased demand for effective diabetes management strategies. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a new diabetes management program in improving patient outcomes.”

Example 2 : “The use of social media has become increasingly prevalent in modern society. Despite its popularity, little is known about the effects of social media use on mental health. This study aims to investigate the relationship between social media use and mental health in young adults.”

Example 3: “Despite significant advancements in cancer treatment, the survival rate for patients with pancreatic cancer remains low. The purpose of this study is to identify potential biomarkers that can be used to improve early detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer.”

Examples of Background of The Study in Proposal

Here are some real-time examples of the background of the study in a proposal:

Example 1 : The prevalence of mental health issues among university students has been increasing over the past decade. This study aims to investigate the causes and impacts of mental health issues on academic performance and wellbeing.

Example 2 : Climate change is a global issue that has significant implications for agriculture in developing countries. This study aims to examine the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers to climate change and identify effective strategies to enhance their resilience.

Example 3 : The use of social media in political campaigns has become increasingly common in recent years. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of social media campaigns in mobilizing young voters and influencing their voting behavior.

Example 4 : Employee turnover is a major challenge for organizations, especially in the service sector. This study aims to identify the key factors that influence employee turnover in the hospitality industry and explore effective strategies for reducing turnover rates.

Examples of Background of The Study in Thesis

Here are some real-time examples of the background of the study in the thesis:

Example 1 : “Women’s participation in the workforce has increased significantly over the past few decades. However, women continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions, particularly in male-dominated industries such as technology. This study aims to examine the factors that contribute to the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles in the technology industry, with a focus on organizational culture and gender bias.”

Example 2 : “Mental health is a critical component of overall health and well-being. Despite increased awareness of the importance of mental health, there are still significant gaps in access to mental health services, particularly in low-income and rural communities. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based mental health intervention in improving mental health outcomes in underserved populations.”

Example 3: “The use of technology in education has become increasingly widespread, with many schools adopting online learning platforms and digital resources. However, there is limited research on the impact of technology on student learning outcomes and engagement. This study aims to explore the relationship between technology use and academic achievement among middle school students, as well as the factors that mediate this relationship.”

Examples of Background of The Study in Research Paper

Here are some examples of how the background of the study can be written in various fields:

Example 1: The prevalence of obesity has been on the rise globally, with the World Health Organization reporting that approximately 650 million adults were obese in 2016. Obesity is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. In recent years, several interventions have been proposed to address this issue, including lifestyle changes, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery. However, there is a lack of consensus on the most effective intervention for obesity management. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of different interventions for obesity management and identify the most effective one.

Example 2: Antibiotic resistance has become a major public health threat worldwide. Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria are associated with longer hospital stays, higher healthcare costs, and increased mortality. The inappropriate use of antibiotics is one of the main factors contributing to the development of antibiotic resistance. Despite numerous efforts to promote the rational use of antibiotics, studies have shown that many healthcare providers continue to prescribe antibiotics inappropriately. This study aims to explore the factors influencing healthcare providers’ prescribing behavior and identify strategies to improve antibiotic prescribing practices.

Example 3: Social media has become an integral part of modern communication, with millions of people worldwide using platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Social media has several advantages, including facilitating communication, connecting people, and disseminating information. However, social media use has also been associated with several negative outcomes, including cyberbullying, addiction, and mental health problems. This study aims to investigate the impact of social media use on mental health and identify the factors that mediate this relationship.

Purpose of Background of The Study

The primary purpose of the background of the study is to help the reader understand the rationale for the research by presenting the historical, theoretical, and empirical background of the problem.

More specifically, the background of the study aims to:

  • Provide a clear understanding of the research problem and its context.
  • Identify the gap in knowledge that the study intends to fill.
  • Establish the significance of the research problem and its potential contribution to the field.
  • Highlight the key concepts, theories, and research findings related to the problem.
  • Provide a rationale for the research questions or hypotheses and the research design.
  • Identify the limitations and scope of the study.

When to Write Background of The Study

The background of the study should be written early on in the research process, ideally before the research design is finalized and data collection begins. This allows the researcher to clearly articulate the rationale for the study and establish a strong foundation for the research.

The background of the study typically comes after the introduction but before the literature review section. It should provide an overview of the research problem and its context, and also introduce the key concepts, theories, and research findings related to the problem.

Writing the background of the study early on in the research process also helps to identify potential gaps in knowledge and areas for further investigation, which can guide the development of the research questions or hypotheses and the research design. By establishing the significance of the research problem and its potential contribution to the field, the background of the study can also help to justify the research and secure funding or support from stakeholders.

Advantage of Background of The Study

The background of the study has several advantages, including:

  • Provides context: The background of the study provides context for the research problem by highlighting the historical, theoretical, and empirical background of the problem. This allows the reader to understand the research problem in its broader context and appreciate its significance.
  • Identifies gaps in knowledge: By reviewing the existing literature related to the research problem, the background of the study can identify gaps in knowledge that the study intends to fill. This helps to establish the novelty and originality of the research and its potential contribution to the field.
  • Justifies the research : The background of the study helps to justify the research by demonstrating its significance and potential impact. This can be useful in securing funding or support for the research.
  • Guides the research design: The background of the study can guide the development of the research questions or hypotheses and the research design by identifying key concepts, theories, and research findings related to the problem. This ensures that the research is grounded in existing knowledge and is designed to address the research problem effectively.
  • Establishes credibility: By demonstrating the researcher’s knowledge of the field and the research problem, the background of the study can establish the researcher’s credibility and expertise, which can enhance the trustworthiness and validity of the research.

Disadvantages of Background of The Study

Some Disadvantages of Background of The Study are as follows:

  • Time-consuming : Writing a comprehensive background of the study can be time-consuming, especially if the research problem is complex and multifaceted. This can delay the research process and impact the timeline for completing the study.
  • Repetitive: The background of the study can sometimes be repetitive, as it often involves summarizing existing research and theories related to the research problem. This can be tedious for the reader and may make the section less engaging.
  • Limitations of existing research: The background of the study can reveal the limitations of existing research related to the problem. This can create challenges for the researcher in developing research questions or hypotheses that address the gaps in knowledge identified in the background of the study.
  • Bias : The researcher’s biases and perspectives can influence the content and tone of the background of the study. This can impact the reader’s perception of the research problem and may influence the validity of the research.
  • Accessibility: Accessing and reviewing the literature related to the research problem can be challenging, especially if the researcher does not have access to a comprehensive database or if the literature is not available in the researcher’s language. This can limit the depth and scope of the background of the study.

About the author

' src=

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

You may also like

Research Paper Conclusion

Research Paper Conclusion – Writing Guide and...

Appendices

Appendices – Writing Guide, Types and Examples

Research Report

Research Report – Example, Writing Guide and...

Delimitations

Delimitations in Research – Types, Examples and...

Scope of the Research

Scope of the Research – Writing Guide and...

Research Contribution

Research Contribution – Thesis Guide

Enago Academy

What Is Background in a Research Paper?

' src=

So you have carefully written your research paper  and probably ran it through your colleagues ten to fifteen times. While there are many elements to a good research article, one of the most important elements for your readers is the background of your study.

What is Background of the Study in Research

The background of your study will provide context to the information discussed throughout the research paper . Background information may include both important and relevant studies. This is particularly important if a study either supports or refutes your thesis.

Why is Background of the Study Necessary in Research?

The background of the study discusses your problem statement, rationale, and research questions. It links  introduction to your research topic  and ensures a logical flow of ideas.  Thus, it helps readers understand your reasons for conducting the study.

Providing Background Information

The reader should be able to understand your topic and its importance. The length and detail of your background also depend on the degree to which you need to demonstrate your understanding of the topic. Paying close attention to the following questions will help you in writing background information:

  • Are there any theories, concepts, terms, and ideas that may be unfamiliar to the target audience and will require you to provide any additional explanation?
  • Any historical data that need to be shared in order to provide context on why the current issue emerged?
  • Are there any concepts that may have been borrowed from other disciplines that may be unfamiliar to the reader and need an explanation?
Related: Ready with the background and searching for more information on journal ranking? Check this infographic on the SCImago Journal Rank today!

Is the research study unique for which additional explanation is needed? For instance, you may have used a completely new method

How to Write a Background of the Study

The structure of a background study in a research paper generally follows a logical sequence to provide context, justification, and an understanding of the research problem. It includes an introduction, general background, literature review , rationale , objectives, scope and limitations , significance of the study and the research hypothesis . Following the structure can provide a comprehensive and well-organized background for your research.

Here are the steps to effectively write a background of the study.

1. Identify Your Audience:

Determine the level of expertise of your target audience. Tailor the depth and complexity of your background information accordingly.

2. Understand the Research Problem:

Define the research problem or question your study aims to address. Identify the significance of the problem within the broader context of the field.

3. Review Existing Literature:

Conduct a thorough literature review to understand what is already known in the area. Summarize key findings, theories, and concepts relevant to your research.

4. Include Historical Data:

Integrate historical data if relevant to the research, as current issues often trace back to historical events.

5. Identify Controversies and Gaps:

Note any controversies or debates within the existing literature. Identify gaps , limitations, or unanswered questions that your research can address.

6. Select Key Components:

Choose the most critical elements to include in the background based on their relevance to your research problem. Prioritize information that helps build a strong foundation for your study.

7. Craft a Logical Flow:

Organize the background information in a logical sequence. Start with general context, move to specific theories and concepts, and then focus on the specific problem.

8. Highlight the Novelty of Your Research:

Clearly explain the unique aspects or contributions of your study. Emphasize why your research is different from or builds upon existing work.

Here are some extra tips to increase the quality of your research background:

Example of a Research Background

Here is an example of a research background to help you understand better.

The above hypothetical example provides a research background, addresses the gap and highlights the potential outcome of the study; thereby aiding a better understanding of the proposed research.

What Makes the Introduction Different from the Background?

Your introduction is different from your background in a number of ways.

  • The introduction contains preliminary data about your topic that  the reader will most likely read , whereas the background clarifies the importance of the paper.
  • The background of your study discusses in depth about the topic, whereas the introduction only gives an overview.
  • The introduction should end with your research questions, aims, and objectives, whereas your background should not (except in some cases where your background is integrated into your introduction). For instance, the C.A.R.S. ( Creating a Research Space ) model, created by John Swales is based on his analysis of journal articles. This model attempts to explain and describe the organizational pattern of writing the introduction in social sciences.

Points to Note

Your background should begin with defining a topic and audience. It is important that you identify which topic you need to review and what your audience already knows about the topic. You should proceed by searching and researching the relevant literature. In this case, it is advisable to keep track of the search terms you used and the articles that you downloaded. It is helpful to use one of the research paper management systems such as Papers, Mendeley, Evernote, or Sente. Next, it is helpful to take notes while reading. Be careful when copying quotes verbatim and make sure to put them in quotation marks and cite the sources. In addition, you should keep your background focused but balanced enough so that it is relevant to a broader audience. Aside from these, your background should be critical, consistent, and logically structured.

Writing the background of your study should not be an overly daunting task. Many guides that can help you organize your thoughts as you write the background. The background of the study is the key to introduce your audience to your research topic and should be done with strong knowledge and thoughtful writing.

The background of a research paper typically ranges from one to two paragraphs, summarizing the relevant literature and context of the study. It should be concise, providing enough information to contextualize the research problem and justify the need for the study. Journal instructions about any word count limits should be kept in mind while deciding on the length of the final content.

The background of a research paper provides the context and relevant literature to understand the research problem, while the introduction also introduces the specific research topic, states the research objectives, and outlines the scope of the study. The background focuses on the broader context, whereas the introduction focuses on the specific research project and its objectives.

When writing the background for a study, start by providing a brief overview of the research topic and its significance in the field. Then, highlight the gaps in existing knowledge or unresolved issues that the study aims to address. Finally, summarize the key findings from relevant literature to establish the context and rationale for conducting the research, emphasizing the need and importance of the study within the broader academic landscape.

The background in a research paper is crucial as it sets the stage for the study by providing essential context and rationale. It helps readers understand the significance of the research problem and its relevance in the broader field. By presenting relevant literature and highlighting gaps, the background justifies the need for the study, building a strong foundation for the research and enhancing its credibility.

' src=

The presentation very informative

' src=

It is really educative. I love the workshop. It really motivated me into writing my first paper for publication.

' src=

an interesting clue here, thanks.

thanks for the answers.

Good and interesting explanation. Thanks

Thank you for good presentation.

' src=

Hi Adam, we are glad to know that you found our article beneficial

The background of the study is the key to introduce your audience to YOUR research topic.

Awesome. Exactly what i was looking forwards to 😉

Hi Maryam, we are glad to know that you found our resource useful.

my understanding of ‘Background of study’ has been elevated.

Hi Peter, we are glad to know that our article has helped you get a better understanding of the background in a research paper.

thanks to give advanced information

Hi Shimelis, we are glad to know that you found the information in our article beneficial.

When i was studying it is very much hard for me to conduct a research study and know the background because my teacher in practical research is having a research so i make it now so that i will done my research

Very informative……….Thank you.

The confusion i had before, regarding an introduction and background to a research work is now a thing of the past. Thank you so much.

Thanks for your help…

Thanks for your kind information about the background of a research paper.

Thanks for the answer

Very informative. I liked even more when the difference between background and introduction was given. I am looking forward to learning more from this site. I am in Botswana

Hello, I am Benoît from Central African Republic. Right now I am writing down my research paper in order to get my master degree in British Literature. Thank you very much for posting all this information about the background of the study. I really appreciate. Thanks!

The write up is quite good, detailed and informative. Thanks a lot. The article has certainly enhanced my understanding of the topic.

Rate this article Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published.

background for research paper example

Enago Academy's Most Popular

manuscript writing with AI

  • AI in Academia
  • Infographic
  • Manuscripts & Grants
  • Reporting Research
  • Trending Now

Can AI Tools Prepare a Research Manuscript From Scratch? — A comprehensive guide

As technology continues to advance, the question of whether artificial intelligence (AI) tools can prepare…

difference between abstract and introduction

Abstract Vs. Introduction — Do you know the difference?

Ross wants to publish his research. Feeling positive about his research outcomes, he begins to…

background for research paper example

  • Old Webinars
  • Webinar Mobile App

Demystifying Research Methodology With Field Experts

Choosing research methodology Research design and methodology Evidence-based research approach How RAxter can assist researchers

Best Research Methodology

  • Manuscript Preparation
  • Publishing Research

How to Choose Best Research Methodology for Your Study

Successful research conduction requires proper planning and execution. While there are multiple reasons and aspects…

Methods and Methodology

Top 5 Key Differences Between Methods and Methodology

While burning the midnight oil during literature review, most researchers do not realize that the…

How to Draft the Acknowledgment Section of a Manuscript

Discussion Vs. Conclusion: Know the Difference Before Drafting Manuscripts

background for research paper example

Sign-up to read more

Subscribe for free to get unrestricted access to all our resources on research writing and academic publishing including:

  • 2000+ blog articles
  • 50+ Webinars
  • 10+ Expert podcasts
  • 50+ Infographics
  • 10+ Checklists
  • Research Guides

We hate spam too. We promise to protect your privacy and never spam you.

I am looking for Editing/ Proofreading services for my manuscript Tentative date of next journal submission:

background for research paper example

According to you, how can AI writing tools improve academic writing accuracy?

  • Resources Home 🏠
  • Try SciSpace Copilot
  • Search research papers
  • Add Copilot Extension
  • Try AI Detector
  • Try Paraphraser
  • Try Citation Generator
  • April Papers
  • June Papers
  • July Papers

SciSpace Resources

How to Write an Effective Background of the Study: A Comprehensive Guide

Madalsa

Table of Contents

The background of the study in a research paper offers a clear context, highlighting why the research is essential and the problem it aims to address.

As a researcher, this foundational section is essential for you to chart the course of your study, Moreover, it allows readers to understand the importance and path of your research.

Whether in academic communities or to the general public, a well-articulated background aids in communicating the essence of the research effectively.

While it may seem straightforward, crafting an effective background requires a blend of clarity, precision, and relevance. Therefore, this article aims to be your guide, offering insights into:

  • Understanding the concept of the background of the study.
  • Learning how to craft a compelling background effectively.
  • Identifying and sidestepping common pitfalls in writing the background.
  • Exploring practical examples that bring the theory to life.
  • Enhancing both your writing and reading of academic papers.

Keeping these compelling insights in mind, let's delve deeper into the details of the empirical background of the study, exploring its definition, distinctions, and the art of writing it effectively.

What is the background of the study?

The background of the study is placed at the beginning of a research paper. It provides the context, circumstances, and history that led to the research problem or topic being explored.

It offers readers a snapshot of the existing knowledge on the topic and the reasons that spurred your current research.

When crafting the background of your study, consider the following questions.

  • What's the context of your research?
  • Which previous research will you refer to?
  • Are there any knowledge gaps in the existing relevant literature?
  • How will you justify the need for your current research?
  • Have you concisely presented the research question or problem?

In a typical research paper structure, after presenting the background, the introduction section follows. The introduction delves deeper into the specific objectives of the research and often outlines the structure or main points that the paper will cover.

Together, they create a cohesive starting point, ensuring readers are well-equipped to understand the subsequent sections of the research paper.

While the background of the study and the introduction section of the research manuscript may seem similar and sometimes even overlap, each serves a unique purpose in the research narrative.

Difference between background and introduction

A well-written background of the study and introduction are preliminary sections of a research paper and serve distinct purposes.

Here’s a detailed tabular comparison between the two of them.

What is the relevance of the background of the study?

It is necessary for you to provide your readers with the background of your research. Without this, readers may grapple with questions such as: Why was this specific research topic chosen? What led to this decision? Why is this study relevant? Is it worth their time?

Such uncertainties can deter them from fully engaging with your study, leading to the rejection of your research paper. Additionally, this can diminish its impact in the academic community, and reduce its potential for real-world application or policy influence .

To address these concerns and offer clarity, the background section plays a pivotal role in research papers.

The background of the study in research is important as it:

  • Provides context: It offers readers a clear picture of the existing knowledge, helping them understand where the current research fits in.
  • Highlights relevance: By detailing the reasons for the research, it underscores the study's significance and its potential impact.
  • Guides the narrative: The background shapes the narrative flow of the paper, ensuring a logical progression from what's known to what the research aims to uncover.
  • Enhances engagement: A well-crafted background piques the reader's interest, encouraging them to delve deeper into the research paper.
  • Aids in comprehension: By setting the scenario, it aids readers in better grasping the research objectives, methodologies, and findings.

How to write the background of the study in a research paper?

The journey of presenting a compelling argument begins with the background study. This section holds the power to either captivate or lose the reader's interest.

An effectively written background not only provides context but also sets the tone for the entire research paper. It's the bridge that connects a broad topic to a specific research question, guiding readers through the logic behind the study.

But how does one craft a background of the study that resonates, informs, and engages?

Here, we’ll discuss how to write an impactful background study, ensuring your research stands out and captures the attention it deserves.

Identify the research problem

The first step is to start pinpointing the specific issue or gap you're addressing. This should be a significant and relevant problem in your field.

A well-defined problem is specific, relevant, and significant to your field. It should resonate with both experts and readers.

Here’s more on how to write an effective research problem .

Provide context

Here, you need to provide a broader perspective, illustrating how your research aligns with or contributes to the overarching context or the wider field of study. A comprehensive context is grounded in facts, offers multiple perspectives, and is relatable.

In addition to stating facts, you should weave a story that connects key concepts from the past, present, and potential future research. For instance, consider the following approach.

  • Offer a brief history of the topic, highlighting major milestones or turning points that have shaped the current landscape.
  • Discuss contemporary developments or current trends that provide relevant information to your research problem. This could include technological advancements, policy changes, or shifts in societal attitudes.
  • Highlight the views of different stakeholders. For a topic like sustainable agriculture, this could mean discussing the perspectives of farmers, environmentalists, policymakers, and consumers.
  • If relevant, compare and contrast global trends with local conditions and circumstances. This can offer readers a more holistic understanding of the topic.

Literature review

For this step, you’ll deep dive into the existing literature on the same topic. It's where you explore what scholars, researchers, and experts have already discovered or discussed about your topic.

Conducting a thorough literature review isn't just a recap of past works. To elevate its efficacy, it's essential to analyze the methods, outcomes, and intricacies of prior research work, demonstrating a thorough engagement with the existing body of knowledge.

  • Instead of merely listing past research study, delve into their methodologies, findings, and limitations. Highlight groundbreaking studies and those that had contrasting results.
  • Try to identify patterns. Look for recurring themes or trends in the literature. Are there common conclusions or contentious points?
  • The next step would be to connect the dots. Show how different pieces of research relate to each other. This can help in understanding the evolution of thought on the topic.

By showcasing what's already known, you can better highlight the background of the study in research.

Highlight the research gap

This step involves identifying the unexplored areas or unanswered questions in the existing literature. Your research seeks to address these gaps, providing new insights or answers.

A clear research gap shows you've thoroughly engaged with existing literature and found an area that needs further exploration.

How can you efficiently highlight the research gap?

  • Find the overlooked areas. Point out topics or angles that haven't been adequately addressed.
  • Highlight questions that have emerged due to recent developments or changing circumstances.
  • Identify areas where insights from other fields might be beneficial but haven't been explored yet.

State your objectives

Here, it’s all about laying out your game plan — What do you hope to achieve with your research? You need to mention a clear objective that’s specific, actionable, and directly tied to the research gap.

How to state your objectives?

  • List the primary questions guiding your research.
  • If applicable, state any hypotheses or predictions you aim to test.
  • Specify what you hope to achieve, whether it's new insights, solutions, or methodologies.

Discuss the significance

This step describes your 'why'. Why is your research important? What broader implications does it have?

The significance of “why” should be both theoretical (adding to the existing literature) and practical (having real-world implications).

How do we effectively discuss the significance?

  • Discuss how your research adds to the existing body of knowledge.
  • Highlight how your findings could be applied in real-world scenarios, from policy changes to on-ground practices.
  • Point out how your research could pave the way for further studies or open up new areas of exploration.

Summarize your points

A concise summary acts as a bridge, smoothly transitioning readers from the background to the main body of the paper. This step is a brief recap, ensuring that readers have grasped the foundational concepts.

How to summarize your study?

  • Revisit the key points discussed, from the research problem to its significance.
  • Prepare the reader for the subsequent sections, ensuring they understand the research's direction.

Include examples for better understanding

Research and come up with real-world or hypothetical examples to clarify complex concepts or to illustrate the practical applications of your research. Relevant examples make abstract ideas tangible, aiding comprehension.

How to include an effective example of the background of the study?

  • Use past events or scenarios to explain concepts.
  • Craft potential scenarios to demonstrate the implications of your findings.
  • Use comparisons to simplify complex ideas, making them more relatable.

Crafting a compelling background of the study in research is about striking the right balance between providing essential context, showcasing your comprehensive understanding of the existing literature, and highlighting the unique value of your research .

While writing the background of the study, keep your readers at the forefront of your mind. Every piece of information, every example, and every objective should be geared toward helping them understand and appreciate your research.

How to avoid mistakes in the background of the study in research?

To write a well-crafted background of the study, you should be aware of the following potential research pitfalls .

  • Stay away from ambiguity. Always assume that your reader might not be familiar with intricate details about your topic.
  • Avoid discussing unrelated themes. Stick to what's directly relevant to your research problem.
  • Ensure your background is well-organized. Information should flow logically, making it easy for readers to follow.
  • While it's vital to provide context, avoid overwhelming the reader with excessive details that might not be directly relevant to your research problem.
  • Ensure you've covered the most significant and relevant studies i` n your field. Overlooking key pieces of literature can make your background seem incomplete.
  • Aim for a balanced presentation of facts, and avoid showing overt bias or presenting only one side of an argument.
  • While academic paper often involves specialized terms, ensure they're adequately explained or use simpler alternatives when possible.
  • Every claim or piece of information taken from existing literature should be appropriately cited. Failing to do so can lead to issues of plagiarism.
  • Avoid making the background too lengthy. While thoroughness is appreciated, it should not come at the expense of losing the reader's interest. Maybe prefer to keep it to one-two paragraphs long.
  • Especially in rapidly evolving fields, it's crucial to ensure that your literature review section is up-to-date and includes the latest research.

Example of an effective background of the study

Let's consider a topic: "The Impact of Online Learning on Student Performance." The ideal background of the study section for this topic would be as follows.

In the last decade, the rise of the internet has revolutionized many sectors, including education. Online learning platforms, once a supplementary educational tool, have now become a primary mode of instruction for many institutions worldwide. With the recent global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a rapid shift from traditional classroom learning to online modes, making it imperative to understand its effects on student performance.

Previous studies have explored various facets of online learning, from its accessibility to its flexibility. However, there is a growing need to assess its direct impact on student outcomes. While some educators advocate for its benefits, citing the convenience and vast resources available, others express concerns about potential drawbacks, such as reduced student engagement and the challenges of self-discipline.

This research aims to delve deeper into this debate, evaluating the true impact of online learning on student performance.

Why is this example considered as an effective background section of a research paper?

This background section example effectively sets the context by highlighting the rise of online learning and its increased relevance due to recent global events. It references prior research on the topic, indicating a foundation built on existing knowledge.

By presenting both the potential advantages and concerns of online learning, it establishes a balanced view, leading to the clear purpose of the study: to evaluate the true impact of online learning on student performance.

As we've explored, writing an effective background of the study in research requires clarity, precision, and a keen understanding of both the broader landscape and the specific details of your topic.

From identifying the research problem, providing context, reviewing existing literature to highlighting research gaps and stating objectives, each step is pivotal in shaping the narrative of your research. And while there are best practices to follow, it's equally crucial to be aware of the pitfalls to avoid.

Remember, writing or refining the background of your study is essential to engage your readers, familiarize them with the research context, and set the ground for the insights your research project will unveil.

Drawing from all the important details, insights and guidance shared, you're now in a strong position to craft a background of the study that not only informs but also engages and resonates with your readers.

Now that you've a clear understanding of what the background of the study aims to achieve, the natural progression is to delve into the next crucial component — write an effective introduction section of a research paper. Read here .

Frequently Asked Questions

The background of the study should include a clear context for the research, references to relevant previous studies, identification of knowledge gaps, justification for the current research, a concise overview of the research problem or question, and an indication of the study's significance or potential impact.

The background of the study is written to provide readers with a clear understanding of the context, significance, and rationale behind the research. It offers a snapshot of existing knowledge on the topic, highlights the relevance of the study, and sets the stage for the research questions and objectives. It ensures that readers can grasp the importance of the research and its place within the broader field of study.

The background of the study is a section in a research paper that provides context, circumstances, and history leading to the research problem or topic being explored. It presents existing knowledge on the topic and outlines the reasons that spurred the current research, helping readers understand the research's foundation and its significance in the broader academic landscape.

The number of paragraphs in the background of the study can vary based on the complexity of the topic and the depth of the context required. Typically, it might range from 3 to 5 paragraphs, but in more detailed or complex research papers, it could be longer. The key is to ensure that all relevant information is presented clearly and concisely, without unnecessary repetition.

You might also like

Analyzing Research Papers Made Simple with SciSpace GPT

Analyzing Research Papers Made Simple with SciSpace GPT

Sumalatha G

How SciSpace GPT Enhances Scholarly Writing

SciSpace GPT — Your Research Discovery Engine

SciSpace GPT — Your Research Discovery Engine

  • Affiliate Program

Wordvice

  • UNITED STATES
  • 台灣 (TAIWAN)
  • TÜRKIYE (TURKEY)
  • Academic Editing Services
  • - Research Paper
  • - Journal Manuscript
  • - Dissertation
  • - College & University Assignments
  • Admissions Editing Services
  • - Application Essay
  • - Personal Statement
  • - Recommendation Letter
  • - Cover Letter
  • - CV/Resume
  • Business Editing Services
  • - Business Documents
  • - Report & Brochure
  • - Website & Blog
  • Writer Editing Services
  • - Script & Screenplay
  • Our Editors
  • Client Reviews
  • Editing & Proofreading Prices
  • Wordvice Points
  • Partner Discount
  • Plagiarism Checker
  • APA Citation Generator
  • MLA Citation Generator
  • Chicago Citation Generator
  • Vancouver Citation Generator
  • - APA Style
  • - MLA Style
  • - Chicago Style
  • - Vancouver Style
  • Writing & Editing Guide
  • Academic Resources
  • Admissions Resources

What is the Background of the Study and How to Write It

background for research paper example

What is the Background of the Study in Research? 

The background of the study is the first section of a research paper and gives context surrounding the research topic. The background explains to the reader where your research journey started, why you got interested in the topic, and how you developed the research question that you will later specify. That means that you first establish the context of the research you did with a general overview of the field or topic and then present the key issues that drove your decision to study the specific problem you chose.

Once the reader understands where you are coming from and why there was indeed a need for the research you are going to present in the following—because there was a gap in the current research, or because there is an obvious problem with a currently used process or technology—you can proceed with the formulation of your research question and summarize how you are going to address it in the rest of your manuscript.

Why is the Background of the Study Important?

No matter how surprising and important the findings of your study are, if you do not provide the reader with the necessary background information and context, they will not be able to understand your reasons for studying the specific problem you chose and why you think your study is relevant. And more importantly, an editor who does not share your enthusiasm for your work (because you did not fill them in on all the important details) will very probably not even consider your manuscript worthy of their and the reviewers’ time and will immediately send it back to you.

To avoid such desk rejections , you need to make sure you pique the reader’s interest and help them understand the contribution of your work to the specific field you study, the more general research community, or the public. Introducing the study background is crucial to setting the scene for your readers.

Table of Contents:

  • What is “Background Information” in a Research Paper?
  • What Should the Background of a Research Paper Include?
  • Where Does the Background Section Go in Your Paper?

background of the study, brick wall

Background of the Study Structure

Before writing your study background, it is essential to understand what to include. The following elements should all be included in the background and are presented in greater detail in the next section:

  • A general overview of the topic and why it is important (overlaps with establishing the “importance of the topic” in the Introduction)
  • The current state of the research on the topic or on related topics in the field
  • Controversies about current knowledge or specific past studies that undergird your research methodology
  • Any claims or assumptions that have been made by researchers, institutions, or politicians that might need to be clarified
  • Methods and techniques used in the study or from which your study deviated in some way

Presenting the Study Background

As you begin introducing your background, you first need to provide a general overview and include the main issues concerning the topic. Depending on whether you do “basic” (with the aim of providing further knowledge) or “applied” research (to establish new techniques, processes, or products), this is either a literature review that summarizes all relevant earlier studies in the field or a description of the process (e.g., vote counting) or practice (e.g., diagnosis of a specific disease) that you think is problematic or lacking and needs a solution.

Example s of a general overview

If you study the function of a Drosophila gene, for example, you can explain to the reader why and for whom the study of fly genetics is relevant, what is already known and established, and where you see gaps in the existing literature. If you investigated how the way universities have transitioned into online teaching since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic has affected students’ learning progress, then you need to present a summary of what changes have happened around the world, what the effects of those changes have been so far, and where you see problems that need to be addressed. Note that you need to provide sources for every statement and every claim you make here, to establish a solid foundation of knowledge for your own study. 

Describing the current state of knowledge

When the reader understands the main issue(s), you need to fill them in more specifically on the current state of the field (in basic research) or the process/practice/product use you describe (in practical/applied research). Cite all relevant studies that have already reported on the Drosophila gene you are interested in, have failed to reveal certain functions of it, or have suggested that it might be involved in more processes than we know so far. Or list the reports from the education ministries of the countries you are interested in and highlight the data that shows the need for research into the effects of the Corona-19 pandemic on teaching and learning.

Discussing controversies, claims, and assumptions

Are there controversies regarding your topic of interest that need to be mentioned and/or addressed? For example, if your research topic involves an issue that is politically hot, you can acknowledge this here. Have any earlier claims or assumptions been made, by other researchers, institutions, or politicians, that you think need to be clarified?

Mentioning methodologies and approaches

While putting together these details, you also need to mention methodologies : What methods/techniques have been used so far to study what you studied and why are you going to either use the same or a different approach? Are any of the methods included in the literature review flawed in such a way that your study takes specific measures to correct or update? While you shouldn’t spend too much time here justifying your methods (this can be summarized briefly in the rationale of the study at the end of the Introduction and later in the Discussion section), you can engage with the crucial methods applied in previous studies here first.

When you have established the background of the study of your research paper in such a logical way, then the reader should have had no problem following you from the more general information you introduced first to the specific details you added later. You can now easily lead over to the relevance of your research, explain how your work fits into the bigger picture, and specify the aims and objectives of your study. This latter part is usually considered the “ statement of the problem ” of your study. Without a solid research paper background, this statement will come out of nowhere for the reader and very probably raise more questions than you were planning to answer.   

Where does the study background section go in a paper?

Unless you write a research proposal or some kind of report that has a specific “Background” chapter, the background of your study is the first part of your introduction section . This is where you put your work in context and provide all the relevant information the reader needs to follow your rationale. Make sure your background has a logical structure and naturally leads into the statement of the problem at the very end of the introduction so that you bring everything together for the reader to judge the relevance of your work and the validity of your approach before they dig deeper into the details of your study in the methods section .

Consider Receiving Professional Editing Services

Now that you know how to write a background section for a research paper, you might be interested in our automated text editor at wordvice.ai. And be sure to receive professional editing services , including academic editing and proofreading , before submitting your manuscript to journals. On the Wordvice academic resources website, you can also find many more articles and other resources that can help you with writing the other parts of your research paper , with making a research paper outline before you put everything together, or with writing an effective cover letter once you are ready to submit.

Elsevier QRcode Wechat

  • Manuscript Preparation

What is the Background of a Study and How Should it be Written?

  • 3 minute read
  • 743.6K views

Table of Contents

The background of a study is one of the most important components of a research paper. The quality of the background determines whether the reader will be interested in the rest of the study. Thus, to ensure that the audience is invested in reading the entire research paper, it is important to write an appealing and effective background. So, what constitutes the background of a study, and how must it be written?

What is the background of a study?

The background of a study is the first section of the paper and establishes the context underlying the research. It contains the rationale, the key problem statement, and a brief overview of research questions that are addressed in the rest of the paper. The background forms the crux of the study because it introduces an unaware audience to the research and its importance in a clear and logical manner. At times, the background may even explore whether the study builds on or refutes findings from previous studies. Any relevant information that the readers need to know before delving into the paper should be made available to them in the background.

How is a background different from the introduction?

The introduction of your research paper is presented before the background. Let’s find out what factors differentiate the background from the introduction.

  • The introduction only contains preliminary data about the research topic and does not state the purpose of the study. On the contrary, the background clarifies the importance of the study in detail.
  • The introduction provides an overview of the research topic from a broader perspective, while the background provides a detailed understanding of the topic.
  • The introduction should end with the mention of the research questions, aims, and objectives of the study. In contrast, the background follows no such format and only provides essential context to the study.

How should one write the background of a research paper?

The length and detail presented in the background varies for different research papers, depending on the complexity and novelty of the research topic. At times, a simple background suffices, even if the study is complex. Before writing and adding details in the background, take a note of these additional points:

  • Start with a strong beginning: Begin the background by defining the research topic and then identify the target audience.
  • Cover key components: Explain all theories, concepts, terms, and ideas that may feel unfamiliar to the target audience thoroughly.
  • Take note of important prerequisites: Go through the relevant literature in detail. Take notes while reading and cite the sources.
  • Maintain a balance: Make sure that the background is focused on important details, but also appeals to a broader audience.
  • Include historical data: Current issues largely originate from historical events or findings. If the research borrows information from a historical context, add relevant data in the background.
  • Explain novelty: If the research study or methodology is unique or novel, provide an explanation that helps to understand the research better.
  • Increase engagement: To make the background engaging, build a story around the central theme of the research

Avoid these mistakes while writing the background:

  • Ambiguity: Don’t be ambiguous. While writing, assume that the reader does not understand any intricate detail about your research.
  • Unrelated themes: Steer clear from topics that are not related to the key aspects of your research topic.
  • Poor organization: Do not place information without a structure. Make sure that the background reads in a chronological manner and organize the sub-sections so that it flows well.

Writing the background for a research paper should not be a daunting task. But directions to go about it can always help. At Elsevier Author Services we provide essential insights on how to write a high quality, appealing, and logically structured paper for publication, beginning with a robust background. For further queries, contact our experts now!

How to Use Tables and Figures effectively in Research Papers

How to Use Tables and Figures effectively in Research Papers

Qualities of Every Good Researcher

  • Research Process

The Top 5 Qualities of Every Good Researcher

You may also like.

Guide to Crafting Impactful Sentences

A Guide to Crafting Shorter, Impactful Sentences in Academic Writing

Write an Excellent Discussion in Your Manuscript

6 Steps to Write an Excellent Discussion in Your Manuscript

How to Write Clear Civil Engineering Papers

How to Write Clear and Crisp Civil Engineering Papers? Here are 5 Key Tips to Consider

background for research paper example

The Clear Path to An Impactful Paper: ②

Essentials of Writing to Communicate Research in Medicine

The Essentials of Writing to Communicate Research in Medicine

There are some recognizable elements and patterns often used for framing engaging sentences in English. Find here the sentence patterns in Academic Writing

Changing Lines: Sentence Patterns in Academic Writing

background for research paper example

Path to An Impactful Paper: Common Manuscript Writing Patterns and Structure

how to write the results section of a research paper

How to write the results section of a research paper

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

  • USC Libraries
  • Research Guides

Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper

  • Background Information
  • Purpose of Guide
  • Design Flaws to Avoid
  • Independent and Dependent Variables
  • Glossary of Research Terms
  • Reading Research Effectively
  • Narrowing a Topic Idea
  • Broadening a Topic Idea
  • Extending the Timeliness of a Topic Idea
  • Academic Writing Style
  • Choosing a Title
  • Making an Outline
  • Paragraph Development
  • Research Process Video Series
  • Executive Summary
  • The C.A.R.S. Model
  • The Research Problem/Question
  • Theoretical Framework
  • Citation Tracking
  • Content Alert Services
  • Evaluating Sources
  • Primary Sources
  • Secondary Sources
  • Tiertiary Sources
  • Scholarly vs. Popular Publications
  • Qualitative Methods
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Insiderness
  • Using Non-Textual Elements
  • Limitations of the Study
  • Common Grammar Mistakes
  • Writing Concisely
  • Avoiding Plagiarism
  • Footnotes or Endnotes?
  • Further Readings
  • Generative AI and Writing
  • USC Libraries Tutorials and Other Guides
  • Bibliography

Background information identifies and describes the history and nature of a well-defined research problem with reference to contextualizing existing literature. 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 attempts to address. Background information does not replace the literature review section of a research paper; it is intended to place the research problem within a specific context and an established plan for its solution.

Fitterling, Lori. Researching and Writing an Effective Background Section of a Research Paper. Kansas City University of Medicine & Biosciences; Creating a Research Paper: How to Write the Background to a Study. DurousseauElectricalInstitute.com; Background Information: Definition of Background Information. Literary Devices Definition and Examples of Literary Terms.

Importance of Having Enough Background Information

Background information expands upon the key points stated in the beginning of your introduction but is not intended to be the main focus of the paper. It generally supports the question, what is the most important information the reader needs to understand before continuing to read the paper? Sufficient background information helps the reader determine if you have a basic understanding of the research problem being investigated and promotes confidence in the overall quality of your analysis and findings. This information provides the reader with the essential context needed to conceptualize the research problem and its significance before moving on to a more thorough analysis of prior research.

Forms of contextualization included in background information can include describing one or more of the following:

  • Cultural -- placed within the learned behavior of a specific group or groups of people.
  • Economic -- of or relating to systems of production and management of material wealth and/or business activities.
  • Gender -- located within the behavioral, cultural, or psychological traits typically associated with being self-identified as male, female, or other form of  gender expression.
  • Historical -- the time in which something takes place or was created and how the condition of time influences how you interpret it.
  • Interdisciplinary -- explanation of theories, concepts, ideas, or methodologies borrowed from other disciplines applied to the research problem rooted in a discipline other than the discipline where your paper resides.
  • Philosophical -- clarification of the essential nature of being or of phenomena as it relates to the research problem.
  • Physical/Spatial -- reflects the meaning of space around something and how that influences how it is understood.
  • Political -- concerns the environment in which something is produced indicating it's public purpose or agenda.
  • Social -- the environment of people that surrounds something's creation or intended audience, reflecting how the people associated with something use and interpret it.
  • Temporal -- reflects issues or events of, relating to, or limited by time. Concerns past, present, or future contextualization and not just a historical past.

Background information can also include summaries of important research studies . This can be a particularly important element of providing background information if an innovative or groundbreaking study about the research problem laid a foundation for further research or there was a key study that is essential to understanding your arguments. The priority is to summarize for the reader what is known about the research problem before you conduct the analysis of prior research. This is accomplished with a general summary of the foundational research literature [with citations] that document findings that inform your study's overall aims and objectives.

NOTE : Research studies cited as part of the background information of your introduction should not include very specific, lengthy explanations. This should be discussed in greater detail in your literature review section. If you find a study requiring lengthy explanation, consider moving it to the literature review section.

ANOTHER NOTE : In some cases, your paper's introduction only needs to introduce the research problem, explain its significance, and then describe a road map for how you are going to address the problem; the background information basically forms the introduction part of your literature review. That said, while providing background information is not required, including it in the introduction is a way to highlight important contextual information that could otherwise be hidden or overlooked by the reader if placed in the literature review section.

Background of the Problem Section: What do you Need to Consider? Anonymous. Harvard University; Hopkins, Will G. How to Write a Research Paper. SPORTSCIENCE, Perspectives/Research Resources. Department of Physiology and School of Physical Education, University of Otago, 1999; Green, L. H. How to Write the Background/Introduction Section. Physics 499 Powerpoint slides. University of Illinois; Woodall, W. Gill. Writing the Background and Significance Section. Senior Research Scientist and Professor of Communication. Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addictions. University of New Mexico.  

Structure and Writing Style

Providing background information in the introduction of a research paper serves as a bridge that links the reader to the research problem . Precisely how long and in-depth this bridge should be is largely dependent upon how much information you think the reader will need to know in order to fully understand the problem being discussed and to appreciate why the issues you are investigating are important.

From another perspective, the length and detail of background information also depends on the degree to which you need to demonstrate to your professor how much you understand the research problem. Keep this in mind because providing pertinent background information can be an effective way to demonstrate that you have a clear grasp of key issues, debates, and concepts related to your overall study.

The structure and writing style of your background information can vary depending upon the complexity of your research and/or the nature of the assignment. However, in most cases it should be limited to only one to two paragraphs in your introduction.

Given this, here are some questions to consider while writing this part of your introduction :

  • Are there concepts, terms, theories, or ideas that may be unfamiliar to the reader and, thus, require additional explanation?
  • Are there historical elements that need to be explored in order to provide needed context, to highlight specific people, issues, or events, or to lay a foundation for understanding the emergence of a current issue or event?
  • Are there theories, concepts, or ideas borrowed from other disciplines or academic traditions that may be unfamiliar to the reader and therefore require further explanation?
  • Is there a key study or small set of studies that set the stage for understanding the topic and frames why it is important to conduct further research on the topic?
  • Y our study uses a method of analysis never applied before;
  • Your study investigates a very esoteric or complex research problem;
  • Your study introduces new or unique variables that need to be taken into account ; or,
  • Your study relies upon analyzing unique texts or documents, such as, archival materials or primary documents like diaries or personal letters that do not represent the established body of source literature on the topic?

Almost all introductions to a research problem require some contextualizing, but the scope and breadth of background information varies depending on your assumption about the reader's level of prior knowledge . However, despite this assessment, background information should be brief and succinct and sets the stage for the elaboration of critical points or in-depth discussion of key issues in the literature review section of your paper.

Background of the Problem Section: What do you Need to Consider? Anonymous. Harvard University; Hopkins, Will G. How to Write a Research Paper. SPORTSCIENCE, Perspectives/Research Resources. Department of Physiology and School of Physical Education, University of Otago, 1999; Green, L. H. How to Write the Background/Introduction Section. Physics 499 Powerpoint slides. University of Illinois; Woodall, W. Gill. Writing the Background and Significance Section. Senior Research Scientist and Professor of Communication. Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addictions. University of New Mexico.

Writing Tip

Background Information vs. the Literature Review

Incorporating background information into the introduction is intended to provide the reader with critical information about the topic being studied, such as, highlighting and expanding upon foundational studies conducted in the past, describing important historical events that inform why and in what ways the research problem exists, defining key components of your study [concepts, people, places, phenomena] and/or placing the research problem within a particular context. Although introductory background information can often blend into the literature review portion of the paper, essential background information should not be considered a substitute for a comprehensive review and synthesis of relevant research literature.

Hart, Cris. Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the Social Science Research Imagination . Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 1998.

  • << Previous: The C.A.R.S. Model
  • Next: The Research Problem/Question >>
  • Last Updated: Feb 8, 2024 1:57 PM
  • URL: https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

  • Knowledge Base
  • Research paper

How to Write a Research Paper | A Beginner's Guide

A research paper is a piece of academic writing that provides analysis, interpretation, and argument based on in-depth independent research.

Research papers are similar to academic essays , but they are usually longer and more detailed assignments, designed to assess not only your writing skills but also your skills in scholarly research. Writing a research paper requires you to demonstrate a strong knowledge of your topic, engage with a variety of sources, and make an original contribution to the debate.

This step-by-step guide takes you through the entire writing process, from understanding your assignment to proofreading your final draft.

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Be assured that you'll submit flawless writing. Upload your document to correct all your mistakes.

upload-your-document-ai-proofreader

Table of contents

Understand the assignment, choose a research paper topic, conduct preliminary research, develop a thesis statement, create a research paper outline, write a first draft of the research paper, write the introduction, write a compelling body of text, write the conclusion, the second draft, the revision process, research paper checklist, free lecture slides.

Completing a research paper successfully means accomplishing the specific tasks set out for you. Before you start, make sure you thoroughly understanding the assignment task sheet:

  • Read it carefully, looking for anything confusing you might need to clarify with your professor.
  • Identify the assignment goal, deadline, length specifications, formatting, and submission method.
  • Make a bulleted list of the key points, then go back and cross completed items off as you’re writing.

Carefully consider your timeframe and word limit: be realistic, and plan enough time to research, write, and edit.

Here's why students love Scribbr's proofreading services

Discover proofreading & editing

There are many ways to generate an idea for a research paper, from brainstorming with pen and paper to talking it through with a fellow student or professor.

You can try free writing, which involves taking a broad topic and writing continuously for two or three minutes to identify absolutely anything relevant that could be interesting.

You can also gain inspiration from other research. The discussion or recommendations sections of research papers often include ideas for other specific topics that require further examination.

Once you have a broad subject area, narrow it down to choose a topic that interests you, m eets the criteria of your assignment, and i s possible to research. Aim for ideas that are both original and specific:

  • A paper following the chronology of World War II would not be original or specific enough.
  • A paper on the experience of Danish citizens living close to the German border during World War II would be specific and could be original enough.

Note any discussions that seem important to the topic, and try to find an issue that you can focus your paper around. Use a variety of sources , including journals, books, and reliable websites, to ensure you do not miss anything glaring.

Do not only verify the ideas you have in mind, but look for sources that contradict your point of view.

  • Is there anything people seem to overlook in the sources you research?
  • Are there any heated debates you can address?
  • Do you have a unique take on your topic?
  • Have there been some recent developments that build on the extant research?

In this stage, you might find it helpful to formulate some research questions to help guide you. To write research questions, try to finish the following sentence: “I want to know how/what/why…”

A thesis statement is a statement of your central argument — it establishes the purpose and position of your paper. If you started with a research question, the thesis statement should answer it. It should also show what evidence and reasoning you’ll use to support that answer.

The thesis statement should be concise, contentious, and coherent. That means it should briefly summarize your argument in a sentence or two, make a claim that requires further evidence or analysis, and make a coherent point that relates to every part of the paper.

You will probably revise and refine the thesis statement as you do more research, but it can serve as a guide throughout the writing process. Every paragraph should aim to support and develop this central claim.

The only proofreading tool specialized in correcting academic writing - try for free!

The academic proofreading tool has been trained on 1000s of academic texts and by native English editors. Making it the most accurate and reliable proofreading tool for students.

background for research paper example

Try for free

A research paper outline is essentially a list of the key topics, arguments, and evidence you want to include, divided into sections with headings so that you know roughly what the paper will look like before you start writing.

A structure outline can help make the writing process much more efficient, so it’s worth dedicating some time to create one.

Your first draft won’t be perfect — you can polish later on. Your priorities at this stage are as follows:

  • Maintaining forward momentum — write now, perfect later.
  • Paying attention to clear organization and logical ordering of paragraphs and sentences, which will help when you come to the second draft.
  • Expressing your ideas as clearly as possible, so you know what you were trying to say when you come back to the text.

You do not need to start by writing the introduction. Begin where it feels most natural for you — some prefer to finish the most difficult sections first, while others choose to start with the easiest part. If you created an outline, use it as a map while you work.

Do not delete large sections of text. If you begin to dislike something you have written or find it doesn’t quite fit, move it to a different document, but don’t lose it completely — you never know if it might come in useful later.

Paragraph structure

Paragraphs are the basic building blocks of research papers. Each one should focus on a single claim or idea that helps to establish the overall argument or purpose of the paper.

Example paragraph

George Orwell’s 1946 essay “Politics and the English Language” has had an enduring impact on thought about the relationship between politics and language. This impact is particularly obvious in light of the various critical review articles that have recently referenced the essay. For example, consider Mark Falcoff’s 2009 article in The National Review Online, “The Perversion of Language; or, Orwell Revisited,” in which he analyzes several common words (“activist,” “civil-rights leader,” “diversity,” and more). Falcoff’s close analysis of the ambiguity built into political language intentionally mirrors Orwell’s own point-by-point analysis of the political language of his day. Even 63 years after its publication, Orwell’s essay is emulated by contemporary thinkers.

Citing sources

It’s also important to keep track of citations at this stage to avoid accidental plagiarism . Each time you use a source, make sure to take note of where the information came from.

You can use our free citation generators to automatically create citations and save your reference list as you go.

APA Citation Generator MLA Citation Generator

The research paper introduction should address three questions: What, why, and how? After finishing the introduction, the reader should know what the paper is about, why it is worth reading, and how you’ll build your arguments.

What? Be specific about the topic of the paper, introduce the background, and define key terms or concepts.

Why? This is the most important, but also the most difficult, part of the introduction. Try to provide brief answers to the following questions: What new material or insight are you offering? What important issues does your essay help define or answer?

How? To let the reader know what to expect from the rest of the paper, the introduction should include a “map” of what will be discussed, briefly presenting the key elements of the paper in chronological order.

The major struggle faced by most writers is how to organize the information presented in the paper, which is one reason an outline is so useful. However, remember that the outline is only a guide and, when writing, you can be flexible with the order in which the information and arguments are presented.

One way to stay on track is to use your thesis statement and topic sentences . Check:

  • topic sentences against the thesis statement;
  • topic sentences against each other, for similarities and logical ordering;
  • and each sentence against the topic sentence of that paragraph.

Be aware of paragraphs that seem to cover the same things. If two paragraphs discuss something similar, they must approach that topic in different ways. Aim to create smooth transitions between sentences, paragraphs, and sections.

The research paper conclusion is designed to help your reader out of the paper’s argument, giving them a sense of finality.

Trace the course of the paper, emphasizing how it all comes together to prove your thesis statement. Give the paper a sense of finality by making sure the reader understands how you’ve settled the issues raised in the introduction.

You might also discuss the more general consequences of the argument, outline what the paper offers to future students of the topic, and suggest any questions the paper’s argument raises but cannot or does not try to answer.

You should not :

  • Offer new arguments or essential information
  • Take up any more space than necessary
  • Begin with stock phrases that signal you are ending the paper (e.g. “In conclusion”)

There are four main considerations when it comes to the second draft.

  • Check how your vision of the paper lines up with the first draft and, more importantly, that your paper still answers the assignment.
  • Identify any assumptions that might require (more substantial) justification, keeping your reader’s perspective foremost in mind. Remove these points if you cannot substantiate them further.
  • Be open to rearranging your ideas. Check whether any sections feel out of place and whether your ideas could be better organized.
  • If you find that old ideas do not fit as well as you anticipated, you should cut them out or condense them. You might also find that new and well-suited ideas occurred to you during the writing of the first draft — now is the time to make them part of the paper.

The goal during the revision and proofreading process is to ensure you have completed all the necessary tasks and that the paper is as well-articulated as possible. You can speed up the proofreading process by using the AI proofreader .

Global concerns

  • Confirm that your paper completes every task specified in your assignment sheet.
  • Check for logical organization and flow of paragraphs.
  • Check paragraphs against the introduction and thesis statement.

Fine-grained details

Check the content of each paragraph, making sure that:

  • each sentence helps support the topic sentence.
  • no unnecessary or irrelevant information is present.
  • all technical terms your audience might not know are identified.

Next, think about sentence structure , grammatical errors, and formatting . Check that you have correctly used transition words and phrases to show the connections between your ideas. Look for typos, cut unnecessary words, and check for consistency in aspects such as heading formatting and spellings .

Finally, you need to make sure your paper is correctly formatted according to the rules of the citation style you are using. For example, you might need to include an MLA heading  or create an APA title page .

Scribbr’s professional editors can help with the revision process with our award-winning proofreading services.

Discover our paper editing service

Checklist: Research paper

I have followed all instructions in the assignment sheet.

My introduction presents my topic in an engaging way and provides necessary background information.

My introduction presents a clear, focused research problem and/or thesis statement .

My paper is logically organized using paragraphs and (if relevant) section headings .

Each paragraph is clearly focused on one central idea, expressed in a clear topic sentence .

Each paragraph is relevant to my research problem or thesis statement.

I have used appropriate transitions  to clarify the connections between sections, paragraphs, and sentences.

My conclusion provides a concise answer to the research question or emphasizes how the thesis has been supported.

My conclusion shows how my research has contributed to knowledge or understanding of my topic.

My conclusion does not present any new points or information essential to my argument.

I have provided an in-text citation every time I refer to ideas or information from a source.

I have included a reference list at the end of my paper, consistently formatted according to a specific citation style .

I have thoroughly revised my paper and addressed any feedback from my professor or supervisor.

I have followed all formatting guidelines (page numbers, headers, spacing, etc.).

You've written a great paper. Make sure it's perfect with the help of a Scribbr editor!

Open Google Slides Download PowerPoint

Is this article helpful?

Other students also liked.

  • Writing a Research Paper Introduction | Step-by-Step Guide
  • Writing a Research Paper Conclusion | Step-by-Step Guide
  • Research Paper Format | APA, MLA, & Chicago Templates

More interesting articles

  • Academic Paragraph Structure | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples
  • Checklist: Writing a Great Research Paper
  • How to Create a Structured Research Paper Outline | Example
  • How to Write a Discussion Section | Tips & Examples
  • How to Write Recommendations in Research | Examples & Tips
  • How to Write Topic Sentences | 4 Steps, Examples & Purpose
  • Research Paper Appendix | Example & Templates
  • Research Paper Damage Control | Managing a Broken Argument
  • What Is a Theoretical Framework? | Guide to Organizing

What is your plagiarism score?

Sacred Heart University Library

Organizing Academic Research Papers: Background Information

  • Purpose of Guide
  • Design Flaws to Avoid
  • Glossary of Research Terms
  • Narrowing a Topic Idea
  • Broadening a Topic Idea
  • Extending the Timeliness of a Topic Idea
  • Academic Writing Style
  • Choosing a Title
  • Making an Outline
  • Paragraph Development
  • Executive Summary
  • Background Information
  • The Research Problem/Question
  • Theoretical Framework
  • Citation Tracking
  • Content Alert Services
  • Evaluating Sources
  • Primary Sources
  • Secondary Sources
  • Tertiary Sources
  • What Is Scholarly vs. Popular?
  • Qualitative Methods
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Using Non-Textual Elements
  • Limitations of the Study
  • Common Grammar Mistakes
  • Avoiding Plagiarism
  • Footnotes or Endnotes?
  • Further Readings
  • Annotated Bibliography
  • Dealing with Nervousness
  • Using Visual Aids
  • Grading Someone Else's Paper
  • How to Manage Group Projects
  • Multiple Book Review Essay
  • Reviewing Collected Essays
  • About Informed Consent
  • Writing Field Notes
  • Writing a Policy Memo
  • Writing a Research Proposal
  • Acknowledgements

Background information identifies and describes the history and nature of a well-defined research problem with reference to the existing literature. Background information in your Introduction should indicate the root of the problem being studied, its scope, and the extent to which previous studies have successfully investigated the problem, noting, in particular, where gaps exist that your study attempts to address.  Introductory background information differs from a literature review in that it places the research problem in proper context rather than thoroughly examining pertinent literature.

Importance of Having Enough Background Information

Background information expands upon the key points stated in your introduction but is not the main focus of the paper. Sufficient background information helps your reader determine if you have a basic understanding of the research problem being investigated and promotes confidence in the overall quality of your analysis and findings.

Background information provides the reader with the essential context needed to understand the research problem . Depending on the topic being studied, forms of contextualization may include:

  • Cultural -- the issue placed within the learned behavior of specific groups of people.
  • Economic -- of or relating to systems of production and management of material wealth and/or business activities.
  • Historical -- the time in which something takes place or was created and how that influences how you interpret it.
  • Philosophical -- clarification of the essential nature of being or of phenomena as it relates to the research problem.
  • Physical/Spatial -- reflects the space around something and how that influences how you see it.
  • Political -- concerns the environment in which something is produced indicating it's public purpose or agenda.
  • Social -- the environment of people that surrounds something's creation or intended audience, reflecting how the people around something use and interpret it.
  • Temporal -- reflects issues or events of, relating to, or limited by time.

Background information can also include summaries of important, relevant research studies . The key is to summarize for the reader what is known about the specific research problem before you conducted your analysis. This is accomplished with a general review of the foundational research literature (with citations) that report findings that inform your study's aims and objectives.

NOTE : Research studies cited as part of the background information of your introduction should not include very specific, lengthy explanations. This should be discussed in greater detail in your literature review section.

Background of the Problem Section: What do you Need to Consider? Anonymous. Harvard University; Hopkins, Will G. How to Write a Research Paper . SPORTSCIENCE, Perspectives/Research Resources. Department of Physiology and School of Physical Education, University of Otago, 1999; Green, L. H. How to Write the Background/Introduction Section. Physics 499 Powerpoint slides. University of Illinois; Woodall, W. Gill. Writing the Background and Significance Section. Senior Research Scientist and Professor of Communication. Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addictions. University of New Mexico.  

Structure and Writing Style

Providing background information in the Introduction of a research paper serves as a bridge that links the reader to the topic of your study . But precisely how long and in-depth this bridge should be is largely dependent upon how much information you think the reader will need in order to understand the research problem being discussed and to appreciate why the issues you are investigating are important.

From another perspective, the length and detail of background information also depends on the degree to which you need to demonstrate to your professor how much you understand the topic. Keep this in mind because providing succinct background information can be an effective way to show that you have a clear grasp of key issues and concepts underpinning your overall study. Don't try to show off, though!

Given that the structure and writing style of your background information can vary depending upon the complexity of your research and/or the nature of the assignment, here are some questions to consider while writing :

  • Are there concepts, terms, theories, or ideas that may be unfamiliar to the reader and, thus, require additional explanation?
  • Are there historical elements that need to be explored in order to add needed context, to highlight specific people, issues, or events, or to lay a foundation for understanding the emergence of a current issue or event?
  • Is the research study unusual in some way that requires additional explanation, such as, a) your study uses a method never applied before to the research problem you are investigating; b) your study investigates a very esoteric or complex research problem; or, c) your study relies upon analyzing unique texts or documents, such as archival materials or primary documents like diaries or personal letters, that do not represent the established body of source literature on the topic.

Background of the Problem Section: What do you Need to Consider? Anonymous. Harvard University; Hopkins, Will G. How to Write a Research Paper . SPORTSCIENCE, Perspectives/Research Resources. Department of Physiology and School of Physical Education, University of Otago, 1999; Green, L. H. How to Write the Background/Introduction Section. Physics 499 Powerpoint slides. University of Illinois; Woodall, W. Gill. Writing the Background and Significance Section. Senior Research Scientist and Professor of Communication. Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addictions. University of New Mexico.

Writing Tip

Background Information vs. the Literature Review

Incorporating background information into the Introduction is intended to provide the reader with critical information about the topic being studied, such as highlighting and expanding upon foundational studies conducted in the past, important historical events that inform why and in what ways the research problem exists, or defining key components of your study [concepts, people, places, things]. Although in social sciences research introductory background information can often blend into the literature review portion of the paper, basic background information should not be considered a substitute for a comprehensive review and synthesis of relevant research literature.

  • << Previous: 4. The Introduction
  • Next: The Research Problem/Question >>
  • Last Updated: Jul 18, 2023 11:58 AM
  • URL: https://library.sacredheart.edu/c.php?g=29803
  • QuickSearch
  • Library Catalog
  • Databases A-Z
  • Publication Finder
  • Course Reserves
  • Citation Linker
  • Digital Commons
  • Our Website

Research Support

  • Ask a Librarian
  • Appointments
  • Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
  • Research Guides
  • Databases by Subject
  • Citation Help

Using the Library

  • Reserve a Group Study Room
  • Renew Books
  • Honors Study Rooms
  • Off-Campus Access
  • Library Policies
  • Library Technology

User Information

  • Grad Students
  • Online Students
  • COVID-19 Updates
  • Staff Directory
  • News & Announcements
  • Library Newsletter

My Accounts

  • Interlibrary Loan
  • Staff Site Login

Sacred Heart University

FIND US ON  

What is the Background in a Research Paper?

An effective Background section in your manuscript establishes the context for your study. And while original research requires novel findings, providing the necessary background information for these findings may be just as important. It lets your readers know that your findings are novel, important, and worthy of their time and attention.

Updated on October 3, 2022

What is the Background in a Research Paper?

A good Background section explains the history and nature of your research question in relation to existing literature – a “state of the art.” This section, along with the rationale, helps readers understand why you chose to study this problem and why your study is worthwhile. This article will show you how to do this.

Read on to better understand the:

  • Real purpose of the Background section
  • Typical length of a Background section and its placement
  • Elements of an effective Background

What is the Background section of a research paper?

The Background section is an essential element of every study, answering:

  • What do we already know about the topic?
  • How does your study relate to what's been done so far in your field?
  • What is its scope?
  • Why does the topic warrant your interest and their interest?
  • How did you develop the research question that you'll later introduce?

In grant writing, a Background section is often referred to as the “state of the art,” and this is a useful term to have in mind when writing this part of your paper.

What comes next?

After you make the above points,

  • Formulate your research question/hypothesis . Research aims and objectives should be closely related to how you'll fill the gap you've identified in the literature. Your research gap is the central theme of your article and why people should read it.
  • Summarize how you'll address it in the paper . Your methodology needs to be appropriate for addressing the “problem” you've identified.
  • Describe the significance of your study . Show how your research fits into the bigger picture.

Note that the Background section isn't the same as the research rationale. Rather, it provides the relevant information the reader needs so they can follow your rationale. For example, it

  • Explains scientific terms
  • Provides available data and statistics on the topic
  • Describes the methods used so far on your topic. Especially if these are different from what you're going to do. Take special care here, because this is often where peer reviewers focus intently.

This is a logical approach to what comes after the study's background. Use it and the reader can easily follow along from the broader information to the specific details that come later. Crucially, they'll have confidence that your analysis and findings are valid.

Where should the background be placed in a research paper?

Usually, the background comes after the statement of the problem, in the Introduction section. Logically, you need to provide the study context before discussing the research questions, methodology, and results.

The background can be found in:

The abstract

The background typically forms the first few sentences of the abstract. Why did you do the study? Most journals state this clearly. In an unstructured (no subheadings) abstract, it's the first sentence or two. In a structured abstract, it might be called the Introduction, Background, or State-of-the-Art.

PLOS Medicine , for example, asks for research article abstracts to be split into three sections: Background, Methods and Findings, and Conclusions. Journals in the humanities or social sciences might not clearly ask for it because articles sometimes have a looser structure than STEM articles.

The first part of the Introduction section

In the journal Nature , for example, the Introduction should be around 200 words and include

  • Two to three sentences giving a basic introduction to the field.
  • The background and rationale of the study are stated briefly.
  • A simple phrase “Here we show ...”, or “In this study, we show ....” (to round out the Introduction).

The Journal of Organic Chemistry has similar author guidelines.

The Background as a distinct section

This is often the case for research proposals or some types of reports, as discussed above. Rather than reviewing the literature, this is a concise summary of what's currently known in the field relevant to the question being addressed in this proposed study.

How long should the Background section be?

As mentioned, there's no set length for the Background section. It generally depends on the journal and the content of your manuscript. Check the journal's author guidelines, the research center, granting agency, etc. If it's still not clear or if the instructions are contradictory, email or phone them directly.

The length of your background will depend on:

The manuscript length and content

A book-length study needs a more extensive Background than a four-page research article. Exploring a relatively unknown method or question might also need a longer Background.

For example, see this Frontiers article on the applications of artificial intelligence for developing COVID-19 vaccines. It has a seven-paragraph long Background (1,200 words) in a separate section. The authors need to discuss earlier successful uses of machine learning for therapy discovery to make a convincing case.

An academic paper published in an international journal is usually around 5,000 words. Your paper needs to be balanced, with appropriate text lengths used for the different sections: It would make no sense to have a 300-word introduction and then 4,000 words for the methods, for example. In a 5,000-word manuscript, you'll be able to use about 1,500 for the introduction, which includes the background.

How much you need to show your understanding of the topic

A lengthy grant application might need a longer Background (sub-)section. That's because if they're going to grant you money, they need a very good reason to. You'll need to show that the work is both interesting and doable. The Background is where you can do this.

What should the Background of a research manuscript include?

The Background of a research paper needs to show two things:

The study's territory ( scope )

First, provide a general overview of the field. Scientists in most disciplines should find it relatively easy to understand. Be broad, keep it interesting. Don't go into the specifics of your particular study.

Let's look at two examples:

  • one from basic research (seeking to generate new knowledge)
  • one from applied research (trying to solve or improve existing processes or products)

Applied research

This Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence article explores how AI can help discover treatments for COVID-19.

The background of the study can be found (i) in the abstract and (ii) in a separate section discussed at the end of this article. The abstract starts with this general overview: “SARS-COV-2 has roused the scientific community with a call to action to combat the growing pandemic.” ( Arshadi et al., 2020 ). This is broad, and it's interesting. This is a topic that many researchers (even from outside this specific area) may want to learn more about.

Think of any theories, models, concepts, or terms (maybe borrowed from different disciplines) that may be unfamiliar to your reader. Be sure to clarify them in plainer language, if necessary.

For example, this systematic review looks at the connections of physician burnout with career engagement and quality of patient care. The Background is in the Introduction section. It starts by defining what burnout is:

  • “Burnout is defined as a syndrome related to work that involves three key dimensions.” ( Hodkinson et al., 2022 )

The authors go on to explain its three aspects: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a sense of reduced personal accomplishment.

Basic research

Imagine you're investigating how universities' moves to online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted students' learning outcomes in the United Kingdom. The overview could be:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdown generated tremendous challenges across the higher education sector. University campuses were forced to close. Face-to-face teaching and assessment transitioned into a virtual format.

2. The niche in the field (motivation)

To establish the niche in your field, describe what drove you to explore this specific topic.

  • Explain how (un)successfully previous studies have investigated the problem.
  • Note the knowledge gap or present a problem with a currently used process/practice/product.

After setting the stage, the abstract of the Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence article identifies a problem:

  • “At the time of this writing, there are as yet no novel antiviral agents or approved vaccines available for deployment as a frontline defense.” ( Arshadi et al., 2020 )

The authors need to support their claim that computational methods can help discover new COVID-19 treatments. They do so by referring to previous research findings:

  • “In the last decade, machine learning-based models, trained on specific biomolecules, have offered inexpensive and rapid implementation methods for the discovery of effective viral therapies.” ( Arshadi et al., 2020 )

Going back to the study on students' learning outcomes after universities introduced e-learning. The background section will next identify and describe the current knowledge gap and your proposed method of fixing it. It may be something like:

  • Existing literature and studies by the UK Department for Education reveal x + y changes and effects on teaching and learning. Yet they provide little to no information on students' learning outcomes. Understanding the impact of online teaching and assessments on student outcomes is key to adopting future teaching practices and ensuring students from disadvantaged backgrounds are not left behind.

How is the background different from the literature review?

Both the background and literature review sections compile previous studies that are relevant and important to the topic.

Despite their similarities, they're different in scope and aims.

the differences between a background and a literature review

Overall, the research background could be seen as a small part of the detailed critical discussion in the literature review. Almost always, primary research articles do not include a detailed literature review.

How is the Background different from the Introduction section?

Although often part of the Introduction, the Background differs from the Introduction in scope and aim.

the differences between a background and an introduction

Research Paper Examples - Free Sample Papers for Different Formats!

Published on: Nov 27, 2017

Last updated on: Jan 11, 2024

Research Paper Example

People also read

Research Paper Writing - A Step by Step Guide

Guide to Creating Effective Research Paper Outline

Interesting Research Paper Topics for 2024

Research Proposal Writing - A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Start a Research Paper - 7 Easy Steps

How to Write an Abstract for a Research Paper - A Step by Step Guide

Writing a Literature Review For a Research Paper - A Comprehensive Guide

Qualitative Research - Methods, Types, and Examples

8 Types of Qualitative Research - Overview & Examples

Qualitative vs Quantitative Research - Learning the Basics

Psychology Research Topics - 220+ Ideas

How to Write a Hypothesis In 7 simple Steps: Examples and Tips!

20+ Types of Research With Examples - A Detailed Guide

Understanding Quantitative Research - Types & Data Collection Techniques

230+ Sociology Research Topics & Ideas for Students

How to Cite a Research Paper - A Complete Guide

Excellent History Research Paper Topics- 300+ Ideas

A Guide on Writing the Method Section of a Research Paper - Examples & Tips

How To Write an Introduction Paragraph For a Research Paper: Learn with Examples

Crafting a Winning Research Paper Title: A Complete Guide

Writing a Research Paper Conclusion - Step-by-Step Guide

Writing a Thesis For a Research Paper - A Comprehensive Guide

How To Write A Discussion For A Research Paper | Examples & Tips

How To Write The Results Section of A Research Paper | Steps & Examples

Writing a Problem Statement for a Research Paper - A Comprehensive Guide

Finding Sources For a Research Paper: A Complete Guide

Share this article

Crafting a comprehensive research paper can be daunting. Understanding diverse citation styles and various subject areas presents a challenge for many.

Without clear examples, students often feel lost and overwhelmed, unsure of how to start or which style fits their subject.

Explore our collection of expertly written research paper examples. We’ve covered various citation styles and a diverse range of subjects.

So, read on!

On This Page On This Page -->

Research Paper Example for Different Formats

Following a specific formatting style is essential while writing a research paper . Knowing the conventions and guidelines for each format can help you in creating a perfect paper. Here we have gathered examples of research paper for most commonly applied citation styles :

Social Media and Social Media Marketing: A Literature Review

APA Research Paper Example

APA (American Psychological Association) style is commonly used in social sciences, psychology, and education. This format is recognized for its clear and concise writing, emphasis on proper citations, and orderly presentation of ideas.

Here are some research paper examples in APA style:

Research Paper Example APA 7th Edition

Research Paper Example MLA

MLA (Modern Language Association) style is frequently employed in humanities disciplines, including literature, languages, and cultural studies. An MLA research paper might explore literature analysis, linguistic studies, or historical research within the humanities. 

Here is an example:

Found Voices: Carl Sagan

Research Paper Example Chicago

Chicago style is utilized in various fields like history, arts, and social sciences. Research papers in Chicago style could delve into historical events, artistic analyses, or social science inquiries. 

Here is a research paper formatted in Chicago style:

Chicago Research Paper Sample

Research Paper Example Harvard

Harvard style is widely used in business, management, and some social sciences. Research papers in Harvard style might address business strategies, case studies, or social policies.

View this sample Harvard style paper here:

Harvard Research Paper Sample

Examples for Different Research Paper Parts

A research paper has different parts. Each part is important for the overall success of the paper. Chapters in a research paper must be written correctly, using a certain format and structure.

The following are examples of how different sections of the research paper can be written.

Research Proposal

The research proposal acts as a detailed plan or roadmap for your study, outlining the focus of your research and its significance. It's essential as it not only guides your research but also persuades others about the value of your study.

Example of Research Proposal

An abstract serves as a concise overview of your entire research paper. It provides a quick insight into the main elements of your study. It summarizes your research's purpose, methods, findings, and conclusions in a brief format.

Research Paper Example Abstract

Literature Review 

A literature review summarizes the existing research on your study's topic, showcasing what has already been explored. This section adds credibility to your own research by analyzing and summarizing prior studies related to your topic.

Literature Review Research Paper Example

Methodology

The methodology section functions as a detailed explanation of how you conducted your research. This part covers the tools, techniques, and steps used to collect and analyze data for your study.

Methods Section of Research Paper Example

How to Write the Methods Section of a Research Paper

The conclusion summarizes your findings, their significance and the impact of your research. This section outlines the key takeaways and the broader implications of your study's results.

Research Paper Conclusion Example

Research Paper Examples for Different Fields

Research papers can be about any subject that needs a detailed study. The following examples show research papers for different subjects.

History Research Paper Sample

Preparing a history research paper involves investigating and presenting information about past events. This may include exploring perspectives, analyzing sources, and constructing a narrative that explains the significance of historical events.

View this history research paper sample:

Many Faces of Generalissimo Fransisco Franco

Sociology Research Paper Sample

In sociology research, statistics and data are harnessed to explore societal issues within a particular region or group. These findings are thoroughly analyzed to gain an understanding of the structure and dynamics present within these communities. 

Here is a sample:

A Descriptive Statistical Analysis within the State of Virginia

Science Fair Research Paper Sample

A science research paper involves explaining a scientific experiment or project. It includes outlining the purpose, procedures, observations, and results of the experiment in a clear, logical manner.

Here are some examples:

Science Fair Paper Format

What Do I Need To Do For The Science Fair?

Psychology Research Paper Sample

Writing a psychology research paper involves studying human behavior and mental processes. This process includes conducting experiments, gathering data, and analyzing results to understand the human mind, emotions, and behavior.

Here is an example psychology paper:

The Effects of Food Deprivation on Concentration and Perseverance

Art History Research Paper Sample

Studying art history includes examining artworks, understanding their historical context, and learning about the artists. This helps analyze and interpret how art has evolved over various periods and regions.

Check out this sample paper analyzing European art and impacts:

European Art History: A Primer

Research Paper Example Outline

Before you plan on writing a well-researched paper, make a rough draft. An outline can be a great help when it comes to organizing vast amounts of research material for your paper.

Here is an outline of a research paper example:

Here is a downloadable sample of a standard research paper outline:

Research Paper Outline

Want to create the perfect outline for your paper? Check out this in-depth guide on creating a research paper outline for a structured paper!

Good Research Paper Examples for Students

Here are some more samples of research paper for students to learn from:

Fiscal Research Center - Action Plan

Qualitative Research Paper Example

Research Paper Example Introduction

How to Write a Research Paper Example

Research Paper Example for High School

Now that you have explored the research paper examples, you can start working on your research project. Hopefully, these examples will help you understand the writing process for a research paper.

If you're facing challenges with your writing requirements, you can hire our essay writing service .

Our team is experienced in delivering perfectly formatted, 100% original research papers. So, whether you need help with a part of research or an entire paper, our experts are here to deliver.

So, why miss out? Place your ‘ write my research paper ’ request today and get a top-quality research paper!

Nova A. (Literature, Marketing)

Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Get Help

Keep reading

Research Paper Example

We value your privacy

We use cookies to improve your experience and give you personalized content. Do you agree to our cookie policy?

Website Data Collection

We use data collected by cookies and JavaScript libraries.

Are you sure you want to cancel?

Your preferences have not been saved.

How to Write a Research Paper Introduction (with Examples)

How to Write a Research Paper Introduction (with Examples)

The research paper introduction section, along with the Title and Abstract, can be considered the face of any research paper. The following article is intended to guide you in organizing and writing the research paper introduction for a quality academic article or dissertation.

The research paper introduction aims to present the topic to the reader. A study will only be accepted for publishing if you can ascertain that the available literature cannot answer your research question. So it is important to ensure that you have read important studies on that particular topic, especially those within the last five to ten years, and that they are properly referenced in this section. 1 What should be included in the research paper introduction is decided by what you want to tell readers about the reason behind the research and how you plan to fill the knowledge gap. The best research paper introduction provides a systemic review of existing work and demonstrates additional work that needs to be done. It needs to be brief, captivating, and well-referenced; a well-drafted research paper introduction will help the researcher win half the battle.

The introduction for a research paper is where you set up your topic and approach for the reader. It has several key goals:

  • Present your research topic
  • Capture reader interest
  • Summarize existing research
  • Position your own approach
  • Define your specific research problem and problem statement
  • Highlight the novelty and contributions of the study
  • Give an overview of the paper’s structure

The research paper introduction can vary in size and structure depending on whether your paper presents the results of original empirical research or is a review paper. Some research paper introduction examples are only half a page while others are a few pages long. In many cases, the introduction will be shorter than all of the other sections of your paper; its length depends on the size of your paper as a whole.

  • Break through writer’s block. Write your research paper introduction with Paperpal Copilot

Table of Contents

What is the introduction for a research paper, why is the introduction important in a research paper, craft a compelling introduction section with paperpal. try now, 1. introduce the research topic:, 2. determine a research niche:, 3. place your research within the research niche:, craft accurate research paper introductions with paperpal. start writing now, frequently asked questions on research paper introduction, key points to remember.

The introduction in a research paper is placed at the beginning to guide the reader from a broad subject area to the specific topic that your research addresses. They present the following information to the reader

  • Scope: The topic covered in the research paper
  • Context: Background of your topic
  • Importance: Why your research matters in that particular area of research and the industry problem that can be targeted

The research paper introduction conveys a lot of information and can be considered an essential roadmap for the rest of your paper. A good introduction for a research paper is important for the following reasons:

  • It stimulates your reader’s interest: A good introduction section can make your readers want to read your paper by capturing their interest. It informs the reader what they are going to learn and helps determine if the topic is of interest to them.
  • It helps the reader understand the research background: Without a clear introduction, your readers may feel confused and even struggle when reading your paper. A good research paper introduction will prepare them for the in-depth research to come. It provides you the opportunity to engage with the readers and demonstrate your knowledge and authority on the specific topic.
  • It explains why your research paper is worth reading: Your introduction can convey a lot of information to your readers. It introduces the topic, why the topic is important, and how you plan to proceed with your research.
  • It helps guide the reader through the rest of the paper: The research paper introduction gives the reader a sense of the nature of the information that will support your arguments and the general organization of the paragraphs that will follow. It offers an overview of what to expect when reading the main body of your paper.

What are the parts of introduction in the research?

A good research paper introduction section should comprise three main elements: 2

  • What is known: This sets the stage for your research. It informs the readers of what is known on the subject.
  • What is lacking: This is aimed at justifying the reason for carrying out your research. This could involve investigating a new concept or method or building upon previous research.
  • What you aim to do: This part briefly states the objectives of your research and its major contributions. Your detailed hypothesis will also form a part of this section.

How to write a research paper introduction?

The first step in writing the research paper introduction is to inform the reader what your topic is and why it’s interesting or important. This is generally accomplished with a strong opening statement. The second step involves establishing the kinds of research that have been done and ending with limitations or gaps in the research that you intend to address. Finally, the research paper introduction clarifies how your own research fits in and what problem it addresses. If your research involved testing hypotheses, these should be stated along with your research question. The hypothesis should be presented in the past tense since it will have been tested by the time you are writing the research paper introduction.

The following key points, with examples, can guide you when writing the research paper introduction section:

  • Highlight the importance of the research field or topic
  • Describe the background of the topic
  • Present an overview of current research on the topic

Example: The inclusion of experiential and competency-based learning has benefitted electronics engineering education. Industry partnerships provide an excellent alternative for students wanting to engage in solving real-world challenges. Industry-academia participation has grown in recent years due to the need for skilled engineers with practical training and specialized expertise. However, from the educational perspective, many activities are needed to incorporate sustainable development goals into the university curricula and consolidate learning innovation in universities.

  • Reveal a gap in existing research or oppose an existing assumption
  • Formulate the research question

Example: There have been plausible efforts to integrate educational activities in higher education electronics engineering programs. However, very few studies have considered using educational research methods for performance evaluation of competency-based higher engineering education, with a focus on technical and or transversal skills. To remedy the current need for evaluating competencies in STEM fields and providing sustainable development goals in engineering education, in this study, a comparison was drawn between study groups without and with industry partners.

  • State the purpose of your study
  • Highlight the key characteristics of your study
  • Describe important results
  • Highlight the novelty of the study.
  • Offer a brief overview of the structure of the paper.

Example: The study evaluates the main competency needed in the applied electronics course, which is a fundamental core subject for many electronics engineering undergraduate programs. We compared two groups, without and with an industrial partner, that offered real-world projects to solve during the semester. This comparison can help determine significant differences in both groups in terms of developing subject competency and achieving sustainable development goals.

Write a Research Paper Introduction in Minutes with Paperpal

Paperpal Copilot is a generative AI-powered academic writing assistant. It’s trained on millions of published scholarly articles and over 20 years of STM experience. Paperpal Copilot helps authors write better and faster with:

  • Real-time writing suggestions
  • In-depth checks for language and grammar correction
  • Paraphrasing to add variety, ensure academic tone, and trim text to meet journal limits

With Paperpal Copilot, create a research paper introduction effortlessly. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how Paperpal transforms your initial ideas into a polished and publication-ready introduction.

background for research paper example

How to use Paperpal to write the Introduction section

Step 1: Sign up on Paperpal and click on the Copilot feature, under this choose Outlines > Research Article > Introduction

Step 2: Add your unstructured notes or initial draft, whether in English or another language, to Paperpal, which is to be used as the base for your content.

Step 3: Fill in the specifics, such as your field of study, brief description or details you want to include, which will help the AI generate the outline for your Introduction.

Step 4: Use this outline and sentence suggestions to develop your content, adding citations where needed and modifying it to align with your specific research focus.

Step 5: Turn to Paperpal’s granular language checks to refine your content, tailor it to reflect your personal writing style, and ensure it effectively conveys your message.

You can use the same process to develop each section of your article, and finally your research paper in half the time and without any of the stress.

The purpose of the research paper introduction is to introduce the reader to the problem definition, justify the need for the study, and describe the main theme of the study. The aim is to gain the reader’s attention by providing them with necessary background information and establishing the main purpose and direction of the research.

The length of the research paper introduction can vary across journals and disciplines. While there are no strict word limits for writing the research paper introduction, an ideal length would be one page, with a maximum of 400 words over 1-4 paragraphs. Generally, it is one of the shorter sections of the paper as the reader is assumed to have at least a reasonable knowledge about the topic. 2 For example, for a study evaluating the role of building design in ensuring fire safety, there is no need to discuss definitions and nature of fire in the introduction; you could start by commenting upon the existing practices for fire safety and how your study will add to the existing knowledge and practice.

When deciding what to include in the research paper introduction, the rest of the paper should also be considered. The aim is to introduce the reader smoothly to the topic and facilitate an easy read without much dependency on external sources. 3 Below is a list of elements you can include to prepare a research paper introduction outline and follow it when you are writing the research paper introduction. Topic introduction: This can include key definitions and a brief history of the topic. Research context and background: Offer the readers some general information and then narrow it down to specific aspects. Details of the research you conducted: A brief literature review can be included to support your arguments or line of thought. Rationale for the study: This establishes the relevance of your study and establishes its importance. Importance of your research: The main contributions are highlighted to help establish the novelty of your study Research hypothesis: Introduce your research question and propose an expected outcome. Organization of the paper: Include a short paragraph of 3-4 sentences that highlights your plan for the entire paper

Cite only works that are most relevant to your topic; as a general rule, you can include one to three. Note that readers want to see evidence of original thinking. So it is better to avoid using too many references as it does not leave much room for your personal standpoint to shine through. Citations in your research paper introduction support the key points, and the number of citations depend on the subject matter and the point discussed. If the research paper introduction is too long or overflowing with citations, it is better to cite a few review articles rather than the individual articles summarized in the review. A good point to remember when citing research papers in the introduction section is to include at least one-third of the references in the introduction.

The literature review plays a significant role in the research paper introduction section. A good literature review accomplishes the following: Introduces the topic – Establishes the study’s significance – Provides an overview of the relevant literature – Provides context for the study using literature – Identifies knowledge gaps However, remember to avoid making the following mistakes when writing a research paper introduction: Do not use studies from the literature review to aggressively support your research Avoid direct quoting Do not allow literature review to be the focus of this section. Instead, the literature review should only aid in setting a foundation for the manuscript.

Remember the following key points for writing a good research paper introduction: 4

  • Avoid stuffing too much general information: Avoid including what an average reader would know and include only that information related to the problem being addressed in the research paper introduction. For example, when describing a comparative study of non-traditional methods for mechanical design optimization, information related to the traditional methods and differences between traditional and non-traditional methods would not be relevant. In this case, the introduction for the research paper should begin with the state-of-the-art non-traditional methods and methods to evaluate the efficiency of newly developed algorithms.
  • Avoid packing too many references: Cite only the required works in your research paper introduction. The other works can be included in the discussion section to strengthen your findings.
  • Avoid extensive criticism of previous studies: Avoid being overly critical of earlier studies while setting the rationale for your study. A better place for this would be the Discussion section, where you can highlight the advantages of your method.
  • Avoid describing conclusions of the study: When writing a research paper introduction remember not to include the findings of your study. The aim is to let the readers know what question is being answered. The actual answer should only be given in the Results and Discussion section.

To summarize, the research paper introduction section should be brief yet informative. It should convince the reader the need to conduct the study and motivate him to read further. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure, choose trusted AI academic writing assistants like Paperpal to effortlessly craft your research paper introduction and other sections of your research article.

1. Jawaid, S. A., & Jawaid, M. (2019). How to write introduction and discussion. Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia, 13(Suppl 1), S18.

2. Dewan, P., & Gupta, P. (2016). Writing the title, abstract and introduction: Looks matter!. Indian pediatrics, 53, 235-241.

3. Cetin, S., & Hackam, D. J. (2005). An approach to the writing of a scientific Manuscript1. Journal of Surgical Research, 128(2), 165-167.

4. Bavdekar, S. B. (2015). Writing introduction: Laying the foundations of a research paper. Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, 63(7), 44-6.

Paperpal is an AI writing assistant that help academics write better, faster with real-time suggestions for in-depth language and grammar correction. Trained on millions of research manuscripts enhanced by professional academic editors, Paperpal delivers human precision at machine speed.

Try it for free or upgrade to  Paperpal Prime , which unlocks unlimited access to premium features like academic translation, paraphrasing, contextual synonyms, consistency checks and more. It’s like always having a professional academic editor by your side! Go beyond limitations and experience the future of academic writing.  Get Paperpal Prime now at just US$19 a month!

Related Reads:

  • Scientific Writing Style Guides Explained
  • 5 Reasons for Rejection After Peer Review
  • Ethical Research Practices For Research with Human Subjects
  • 8 Most Effective Ways to Increase Motivation for Thesis Writing 

Practice vs. Practise: Learn the Difference

Academic paraphrasing: why paperpal’s rewrite should be your first choice , you may also like, self-plagiarism in research: what it is and how..., 6 tips for post-doc researchers to take their..., presenting research data effectively through tables and figures, ethics in science: importance, principles & guidelines , jenni ai review: top features, pricing, and alternatives, 8 most effective ways to increase motivation for..., how to make your thesis supervision work for..., publish or perish – understanding the importance of..., what next after manuscript rejection 5 options for..., how to revise and resubmit rejected manuscripts: a....

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you’re on board with our cookie policy

Logo

  • A Research Guide
  • Research Paper Guide

How to Write a Background for a Research Paper

  • What is the background
  • Background structure
  • Literature review vs background
  • Step-by-step writing guide
  • Tips to avoid mistakes

Background information example

How to Write a Background for a Research Paper

The background of any academic paper is the academic backbone it relates to. Thus, you must carefully write the first section to keep the end goal clear for your reader.

We’ve got you covered if you need more time or writing skills to create a solid study paper! This article will provide the necessary information to write a background for a research paper. Let’s go!

What is the background of the study in research?

The research paper background refers to the section, component, or thesis that provides context and justification for conducting the study. It outlines the existing knowledge, gaps, and limitations in the field or topic you currently investigate.

The definition of “background” says it should begin with a general introduction to the subject matter, providing an overview of the broader scientific area. It aims to familiarize the reader with the topic and establish its significance and relevance in the existing body of knowledge.

Furthermore, the background of the study highlights the specific problem or knowledge gap that the current study aims to address. It emphasizes the need for further investigation, highlighting the unanswered questions or areas where you have to conduct an additional examination.

The background of the study also plays a crucial role in shaping the study objectives, questions, and hypotheses . By reviewing the existing literature and identifying gaps, academic associates can formulate clearer goals and design appropriate methodologies to address the specific problems.

The background of the study structure

The background statement can vary depending on the scientific field and the paper or thesis requirements. However, it generally follows a logical flow and includes several key components. Here is a standard structure for the background structure:

  • Introduction: Begin with a brief introduction that provides an overview of the chosen topic and its importance. This section should capture the reader’s interest and establish the context for the study.
  • Current problem: As an academic author, you must clearly identify the scientif problem or gap in the existing knowledge the study aims to address. Please explain why this problem is significant and why it requires further investigation.
  • Literature review: Review the relevant literature related to the research topic. Summarize critical theories, concepts, and findings from previous studies directly relevant to the research problem. Discuss the existing knowledge and highlight any limitations or gaps the current study aims to fill.
  • Research questions/objectives/hypotheses: To write background information, you should clearly state the research questions, objectives, or assumptions that guide the study. These should be directly derived from the research problem and align with the gaps identified in the literature review.
  • Study rationale: Explain the potential contributions and implications of the study. Discuss how the findings may advance knowledge, address practical issues, or have broader impacts in the field or society. Justify why the study is worth conducting and how it adds value to the existing body of knowledge.
  • Scope and limitations: Define the size of the study by outlining the boundaries and specific aspects you will cover. Discuss any limits or constraints impacting the study’s findings or generalizability.
  • Summary: Provide a concise summary or conclusion of the background section of a research paper, emphasizing the research problem, significance, and the need for further investigation.

It’s important to note that you can imply changes to the structure based on your requirements and the specific guidelines provided by your college advisor.

Difference between literature review and background

The literature review and the background of the study are two distinct components of a research paper or thesis, although they are closely related. Let’s explore the differences between these two sections:

Steps to write a good background section

When writing a background section for a research paper, you can follow these three steps to ensure a clear and compelling presentation:

Identify the Research Problem

  • Begin by clearly identifying and defining the research problem or gap in the existing knowledge that your study aims to address.
  • Consider the significance and relevance of the problem within your research field or discipline.
  • Briefly explain why the problem is essential and how addressing it can contribute to the existing body of knowledge.

Review the Relevant Literature

  • Conduct a thorough literature review to gather relevant information and understand the current state of knowledge on your research topic.
  • Summarize critical theories, concepts, and findings from previous studies that directly relate to your research problem.
  • Highlight any gaps, controversies, or limitations in the existing literature that your study aims to address.
  • Organize the literature review logically, either by themes, sub-topics, or chronologically, depending on what they mean for your research.

Provide Rationale and Objectives

  • Provide a clear rationale for conducting your study based on the research problem and the gaps identified in the literature review.
  • Explain why your research is essential and how it will contribute to filling the identified gaps or advancing knowledge in the field.
  • State the specific research objectives or questions your study aims to answer.
  • Align the objectives with the research problem and the gaps identified in the literature, demonstrating how your study will address those gaps.

Following these steps, you can create a well-structured and coherent background section that establishes your research’s context, significance, and rationale. Remember to provide sufficient background information and be concise yet informative in your presentation.

The main tips to avoid mistakes

Here are a few tips to help you avoid common mistakes when writing background paragraphs:

  • Focus on the research topic;
  • Be concise and clear;
  • Use credible and up-to-date sources;
  • Provide a logical flow;
  • Avoid excessive jargon and technical terms;
  • Balance breadth and depth;
  • Use citations appropriately;
  • Revise and proofread.

By following these tips, you can enhance the quality of your background section, ensuring that it effectively sets the stage for your research and engages the reader from the beginning of your paper.

To write the background of a research paper, you must understand the overall structure and know exactly how this section should look.

Let’s see an excellent example of a background section for a research paper on the topic of “The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health”:

“The rapid rise of social media platforms in recent years has transformed how people communicate, connect, and share information. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat have become integral parts of daily life for millions of individuals worldwide. 

While social media offers numerous benefits, including increased social connectivity and access to diverse perspectives, concerns have been raised regarding its potential impact on mental health.

Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes, focusing on depression, anxiety, and body image dissatisfaction. 

This study seeks to contribute to the existing knowledge by employing a longitudinal design and examining a broad range of mental health outcomes among a diverse sample of adults aged 18-45.

Research has shown that excessive use of social media and constant exposure to carefully curated and idealized representations of others’ lives can contribute to feelings of inadequacy, social comparison, and low self-esteem. 

Additionally, cyberbullying has emerged as a significant concern, as individuals may experience harassment, negative comments, and exclusion within the online environment”.

Brief Summary

You have to be very concise and clear to write a background paragraph. Remember that it often serves as the first point of contact between your research and the reader. As a result, the background section has to focus on the study, explaining the significance and relevance of the research problem.

aside icon

  • Writing a Research Paper
  • Research Paper Title
  • Research Paper Sources
  • Research Paper Problem Statement
  • Research Paper Thesis Statement
  • Hypothesis for a Research Paper
  • Research Question
  • Research Paper Outline
  • Research Paper Summary
  • Research Paper Prospectus
  • Research Paper Proposal
  • Research Paper Format
  • Research Paper Styles
  • AMA Style Research Paper
  • MLA Style Research Paper
  • Chicago Style Research Paper
  • APA Style Research Paper
  • Research Paper Structure
  • Research Paper Cover Page
  • Research Paper Abstract
  • Research Paper Introduction
  • Research Paper Body Paragraph
  • Research Paper Literature Review
  • Research Paper Background
  • Research Paper Methods Section
  • Research Paper Results Section
  • Research Paper Discussion Section
  • Research Paper Conclusion
  • Research Paper Appendix
  • Research Paper Bibliography
  • APA Reference Page
  • Annotated Bibliography
  • Bibliography vs Works Cited vs References Page
  • Research Paper Types
  • What is Qualitative Research

service-1

Receive paper in 3 Hours!

  • Choose the number of pages.
  • Select your deadline.
  • Complete your order.

Number of Pages

550 words (double spaced)

Deadline: 10 days left

By clicking "Log In", you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We'll occasionally send you account related and promo emails.

Sign Up for your FREE account

The Citizen Lab

PAPERWALL Chinese Websites Posing as Local News Outlets Target Global Audiences with Pro-Beijing Content

Key findings.

  • A network of at least 123 websites operated from within the People’s Republic of China while posing as local news outlets in 30 countries across Europe, Asia, and Latin America, disseminates pro-Beijing disinformation and ad hominem attacks within much larger volumes of commercial press releases. We name this campaign PAPERWALL.
  • PAPERWALL has similarities with HaiEnergy, an influence operation first reported on in 2022 by the cybersecurity company Mandiant. However, we assess PAPERWALL to be a distinct campaign with different operators and unique techniques, tactics and procedures.
  • PAPERWALL draws significant portions of its content from Times Newswire, a newswire service that was previously linked to HaiEnergy. We found evidence that Times Newswire regularly seeds pro-Beijing political content, including ad hominem attacks, by concealing it within large amounts of seemingly benign commercial content.
  • A central feature of PAPERWALL, observed across the network of websites, is the ephemeral nature of its most aggressive components, whereby articles attacking Beijing’s critics are routinely removed from these websites some time after they are published.
  • We attribute the PAPERWALL campaign to Shenzhen Haimaiyunxiang Media Co., Ltd., aka Haimai, a PR firm in China based on digital infrastructure linkages between the firm’s official website and the network.
  • While the campaign’s websites enjoyed negligible exposure to date, there is a heightened risk of inadvertent amplification by the local media and target audiences, as a result of the quick multiplication of these websites and their adaptiveness to local languages and content.
  • These findings confirm the increasingly important role private firms play in the realm of digital influence operations and the propensity of the Chinese government to make use of them.

Why Exposing this Type of Campaign Matters

Beijing is increasing its aggressive activities in the spheres of influence operations (IOs), both online and offline . In the online realm, relevant to the findings in this report, Chinese IOs are shifting their tactics and increasing their volume of activity. For example, in November 2023 Meta – owner of the social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp – announced the removal of five networks engaging in “coordinated inauthentic behavior” (i.e. influence operations) and targeting foreign audiences. Meta noted it as a marked increase in IO activity by China , stating that “for comparison, between 2017 and November 2020, we took down two CIB networks from China, and both mainly focused on the Asia-Pacific region. This represents the most notable change in the threat landscape, when compared with the 2020 [US] election cycle.”

Seeding ad hominem attacks on Beijing’s critics can result in particularly harmful consequences for the targeted individuals, especially when, as in PAPERWALL’s case, it happens within much larger amounts of ostensibly benign news or promotional content that lends credibility to and expands the reach of the attacks. The consequences to these individuals can include, but are not limited to, their delegitimization in the country that hosts them; the loss of professional opportunities; and even verbal or physical harassment and intimidation by communities sympathetic to the Chinese government’s agenda.

This report adds yet more evidence, to what has been reported by other researchers, of the increasingly important role played by private firms in the management of digital IOs on behalf of the Chinese government. For example, an October 2023 blog post by the RAND corporation summarized recent public findings on this issue, and advocated for the disruption of the disinformation-for-hire industry through the use of sanctions or other available legal and policy means.

It should be noted that disinformation-for-hire companies, driven by revenue, not ideology, tend not to be discerning about the motivations of their clients. As major recent press investigations have shown , both their origin and their client base can truly be global. Exposing this actor type, and its tactics, can help understand how governments seek plausible deniability through the hiring of corporate proxies. It can also refocus research on the latter, increasing deterrence by exposing their actions.

On October 25, 2023, the Italian newspaper Il Foglio published an article , summarized in English here , that exposed a small network of six websites posing as news outlets for Italian audiences that did not correspond to any real newsrooms in Italy. Il Foglio’s investigation confirmed that the websites were not registered as news outlets in the national registry, as legally required for any information organization operating within the country.

The identified domains used a specific naming convention: the name of an Italian city in the local spelling (i.e. “Roma”, or “Milano”), followed by mundane terms (for example, “moda”, meaning fashion; “money”; or “journal”). The websites hosted on those domains were all similar in structure, layout, and content, with generic political, crime, and entertainment articles interspersed with a relatively high amount of news related to China, or even directly derived from Chinese news organizations.

Il Foglio claimed that the network was being operated from China, and possibly by the Chinese government, based on content analysis and on the six domains resolving to an unspecified IP address owned by Tencent Computer Systems Inc., a major Chinese corporation. The Italian newspaper also hinted at the possible existence of a broader set of websites linked to the six presented, without publicly disclosing further information.

On November 13, 2023, the South Korean National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) , a governmental agency, also published a report exposing eighteen Korean-language websites posing as local news outlets. The report attributed these sites to a Chinese PR firm called Haimai , based on the firm itself advertising the opportunity for its clients to publish press releases on these same sites. These websites presented strong similarities with the six Italian-language ones exposed by Il Foglio, from their technical structure to the modus operandi utilized.

We set out to research the whole network, with the objective of discovering additional websites, their tactics, targeting, and impact; and of verifying the attribution of the activity to its operators.

An Extensive Network of Websites

The initial set.

Based on DNS infrastructure overlaps, we were able to expand the network identified by Il Foglio to an initial total of 74 domains . The majority of the domains could be identified through a relatively small set of three IP addresses they resolved to.

The number of domains hosted on these IP addresses is relatively low: they featured a total of less than 100 domain resolutions, while theoretically, each could have hosted thousands of domains. This could indicate that the IPs are only linked to one operator, rather than multiple clients of the provider.

We started from the following six domains, identified in the original news article:

Table 1: List of 6 domains hosting Italian-language websites as identified by Il Foglio

Based on Passive DNS resolution data made available by RiskIQ , we found that the above domains resolved, during the last two years, to at least one of the following three IP addresses:

Table 2: List of IP addresses to which the 6 domains resolved since 2021

We found other domains that had pointed to at least one of those three IP addresses since April 2018, obtaining the following list of 74 domains:

We verified that — with only four exceptions, highlighted in table 3 — the domains hosted websites posing as news outlets in several countries. The four highlighted exceptions resolved to one or more of the three examined IP addresses before or after the rest of the network was present on them, making their affiliation to PAPERWALL questionable. Additionally, many of them appeared to utilize the naming convention identified for the Italian-language domains (city name, followed by a generic term).

The Broader Network

By replicating the same process on the websites highlighted in the NCSC report, we were able to identify additional domains, and confirm them as fully matching the PAPERWALL signature features.

These include:

The websites’ structure

All of them were built on WordPress, and utilized a ( highly popular ) page builder plugin – WPBakery – for their setup.

The domains’ infrastructure

As spotted by Il Foglio, the current hosting infrastructure for the six Italian-language domains linked back to Tencent, a Chinese-based company. In fact, the relevant service being utilized is Tencent Cloud; and we could verify that all the currently active domains were being hosted on a Tencent Cloud IP address.

  • It is important however to note that this is something that any private customer can request, provided that certain requirements given by the host provider are satisfied.
  • We confirmed in the Tencent Cloud service documentation that the requirements imposed by the company are minimal: the identity of the individual or company subscribing to the service, a mobile phone number (to be verified through a security code sent via SMS), and a credit or debit card.
  • This effectively means that any private or corporate subscriber operating the network of websites could have pointed their domains to a Tencent IP address by subscribing to their Cloud service.

The WordPress users

We analyzed the usernames utilized to post content on the PAPERWALL websites through a technique called user enumeration . This technique revealed that the whole network shared a small number of content author names, visible in the table below.

Table 4: WordPress usernames identified as used on the PAPERWALL websites

The content

All of the identified websites had almost identical homepage menus, typically including (translated in the target language): Politics, Economy, Culture, Current Affairs, and Sport. The actual content being posted was a mix of scraped and reposted content from local media in the targeted country; press releases; and occasional Chinese state media articles, or anonymous disinformation content. The content could typically be observed as being simultaneously cross-posted across several of the websites at once. We analyze the content in more detail later in this report .

Examples of a commercial press release related to a company called Great Wall Motor being posted to six different PAPERWALL websites within the span of six days (25 to 31 October 2023). Note: we did not find any evidence that GWM was aware of its content being promoted as part of a deceptive coordinated campaign.

As of December 21, 2023, we were able to identify a total of 123 domains , almost all of which are hosting websites posing as news outlets. A full list of these domains is available in the Appendix .

Target Audiences

Based on the language utilized, as well as on the sourcing of the local news content reposted by PAPERWALL websites – an aspect that we will also describe in more detail later in this report – we observed the network as mimicking local news outlets in 30 different countries , as shown in the map below. A full list of the target countries, with the number of websites addressing each, is available in the Appendix .

The PAPERWALL target audiences, showing the distribution of websites per each country targeted

To appear as legitimate local news outlets, PAPERWALL websites typically utilized local references as part of their names. For example, “Eiffel” or “Provence” for French-language websites; “Viking” for the Norwegian one; or city names, commonly used for Italian and Spanish websites.

Headers of napolimoney[.]com (Italy), eiffelpost[.]com (France), and sevillatimes[.]com (Spain) shown as examples of the nomenclature pattern used by PAPERWALL

Meanwhile, in April 2020, the domain wdpp[.]org (presumably abbreviated for “World Development Press”) was registered. The website located on a Tencent IP address, which is also linked to updatenews[.]info and 16 other PAPERWALL domains, will be critical to our attribution .

In July 2020, we saw the first group registrations. That month, nine domains were registered, with each hosting a website aimed at Japanese audiences. One of them, fujiyamatimes[.]com , has a footer linking it to “Updatenews” .

Footer on fujiyamatimes[.]com, showing the line “Support: FUJIYAMA TIMES by Updatenews.”

The Content

Breakdown of the content categories found on the PAPERWALL network of websites

Political Content: Targeted Attacks and Disinformation

Hidden within much larger amounts of generic content, a smaller portion published by the PAPERWALL network is of a political nature. The following sections break down content types and main features.

Targeted Attacks

A common type of politically-themed content includes ad hominem attacks , usually kept in English irrespective of the target audience, on figures perceived by Beijing as hostile. For example, an article titled “Yan Limeng is a complete rumor maker” could be found on every active PAPERWALL website as of December 2023. This article contains a direct attack on Li-Meng Yan , a Chinese virologist who alleges that the COVID-19 virus originated from a Chinese government laboratory. While her theories have been widely dismissed by the global scientific community, the attacks on her by PAPERWALL were unsubstantiated, aimed at her personal and professional reputation, and completely anonymous.

Examples of an article attacking Li-Meng Yan, as published by the PAPERWALL websites nlpress[.]org (Netherlands), sevillatimes[.]com (Spain), and milanomodaweekly[.]com (Italy).

This article echoes others that circulated outside of the PAPERWALL network on websites that cannot be confirmed as part of the same network, as well as on blogging platforms. For example:

  • “ The Perelman School Of Medicine Should Expel Yan Limeng ”, published on 16 October 2023 by theinscribermag[.]com. A review of the other articles posted by the same author, “Dawn Wells”, reveals more targeted attacks on political figures, for example the President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen .
  • “ Reject Yan Limeng for Perelman Medical College ”, published on prlog[.]org, a distinct but equally anonymous press release publishing platform, on 6 March 2022.
  • “ This is Yan Limeng was hired as a Perelman School ” (sic), published on 21 June 2023 on medium.com, an open blogging platform.
  • “ #汉奸闫丽梦#闫丽梦Maintain campus cleanliness Reject Yan Limon for Perelman Medical College ”, published on 14 December 2023, also on medium.com.

This suggests that PAPERWALL is used as an amplifier for campaigns targeting specific individuals and anonymously employing an array of additional online platforms to maximize their attacks.

Conspiracy Theories

A second type of politically themed content present within the PAPERWALL network of websites is conspiracy theories, typically aimed at the image of the United States, or its allies. Claims could include, for example, allegations of the US conducting biological experiments on the local population in South-East Asian countries.

On the left is an example of conspiracy theory from euleader[.]org. The article was published in an anonymous form directly on the PAPERWALL website, with the feature image hosted on a website called timesnewswire[.]com which we will further analyze in the following section. The image was taken from the cover of a book titled “Biological Weapons: Using Nature to Kill” by Anna Collins.

Chinese State Media

A final category of political content disseminated by PAPERWALL often takes the form of verbatim reposts of content from Chinese state media, such as CGTN or the Global Times. Also, in this case, the content usually remains untranslated from English. An example of this scenario is shown in figure 10.

Example of CGTN (Chinese state media) article reposted, verbatim, by the PAPERWALL website italiafinanziarie[.]com on December 13, 2023

Scraping of Local Mainstream Media

One of the most evident tactics PAPERWALL employs to disguise its websites as local news outlets is to regularly republish content, verbatim, from legitimate online sources in the target country. Below is an example extracted from the French-language website eiffelpost[.]com :

Article posted on eiffelpost[.]com (a confirmed PAPERWALL website), left, and the original published by the real French newspaper Le Parisien, right

Commercial Content

Press releases.

Mixed with the copy/pasted news content, the PAPERWALL websites typically publish press releases of a commercial nature. These press releases are often posted either in an explicit “Press Release” section or directly on the homepage. A peculiarity of the press release content is that it is usually not translated in the target language, but remains in the original one – which, for the most part, is English.

Dec 15, 2023 screenshot from the homepage of the PAPERWALL website italiafinanziarIe[.]com, showing a press release (in English), mixed with Italian-language legitimate news content (lifted, in this example, from the local news website https://www.rete8.it).

Cryptocurrencies

A substantial portion of the press release content is specifically dedicated to cryptocurrency topics. This is consistent with the sourcing of press releases from Times Newswire – which we will analyze in the next section – where cryptocurrency topics are among the most common.

Snapshot of the Press Release (“Comunicato Stampa” in Italian) section of italiafinanziarie[.]com, showing five distinct cryptocurrency-related press releases, all in English. Again, the Italian language is reserved for the legitimate news content extracted from real local media

Content Sourcing

In order to better understand the nature and proportion of the sourcing of content by PAPERWALL, we utilized the backlinks analysis platform provided by AHREFS . Backlinks are links created when one website links to another .

  • We extracted all the domains that PAPERWALL backlinked to – therefore including those hosting content published by PAPERWALL – as of November 30, 2023.
  • We sorted them by the amount of total backlinking PAPERWALL domains, in descending order.
  • We then manually reviewed and categorized the backlinked domains. The top 25 ones are visible in figure 15.

Our elaboration of the backlinks data obtained through the AHREFS platform, showing the top 25 domains that PAPERWALL websites backlinked to as of November 30, 2023. CGTN and Global Times, both Chinese state media, appear in the list respectively with 95 and 86 backlinking domains each

The results show:

  • A top layer of social media domains, which is unsurprising – individual press releases will typically contain links to the client company’s social media profiles;
  • A set of cryptocurrency websites , which – once reviewed individually – are confirmed as the subject of multiple press releases each. Also, two non-crypto private corporations , likely benefiting from the paid press release services that PAPERWALL appears to host;
  • Two Chinese state media websites (CGTN and Global Times), backlinked to by almost 100 domains each;
  • Finally, but crucially, approximately 100 domains backlinked to Times Newswire , a supposed newswire service.

Times Newswire

Links to paperwall.

The consistent connection between PAPERWALL and Times Newswire is one of the most peculiar traits of the campaign. While there is certainly no definitive playbook on how online influence operations are conducted, it is uncommon for a network of coordinated websites to regularly draw content from a single publicly available but equally covert source. For example, as seen in other known disinformation campaigns , a typical tactic would be to create copycat domains, mimicking real news sources without revealing where the content was first published. This characteristic makes it possible to analyze the distribution and type of the content and renders the source website a central component of the campaign.

As of November 30, 2023, the alleged newswire service was backlinked to by 98 distinct PAPERWALL domains, out of the total 123. We assess that the vast majority of the backlinks in question consist of content directly hosted on the Times Newswire website , and reposted by the PAPERWALL network , as seen in a previous example .

Times Newswire is a known entity in the context of influence operations: it was first reported about in 2023 by Mandiant, a Google-owned cybersecurity company. Mandiant observed Times Newswire’s hosted content disseminated through a network of subdomains for legitimate US-based news outlets in the context of an influence campaign that the company dubbed as HaiEnergy.

Mandiant had attributed HaiEnergy to a Chinese PR firm called Haixun , previously identified in their original 2022 report ; however, in their 2023 report the cybersecurity firm stated: “we currently lack technical evidence to suggest an underlying connection between Haixun and […] Times Newswire, […] and thus currently view them as distinct entities.” In fact, timesnewswire[.]com is – like the PAPERWALL websites – a fully anonymous asset.

It should be noted that – unlike the PAPERWALL websites – timesnewswire[.]com offers a “Submit Post” button, hinting at the possibility for registered users to publish content directly to the website. However, once clicked, the button leads to a login page, with no registration module being displayed. The registration of users therefore appears not to happen through the website, and is probably controlled and individually approved by the website’s operators separately.

Similarly to what was stated by Mandiant for the HaiEnergy campaign, we cannot currently attribute Times Newswire to the same operators as PAPERWALL. There are however at least two significant similarities between the newswire and the PAPERWALL network:

The hosting IP address is also a Tencent one, and on the same AS number (132203) as the PAPERWALL domains. An Autonomous System (AS) number is a collection of IP addresses “ under the control of one or more network operators on behalf of a single administrative entity or domain .”

Times Newswire also uses a simple WordPress template as its main structure. Additionally, it utilizes the same page builder plugin ( WPBakery ) used by PAPERWALL.

Being central to at least two distinct operations – PAPERWALL and HaiEnergy – Times Newswire could however be an independent asset, simultaneously exploited by multiple influence operations.

Ephemerality

We were able to identify examples of politically-themed articles that were routinely deleted from Times Newswire. For example, we observed ad hominem attack posts on figures in direct conflict with Beijing’s positions that were later removed from the website.

  • One of these figures was Li Hongzhi , founder and leader of the religious movement Falun Gong, that has been banned and persecuted in mainland China since 1999 .
  • While a Google search on the articles mentioning Li Hongzhi currently only returns two articles, a similar search through the Times Newswire content archived by the Wayback Machine showed a total of eight pieces.
  • All articles are anonymous opinion pieces expressing extremely harsh views on Li and the religious movement he leads.

This behavior suggests that ephemeral seeding is the intention for most content of that type which is deleted from the source website (Times Newswire) at an unspecified time after its initial publication. As noted in previous research , ephemeral disinformation is designed to elude detection. With the evidence disappearing from the source websites not long after having been published, investigators may be unable to make the necessary connections to detect an influence operation or correctly identify the reach and depth of the operation. At the same time, the seeded message could be picked up and amplified by mainstream or social media, making the narrative stay even if the original source had been removed.

In the case of PAPERWALL however, as we discuss in more detail in the Conclusions section, we currently have no evidence that this has ever happened.

Headlines of two now-deleted Times Newswire articles (1, 2) attacking Li Hongzhi, founder and leader of the religious movement Falun Gong

As a final note on the operational tactics utilized by Times Newswire and, as a consequence, by PAPERWALL, we note that the articles targeting Li Hongzhi, as well as others of a political nature that we could observe, were all categorized as “press releases” on the website, similarly to the thousands of actual promotional posts it published. It is however highly unusual for press releases to include content of this kind. We judge this as another tactic designed to make the political narratives hard to detect without diminishing their potential impact.

Attribution: Haimai

We attribute PAPERWALL to a PR firm based in China, Shenzhen Haimaiyunxiang Media Co., Ltd., or “Haimai.”

Haimai was first exposed by the Korean NCSC in their investigation on 18 Korean-focused PAPERWALL websites as being responsible for operating them. However, based on the evidence presented in the NCSC report , that assessment appeared to be primarily based on Haimai itself advertising the paid placement of promotional articles on Times Newswire, and as a consequence, on the PAPERWALL network of websites.

We do not consider this criterion as sufficient for a conclusive attribution. In fact, during our research we could identify at least three other PR and marketing companies advertising the sale of promotional packages to be placed directly on PAPERWALL websites. They include:

  • A South Korean firm named Excelsior Partners , which on Kmong (a Korean service marketplace, hosting the advertisement of specialized services by freelancers, or agencies) advertised the sale of language-specific promotional packages. Each of the packages exclusively listed PAPERWALL domains as the “major local media” on which paid editorial content could be placed.
  • A second Korean company called AN&ON , which advertised country-specific promotional packages on its own website in a similar way to Excelsior Partners. The domains listed were, also in this case, PAPERWALL ones.
  • A Chinese company, called Coin Blog , also known as BIBK , equally selling paid editorial content placement on several confirmed PAPERWALL domains.

However, we could identify digital infrastructure linkages between Haimai and PAPERWALL . Specifically, the two earliest registered PAPERWALL domains, updatenews[.]info and wdpp[.]org, hosted a Google AdSense ID linking them to Haimai’s official website, hmedium[.]com, and to a second website directly related to it. AdSense IDs are unique identifiers for a website operator’s AdSense account .

This is therefore an incriminating finding, proving that both PAPERWALL domains had been set up by the same operators as the Haimai assets.

A review of the source code for updatenews[.]info and wdpp[.]org revealed the presence on both websites of the Google AdSense ID ca-pub-5378976189690174 .

Figure 17: Excerpts of source code from updatenews[.]info (top) and wdpp[.]org (bottom), both displaying the AdSense ID ca-pub-5378976189690174.

Conclusions

PAPERWALL is a large, and fast growing , network of anonymous websites posing as local news outlets while pushing both commercial and political content aligned with Beijing’s views to a variety of European, Asian, and Latin American audiences.

The campaign is an example of a sprawling influence operation serving both financial and political interests, and in alignment with Beijing’s political agenda . By observing the minimal traffic towards the network’s websites that is measurable through open source tools 2 , and the lack of visible mainstream media coverage (including on news aggregators, such as for example Google News) or social media amplification, we can assess the impact of the campaign as negligible so far .

This assessment, however, as well as the large amount of seemingly benign commercial content wrapping the aggressively political one within the PAPERWALL network, should not be taken to indicate that such a campaign is harmless. Seeding pieces of disinformation and targeted attacks within much larger quantities of irrelevant or even unpopular content is a known modus operandi in the context of influence operations , which can eventually pay enormous dividends once one of those fragments is eventually picked up and legitimized by mainstream press or political figures .

Finally, the role and prominence of private firms in creating and managing influence operations is hardly news . However, since the early days of research in this space, the disinformation-for-hire industry has boomed , leading to findings and disruptions in countries around the world (for a few examples, in Myanmar , Brazil , the UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia ). China – previously exposed for having resorted to this proxy category in large influence operations, including the cited HaiEnergy – is now increasingly benefiting from this operating model, which maintains a thin veil of plausible deniability, while ensuring a broad dissemination of the political messaging. It is safe to assume that PAPERWALL will not be the last example of a partnership between private sector and government in the context of Chinese influence operations.

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Jakub Dałek for his research support. Thanks to John Scott-Railton, Emma Lyon, Pellaeon Lin, Siena Anstis, and Céline Bauwens for their peer review and assistance. We would like to thank Melissa Chan for helpful recommendations. Research for this project was supervised by Ron Deibert.

Confirmed Domains

Targeted countries, high-confidence host ip addresses, paperwall domains.

  • We are redacting this domain name as it appeared on one of the shared DNS IP addresses only two months after a PAPERWALL domain was last seen on it, and it seems to belong to a legitimate business with no obvious connections to the network. ↩︎
  • We utilized hypestat.com , a web platform (and browser extension) measuring daily and monthly traffic to websites. The vast majority of the PAPERWALL domains did not even appear in the platform’s database, indicating that their traffic was most likely negligible. Some, such as the generic, English language ones (for example, wdpp[.]org or euleader[.]org) showed an average of about 50 daily visitors. ↩︎

Privacy Policy

Unless otherwise noted this site and its contents are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Canada license.

This paper is in the following e-collection/theme issue:

Published on 12.2.2024 in Vol 26 (2024)

Attitudes Toward and Use of eHealth Technologies Among German Dermatologists: Repeated Cross-Sectional Survey in 2019 and 2021

Authors of this article:

Author Orcid Image

Original Paper

  • Matthias Augustin 1 * , MD   ; 
  • Patrick Reinders 1 * , MSc   ; 
  • Toni Maria Janke 1 , MSc   ; 
  • Klaus Strömer 2 , MD   ; 
  • Ralph von Kiedrowski 3 , MD   ; 
  • Natalia Kirsten 1 , MD   ; 
  • Alexander Zink 4 , PD   ; 
  • Marina Otten 1 , PhD  

1 Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany

2 Private Dermatological Practice, Ahaus, Germany

3 Dermatology Specialty Practice, Selters, Germany

4 Department of Dermatology and Allergy, School of Medicine Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany

*these authors contributed equally

Corresponding Author:

Patrick Reinders, MSc

Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP)

University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE)

Martinistraße 52

Hamburg, 20251

Phone: 49 40741024721

Email: [email protected]

Background: In recent years, legal and infrastructural conditions have been set to improve the adoption of digital applications in health care in Germany. The impact of these actions was amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. So far, no studies have confirmed this progress in dermatology.

Objective: The aim of this study was to measure changes in knowledge, interest, expectation, and use of digital applications in health care among dermatologists in Germany in 2019 and 2021.

Methods: We administered a repeated cross-sectional survey among dermatologists in medical practices and clinics in Germany at 2 time points: t 1 (2019; before the COVID-19 pandemic) and t 2 (2021; during the COVID-19 pandemic). We used a standardized questionnaire, including items on respondents’ knowledge, interest, expectation, and use of digital applications, as well as their demographics. The survey was distributed by post and email. The data were analyzed descriptively as well as with multiple logistic regressions.

Results: At t 1 , 585 (272/571, 47.6% female; mean age 52.4, SD 8.9 years) dermatologists and at t 2 , 792 (360/736, 48.9% female; mean age 54.3, SD 8.6 years) dermatologists participated in this survey. Interest in digital medicine was higher at t 1 than at t 2 (381/585, 65.1% vs 458/792, 57.8%; P ≤.001). Nevertheless, 38.6% (306/792) had used digital applications more often since the beginning of the pandemic. For example, real-time telemedicine with patients (12/585, 2.1% vs 160/792, 7.6%; P ≤.001) and other specialists did increase (33/385, 5.7% vs 181/792, 22.8%; P ≤.001). Almost one-third expressed great concerns about digitalization (272/792, 34.3% vs 294/792, 37.1%; P =.21). Spatial analysis revealed higher interest in, more positive expectations toward, and higher use of digital applications in urban areas in comparison to rural areas. For instance, dermatologists from urban areas assessed future applications as having less risk (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.51, 95% CI 0.35-0.76) than did dermatologists from rural areas. The situation was similar with the age groups, as, for example, dermatologists aged <50 years also expected lower risks (aOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.34-0.77) than those aged ≥50 years. There were no differences between sexes in use, but there were differences in knowledge and expectation; for example, male participants assessed their confidence in using digital applications as higher (aOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.01-2.04) than did female participants.

Conclusions: During the pandemic, the use of digital applications in dermatology increased but still remained at a moderate level. The regional and age-related disparities identified indicate the need for further action to ensure equal access to digital care.

Introduction

Digital health, or eHealth, can improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and equity in the delivery of health care services. The term was defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and encompasses traditional information and communication technologies, mobile phone–based apps, artificial intelligence (AI), and computer science-driven genomics in health care [ 1 ]. Many digital health applications are nowadays established in health care environments in Europe, ranging from administrative solutions, such as practice or hospital information systems, to telemedical applications in some medical areas (eg, radiology) [ 2 , 3 ].

In terms of health care digitalization, Germany, along with France and Poland, is lagging behind other European countries [ 4 ]. Therefore, many legal and reimbursement conditions have been set to foster a nationwide implementation of digital health, for example, the eHealth Act in 2016 [ 5 - 8 ]. These initiatives enabled the reimbursement of video consultations in 2019, following the eased ban on remote treatments in 2018 [ 9 ]. Another initiative from 2019 enabled the introduction of digital health applications (Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen; DiGAs). DiGAs are medical device-classified smartphone apps or web applications that practitioners can prescribe for patients. In terms of digital infrastructure, the nationwide telematics infrastructure (TI) is another important key element in health care digitalization in Germany. The TI aims to network all health care providers (eg, clinics, pharmacies, and outpatient practices) and thereby foster efficiency in the system by making patient data more easily available for all stakeholders [ 10 ].

Dermatology is a visual field enabling the adoption of applications such as AI, teledermatology, or patient monitoring for chronic dermatological diseases [ 9 , 11 - 13 ]. The implications of the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly amplified the adoption and use of digital applications in dermatology worldwide, but also in Germany. For example, every third German dermatologist used some form of teledermatology in May 2020, and of those, 75% had introduced it during the pandemic [ 14 ]. Yet, limited data are available on the actual uptake and acceptance of digitalization in dermatology in Germany.

Therefore, the primary aim of our survey was to measure developments in knowledge, interest, expectation, and use of digital applications among dermatologists in practices and clinics from 2019 to 2021, that is, before and after the onset of the pandemic. Our secondary aim was to analyze age, sex, and regional differences on these factors in 2021.

Study Design and Questionnaire

The Consensus-Based Checklist for Reporting of Survey Studies (CROSS) [ 15 ] was used for reporting this study. In June 2019 (t 1 ), an anonymous, quantitative cross-sectional survey both on the web [ 16 ] and offline through a paper-based version was conducted among all German dermatologists that provided care in medical practices and clinics. The questionnaire contained items on knowledge, interest, expectation, and use of digital applications. The following demographic data were collected: the dermatologist’s age, sex, and postal code of the office or clinic. The survey was also conducted in June 2021 (t 2 ), including a few additional items; the t 1 survey had 23 items, while the t 2 survey had 29 items (23 items were identical to t 1 and 6 items were related to developments due to the COVID-19 pandemic, medical device–classified smartphone apps, ie, DiGAs, AI, the electronic health care professional card [elektronischer Heilberufeausweis; eHBA], and the physician’s place of work (outpatient medical practice or hospital clinic).

The majority of items were on a 5-point Likert scale. Further items with 2-4 response categories were used (eg, great importance, moderate importance, and no importance). The full questionnaires are provided in Multimedia Appendix 1 . Participants had the opportunity to provide written reasons for their responses.

Study Population, Recruitment, and Data Entry

At both time points, all members of the Federal Association of German Dermatologists (BVDD) and the German Dermatological Society (DDG) providing care in medical practices and clinics were invited to anonymously answer one of the questionnaires (on the web or offline). During the recruitment period of 4 weeks, the dermatologists received multiple reminders for participation. The total pool of addresses in both years was approximately 5900 dermatologists, but this also included members who did not practice dermatologic care anymore or had an outdated address. After considering 350 undeliverable mails or emails and an additional 30% of retirees or nonactive dermatologists in the pool, we assumed a sample of 3500 active dermatologists. No sample size calculation was conducted. To reduce errors in data entry regarding the paper-based questionnaires, 25% of all data entries were randomly checked. No errors were identified. During data cleaning, we also checked demographics for duplicates in the web-based survey–generated data.

Statistical Analysis

Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS (version 27; IBM Corporation) for Windows, starting with descriptive statistics. For items with more than 2 answer categories, responses were binary-coded: for items with 5 answer categories, “very often” and “often” were coded as 1, while “rarely,” “never, but planned,” and “never, not planned” were coded as 2; for items with 4 answer categories, “yes and “no, but ordered” were coded as 1, while “no, not ordered” and “no, I reject a connection” were coded as 2; for items with 3 answer categories, “great importance” was coded as 1, while “moderate importance” and “no importance” were coded as 2.

Based on the postal code, participants were assigned to urban and rural regions using data from the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs, and Spatial Development (Bundesinstitut für Bau-, Stadt- und Raumforschung; BBSR) [ 17 ]. Age was categorized as 25-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, 60-66 years, and ≥67 years. For subgroup analysis, age was binary coded: ≥50 years and <50 years.

To test for differences between t 1 and t 2 (the primary aim of the study), t tests (2-tailed) for interval-scaled variables and chi-square tests for ordinal and nominal-scaled variables were performed (significance level of P =.05). Due to the exploratory nature of this research, no correction of the P value for multiple testing (eg, Bonferroni adjustment) was applied to prevent an increased likelihood of type II errors [ 18 , 19 ]. Additional adjustment for demographic and geographic differences between t 1 and t 2 was done through multivariate logistic regression models. Each model included age, sex, urban or rural area, and type of survey (paper or internet-based). Derived from the models, adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and the associated 95% CI are presented. Items that were introduced at t 2 were analyzed descriptively.

To reach the secondary aim of the study, unadjusted differences between subgroups (age (≥50 vs <50 years, sex, and urban or rural) were calculated at t 2 . Additionally, aORs and 95% CI were obtained using logistic regressions.

Missing Data

Missing data are reported for items with a rate >5%. We identified high missing values for some variables (age, sex, and region; Table 1 ). The Little test of missingness [ 20 ] was performed and was significant ( χ 2 3072 =3,704,038; P <.001). Hence, it was assumed that data were not missing completely at random but were missing at random [ 20 , 21 ]. As recommended, 20 data sets were imputed with fully conditional specification through the multiple imputation algorithm within SPSS (version 22) [ 22 ]. Thereby, linear regression was used for age, and logistic regressions were used for binary-coded variables (eg, urban or rural and sex), using all variables. After imputation, all analyses were run on each data set, and the results were pooled in accordance with the Rubin rules [ 23 ]. As there were minimal differences in the distribution of values before and after imputation, the imputed values are reported.

a 2-tailed t tests were performed.

b Chi-square tests were performed.

c N/A: not applicable; item was first introduced in 2021.

Ethical Considerations

For this study, no ethical review was necessary as the study was anonymous and noninterventional. The Ethics Committee of the Medical Association in Hamburg states that no ethical approval is necessary for studies in which data have already been collected anonymously (Ethik-Kommission; Sonstige Studien: Ärztekammer Hamburg [ 24 ]). The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and the Guidelines for Good Clinical Practice.

At t 1 , a total of 585 dermatologists participated, and at t 2 , a total of 792 dermatologists participated in the survey ( Table 1 ). Considering approximately 3500 eligible dermatologists in both years, the participation rate is thereby estimated to be 16.7% (585/3500) and 22.6% (792/3500), respectively.

Sex and geographic distribution were comparable (no significant differences) between the 2 time points ( Table 1 ), except for a mean age difference of 1.9 years between t 1 and t 2 ( P ≤.001). There was also a significant difference in the mode of participation: while in 2019, about 48.5% (284/585) dermatologists participated through the web-based survey, only 32.9% (261/792) did so in 2021 ( P ≤.001).

Most dermatologists expressed interest in digital medicine in both years, and half of them also felt confident in using it, but interest (381/585, 65.1% vs 458/792, 57.8%; P <.001) and confidence (297/585, 50.7% vs 333/792, 42.1%; P =.002) significantly decreased from t 1 to t 2 ( Figure 1 ). The self-assessed knowledge of digital medicine was rather low in both years (228/585, 38.9% vs 272/792, 34.4%; P =.08)

The importance of the digital transformation within the health care system was rated highly by the participants. Yet a slight negative trend was noticed (t 1 : 400/585, 68.3% vs t 2 : 492/792, 62.1%; P =.03) ( Figure 1 ). For around one-third of participants, digital medicine harbors a high risk (t 1 : 201/585, 34.3% vs t 2 : 294/792, 37.1%; P =.21) and supports daily activities (223/585, 38.2% vs 304/792, 38.4%; P =.93). Only a small number of dermatologists had read the guideline on teledermatology (t 1 : 95/585, 16.2% vs t 2 : 148/792, 18.7%; P =.40). DiGAs were seen as important in the future by 38.2% (303/792) of participants at t 2 .

The most often used digital applications in dermatology at both survey time points were those ensuring asynchronous communication (store-and-forward) with patients (t 1 : 253/585, 43.2% and t 2 : 348/792, 44%; P =.54) and other specialists (t 1 : 273/585, 46.7% and t 2 : 359/792, 45.3%; P =.58). Real-time video consultation with a patient was used 4 times more frequently in 2021 compared with 2019 but was still used rarely (t 1 : 12/585, 2.1%, and t 2 : 60/792, 7.6%; aOR 4.00, 95% CI 2.12-7.52) ( Figure 1 ). Real-time communication with other specialists was used nearly 6 times more often (t 1 : 33/585, 5.7%, and t 2 : 181/792, 22.8%; P <.001). Remote patient monitoring (22/585, 3.8% vs 55/792, 7%; P =.02) and electronic appointment reminders (t 1 : 121/585, 20.6% vs t 2 : 212/792, 26.8%; P =.02) were also used more regularly by dermatologists in 2021. In contrast, electronic physician letters were sent significantly less often in 2021 compared with 2019 (t 1 : 122/585, 20.8% vs t 2 : 105/792, 13.3%; P <.001). Incorporation of web-based patient data into patient care was rarely used at both time points (t 1 : 25/585, 4.2% vs 38/792, 4.8%; P =.57) ( Figure 1 ).

Connection to the nationwide TI has progressed further, with 79% (626/792) of participants being connected or having requested a connection in comparison to 66.5% (389/792) in 2019 ( P <.001). The eHBA was available or at least requested by 80.3% (636/792), and AI methods for diagnosing were used by 21.4% (169/792) of participating dermatologists at t 2 . For the last 2 items, no data were available for t 1 .

According to respondents, 38.6% (306/792) had used digital medicine procedures more frequently since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of these, 92.4% (283/306) estimated to make at least partial continued use of the newly introduced digital applications.

Younger dermatologists indicated higher interest, knowledge, and confidence in using digital applications (aORs in Table 2 ). They saw more of a benefit in using applications for their daily activities than older dermatologists. Younger participants also used asynchronous communication methods with patients and physicians and electronic appointment reminders for patients more often, whereas older dermatologists more often expected high risks regarding the implementation of digital medicine.

Participants practicing in urban areas had a higher likelihood of reporting a good level of knowledge, interest, and confidence in using digital applications (aORs in Table 3 ). Furthermore, they used many of the digital applications more often, including asynchronous communication with patients and colleagues and electronic patient reminders, and rated the risks associated with digital medicine as lower. In contrast, they were less likely connected to the TI.

Only a few significant differences in sexes were identified (aORs in Table 4 ). Male dermatologists were more likely than female dermatologists to state a good level of knowledge and confidence in using digital applications. Female dermatologists more often expected the great importance of DiGAs and the digital transformation in the future.

background for research paper example

a Does not add up to the overall total of 792, as data for an average of 3 participants were not imputed.

b Unadjusted or crude values.

c Chi-square tests were performed.

d Logistic regressions were performed. Following items were included as independent variables: sex (male or female) and regional allocation (urban or rural).

e DiGAs: Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen.

f eHBA: elektronischer Heilberufeausweis.

a Unadjusted or crude values.

c Logistic regressions were performed. Following items were included as independent variables: age (≥50 years or < 50 years) and sex (male or female).

d DiGAs: Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen.

e eHBA: elektronischer Heilberufeausweis.

a Unadusted or crude values.

c Logistic regressions were performed. The following items were included as independent variables: age (≥50 years or <50 years) and regional allocation (urban or rural).

This trend analysis is the first to measure developments in knowledge, interest, expectation, and use of digital applications in dermatology during the events of the COVID-19 pandemic. First, we identified a moderate increase in the use rate of digital applications in dermatological care, while interest in the topic decreased slightly; one-third of practitioners expect great risks with the introduction of digital medicine. Second, we noticed regional and age-related disparities in self-assessed knowledge, confidence, expectations of digital medicine, and the use rate of digital applications. The survey also revealed differences between sexes in self-assessed knowledge and confidence in digital medicine among dermatologists in Germany.

The decline in interest in using digital applications might be explained by the more widespread implementation of digital applications, as verified by this survey. We hypothesize that digital applications may have moved from extraordinary to ordinary daily routines, resulting in a reduction of interest. Confidence and knowledge may have declined as practitioners were more often confronted with the actual use of applications in their daily routine, potentially disclosing the limits of their knowledge in digital medicine.

Interestingly, only one-third of physicians stated that digital applications support their daily activities, which is one of the main promises of health care digitalization. The outcome could be caused by the long, costly, and not yet fully implemented nationwide eHealth initiatives in Germany [ 25 ]. The overall perception will, however, differ depending on the type of digital application. The benefit of AI for diagnostic purposes, for example, might be high, as the technology could potentially improve the efficiency of screening and the diagnostic confidence of practitioners [ 26 ].

We observed an increase in real-time communication technologies to communicate with patients and other physicians, which could also be shown by other studies [ 14 ]. Compared to the United States, where nearly 42.6% of offices stated using video consultations, this service is rarely offered by dermatologists in Germany, as identified within our results (160/792, 7.6%) [ 27 ]. Reasons for the low use may involve insufficient reimbursement for providers and a 2019-loosened ban on remote treatments, which also explains the low use rate for this year [ 14 ]. In the future, it can be assumed that video consultation with patients may decline after the pandemic fades into the background again, as the main reason for its use was protection from infections [ 2 ]. Lower use of video consultations in times of low COVID-19 infection rates could already be shown in Germany [ 28 ]. Nevertheless, it is not assumed that the use rates of video consultation will go back to the use rates of the prepandemic era.

On the contrary, the use of asynchronous communication technologies was not affected by the pandemic or other changes during the observed period, which contradicts other results from Elsner [ 14 ] at first glance, wherein 75% of dermatologists in 2020 did introduce the technology with the onset of the pandemic. Within our survey, all purposes—administrative (eg, appointments and invoices), medical-related (eg, diagnosis), and technologies (eg, email, SMS text messages, or teledermatological platforms)—were covered by the item, whereas the item in the survey by Elsner [ 14 ] was specific to store-and-forward teledermatology, so a medical-related purpose. As the number of dermatologists adopting store-and-forward teledermatology substantially increased, we assume that the purpose of asynchronous communications has partly shifted from administrative purposes to medical-related purposes with the onset of the pandemic.

In terms of the TI, dermatologists are a bit behind other specialist groups: 14% of all practitioners that responded to a nationwide survey [ 2 ] and 21% (166/792) of dermatologists within our survey are not yet connected to the TI. Regarding DiGAs, they see a similar importance to other physicians: 40% nationwide of all physicians versus 38.2% (303/792) in our survey. We found a reduction in use of the electronic physician’s letter in dermatology, although most outpatient physicians stated that it eases the administrative workload in clinical practice [ 2 ].

Within the survey, age, sex, and regional differences were identified. The lower self-assessed knowledge and confidence in digital medicine by female dermatologists could be confounded by social expectations. In other areas of life, no or only marginal differences in digital literacy between sexes could be measured when accounting for education and employment status [ 29 ]. Nevertheless, female dermatologists could thus have similar knowledge of digital medicine, resulting in similar use rates, as shown.

The phenomenon of regional and age disparities, noted in our survey, has generally been noted with the advent of digitalization in all areas of life and is known as the digital divide. Thus, not only access to the internet, internet speed, and availability of appropriate hardware, but also digital competencies among practitioners and patients are related to inequalities in the use of digital tools [ 30 ]. In Germany, the average use rates of the internet, as well as digital competence and openness to use digital applications, are more pronounced in urban regions and younger age groups in comparison to rural regions and older groups [ 31 ], partially explaining the differences identified within our survey. Consequently, digital applications have the potential to increase unequal access to care, at least in the short term. To ensure equity in the delivery of care in dermatology, all disparities related to sex, age, or region should be addressed by legal, infrastructure, and reimbursement initiatives. In addition, implementation strategies for evidence-based digital applications should be customized to specific target groups [ 32 ].

The response rates of our surveys were slightly lower than in previous surveys among German dermatologists [ 33 ]. Hence, a certain selection bias among participants cannot be excluded. Considering the official physician statistics, dermatologists aged between 50 and 59 years were slightly overrepresented, whereas dermatologists aged 35 years or younger were slightly underrepresented. In addition, female dermatologists were underrepresented in the survey in comparison to the federal statistic (360/736, 48% in our survey vs 60% at the national level) [ 34 ]. Although our surveys were not representative, the sample sizes were large enough to detect trends and variations among demographic and geographic parameters. To improve comparability between survey waves, an adjustment of demographic and geographic differences was performed through multiple logistic regressions. Groups at t 1 and t 2 may differ for unmeasured characteristics (eg, professional expertise, number of consultations per week, socioeconomic patient groups in the area, and the number of private and statutory insured patients), thus resulting in underestimated or overestimated differences. Nevertheless, the same population was contacted at both time points, and important baseline characteristics did not present any larger differences.

Conclusions

The repeated survey revealed an increase in the adoption of the majority of digital applications in dermatology, amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, regional and age-related disparities in the use of digital applications exist, reducing equal access to innovative health care solutions for patients. In the future, policy strategies must be developed to counteract these disparities and improve nationwide implementation. Developers of digital innovations should incorporate physicians’ perspectives more commonly to ensure feasibility and use. Future research should support policymakers and developers by identifying barriers to implementation, monitoring disparities, and ensuring an evidence base for digital applications. Widespread implementation and acceptance among patients and physicians can then improve the efficiency, equity, and effectiveness of care.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the scientific communication team of the Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing, especially Merle Twesten and Mario Gehoff, for editing this manuscript.

Data Availability

The data sets generated during and/or analyzed during this study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Authors' Contributions

MA was responsible for the conceptualization, methodology, software, supervision, writing, review, and editing of this study. PR handled data curation, formal analysis, investigation, project administration, visualization, and writing the original draft. TMJ supported the formal analysis. KS, AZ, and RVK supported the conceptualization of the survey and reviewed the manuscript. NK was responsible for the methodology, writing, review, and editing of the manuscript. MO initially developed the survey and supported data curation, formal analysis, investigation, methodology, project administration, validation, visualization, writing, review, and editing of the manuscript.

Conflicts of Interest

None declared.

Survey: Digital medicine in German dermatology practices and clinics 2019 and 2021.

  • Fifty-eighth world health assembly. World Health Organization. 2005. URL: https://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/WHA58-REC1/A58_2005_REC1-en.pdf [accessed 2024-01-03]
  • Albrecht M, Otten M, Sander M, Temizdemir E. PraxisBarometer Digitalisierung 2020: Stand und Perspektiven der Digitalisierung in der vertragsärztlichen und -psychotherapeutischen Versorgung. Berlin, Germany. IGES Institut; 2020.
  • The Topol review. Preparing the healthcare workforce to deliver the digital future: an independent report on behalf of the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. Health Education England. 2019. URL: https://topol.hee.nhs.uk/ [accessed 2021-07-28]
  • #SmartHealthSystems international comparison of digital strategies: digitisation requires political leadership, a strategy that is driven by health policy goals, and a coordinating institution. Bertelsmann Stiftung. 2019. URL: https:/​/www.​bertelsmann-stiftung.de/​fileadmin/​files/​Projekte/​Der_digitale_Patient/​VV_SHS_Europe_eng.​pdf [accessed 2022-10-26]
  • E-Health-Gesetz verabschiedet. Bundesministerium für Gesundheit. 2015. URL: https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/ministerium/meldungen/2015/dezember-2015/e-health [accessed 2021-07-07]
  • Ärzte sollen Apps verschreiben können: Gesetz für eine bessere Versorgung durch Digitalisierung und Innovation (Digitale-Versorgung-Gesetz—DVG). Bundesministerium für Gesundheit. 2020. URL: https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/digitale-versorgung-gesetz.html [accessed 2021-07-28]
  • Schnellere Termine, mehr Sprechstunden, bessere Angebote für gesetzlich Versicherte: Terminservice- und Versorgungsgesetz (TSVG). Bundesministerium für Gesundheit. 2019. URL: https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/terminservice-und-versorgungsgesetz.html [accessed 2021-07-28]
  • Bundesärztekammer. Hinweise und Erläuterungen zu § 7 Abs. 4 MBO-Ä—Behandlung im persönlichen Kontakt und Fernbehandlung. Deutsches Ärzteblatt. 2019;19:116. [ https://www.aerzteblatt.de/archiv/207221/Hinweise-und-Erlaeuterungen-zu-7-Abs-4-MBO-Ae-Behandlung-im-persoenlichen-Kontakt-und-Fernbehandlung ]
  • Augustin M, Wimmer J, Biedermann T, Blaga R, Dierks C, Djamei V, et al. Praxis der teledermatologie. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2018;16(Suppl 5):6-57. [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
  • Thiel R, Deimel L, Schmidtmann D, Piesche K, Hüsing T, Rennoch J, et al. #SmartHealthSystems: Digitalisierungsstrategien im internationalen Vergleich. Bertelsmann Stiftung. 2018. URL: https://www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de/de/publikationen/publikation/did/smarthealthsystems [accessed 2021-10-05]
  • Augustin M, Strömer K. S2k-Leitlinie Teledermatologie. AWMF Online. 2020. URL: https://www.awmf.org/leitlinien/detail/ll/013-097.html [accessed 2021-07-28]
  • Armstrong AW, Chambers CJ, Maverakis E, Cheng MY, Dunnick CA, Chren MM, et al. Effectiveness of online vs in-person care for adults with psoriasis: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2018;1(6):e183062. [ https://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/30646223 ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
  • Haenssle HA, Fink C, Toberer F, Winkler J, Stolz W, Deinlein T, et al. Man against machine reloaded: performance of a market-approved convolutional neural network in classifying a broad spectrum of skin lesions in comparison with 96 dermatologists working under less artificial conditions. Ann Oncol. 2020;31(1):137-143. [ https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0923-7534(19)35468-7 ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
  • Elsner P. Teledermatology in the times of COVID-19—a systematic review. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2020;18(8):841-845. [ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ddg.14180 ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
  • Sharma A, Duc NTM, Thang TLL, Nam NH, Ng SJ, Abbas KS, et al. A consensus-based Checklist for Reporting of Survey Studies (CROSS). J Gen Intern Med. 2021;36(10):3179-3187. [ https://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/33886027 ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
  • Unipark. URL: https://www.unipark.com/ [accessed 2024-01-08]
  • INKAR—Indikatoren und Karten zur Raum- und Stadtentwicklung. Bundesinstitut für Bau-, Stadt- und Raumforschung. URL: https://www.inkar.de/Default [accessed 2021-07-27]
  • Bender R, Lange S. Adjusting for multiple testing--when and how? J Clin Epidemiol. 2001;54(4):343-349. [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
  • Armstrong RA. When to use the Bonferroni correction. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2014;34(5):502-508. [ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/opo.12131 ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
  • Little RJA. A test of missing completely at random for multivariate data with missing values. J Am Stat Assoc. 1988;83(404):1198-1202. [ CrossRef ]
  • Mirzaei A, Carter SR, Patanwala AE, Schneider CR. Missing data in surveys: key concepts, approaches, and applications. Res Social Adm Pharm. 2022;18(2):2308-2316. [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
  • White IR, Royston P, Wood AM. Multiple imputation using chained equations: issues and guidance for practice. Stat Med. 2011;30(4):377-399. [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
  • Rubin DB. Multiple Imputation for Nonresponse in Surveys. New York, NY. Wiley; 1987.
  • Aerztekammer-Hamburg. URL: https://www.aerztekammer-hamburg.org/home.html [accessed 2024-01-08]
  • Stafford N. Germany is set to introduce e-health cards by 2018. BMJ. 2015;350:h2991. [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
  • Nelson CA, Pachauri S, Balk R, Miller J, Theunis R, Ko JM, et al. Dermatologists' perspectives on artificial intelligence and augmented intelligence—a cross-sectional survey. JAMA Dermatol. 2021;157(7):871-874. [ https://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/34037674 ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
  • Gorrepati PL, Smith GP. Analysis of availability, types, and implementation of teledermatology services during COVID-19. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020;83(3):958-959. [ https://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/32531304 ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
  • Mangiapane S, Kretschmann J, Czihal T, von Stillfried D. Veränderung der vertragsärztlichen Leistungsinanspruchnahme während der COVID-Krise: Tabellarischer Trendreport bis zum Ende des Jahres 2021. Zentralinstitut für die kassenärztliche Versorgung in Deutschland. 2021. URL: https://www.zi.de/fileadmin/Downloads/Service/Publikationen/Zi-TrendReport_2021-Q4_2022-06-10.pdf [accessed 2022-10-26]
  • Ertl B, Csanadi A, Tarnai C. Getting closer to the digital divide: an analysis of impacts on digital competencies based on the German PIAAC sample. Int J Educ Dev. 2020;78:102259. [ https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0738-0593(20)30418-1 ] [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
  • Robinson L, Cotten SR, Ono H, Quan-Haase A, Mesch G, Chen W, et al. Digital inequalities and why they matter. Inf Commun Soc. 2015;18(5):569-582. [ CrossRef ]
  • Initiative D21 e.V.. D21 Digital Index 2018/2019 Jährliches Lagebild zur Digitalen Gesellschaft. Berlin, Germany. Hochschule der Medien; 2019.
  • Grol R, Grimshaw J. From best evidence to best practice: effective implementation of change in patients' care. Lancet. 2003;362(9391):1225-1230. [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
  • Zander N, Krensel M, Schäfer I, Weyergraf A, Mohr P, Strömer K, et al. Social rights claims for malignant melanoma patients: providing patient information in German dermatological practices. Hautarzt. 2019;70(10):804-810. Sozialrechtliche Ansprüche beim malignen Melanom : Aufklärung von Patienten in deutschen dermatologischen Praxen. [ CrossRef ] [ Medline ]
  • Bei den Ärztekammern registrierte Ärztinnen und Ärzte mit Gebiets- und Facharztbezeichnung (absolut, je 100.000 Einwohner und Einwohner je Arzt). Gliederungsmerkmale: Jahre, Region, Alter, Geschlecht, Gebiets-/Facharztbezeichnung, Tätigkeitsbereich: Anzahl Ärzte mit Facharztbezeichnung Haut- und Geschlechtskrankheiten. Gesundheitsberichterstattung des Bundes. 2021. URL: https://www.gbe-bund.de/gbe/ [accessed 2021-08-12]

Abbreviations

Edited by T de Azevedo Cardoso; submitted 20.01.23; peer-reviewed by S Xu, G Tobias; comments to author 16.06.23; revised version received 29.06.23; accepted 17.10.23; published 12.02.24

©Matthias Augustin, Patrick Reinders, Toni Maria Janke, Klaus Strömer, Ralph von Kiedrowski, Natalia Kirsten, Alexander Zink, Marina Otten. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (https://www.jmir.org), 12.02.2024.

This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work, first published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, is properly cited. The complete bibliographic information, a link to the original publication on https://www.jmir.org/, as well as this copyright and license information must be included.

IMAGES

  1. 43+ Research Paper Examples

    background for research paper example

  2. Science Fair Background Research Paper Sample posted by Christopher Peltier

    background for research paper example

  3. How to Write a Research Paper Outline With Examples?

    background for research paper example

  4. Background Of The Study In Research Paper Definition

    background for research paper example

  5. 26+ Research Paper Examples

    background for research paper example

  6. 👍 How to write a background research paper. PhD & MA Essays: How to

    background for research paper example

VIDEO

  1. background design for the paper #vairal #youtube #shots #

  2. How Technology Has Affected Education?

  3. Secret To Writing A Research Paper

  4. How to Write Chapter II Theoretical Background/Review of Related Literature and Studies

  5. Linguistic Competence and Performance

  6. Describes background of research

COMMENTS

  1. Background of The Study

    Table of Contents Background of The Study Definition: Background of the study refers to the context, circumstances, and history that led to the research problem or topic being studied. It provides the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and the significance of the study.

  2. What Is Background in a Research Paper?

    What Is Background in a Research Paper? By Enago Academy Dec 15, 2023 5 mins read 🔊 Listen (average: 4 out of 5. Total: 7) So you have carefully written your research paper and probably ran it through your colleagues ten to fifteen times.

  3. How to Write an Effective Background of the Study

    Sep 25, 2023 Table of Contents The background of the study in a research paper offers a clear context, highlighting why the research is essential and the problem it aims to address.

  4. What is the Background of the Study and How to Write It

    Aug 5, 2023 294,619 What is the Background of the Study and How to Write It Kevin What is the Background of the Study in Research? The background of the study is the first section of a research paper and gives context surrounding the research topic.

  5. What is the Background of a Study and How to Write It (Examples Included)

    February 27, 2023 Mary Oommen The background of a study sets the context, provides justification for, and highlights the significance of your research. (Image by jannoon028 on Freepik) Have you ever found yourself struggling to write a background of the study for your research paper? You're not alone.

  6. What is the Background of a Study and How Should it be Written?

    The background of a study is the first section of the paper and establishes the context underlying the research. It contains the rationale, the key problem statement, and a brief overview of research questions that are addressed in the rest of the paper. The background forms the crux of the study because it introduces an unaware audience to the ...

  7. How to write the background of your study

    Nov 27, 2018 Reading time 7 mins While the findings of your study form the foreground of your research, it is equally important to establish the background of your study. A well-written background will provide your study with a context and prompt the readers to read the rest of your paper.

  8. How to write the Introduction and the background for a research paper

    Answer: The Introduction section sets the context for your research work, explains the research problem, and indicates the purpose behind the study. The Introduction also highlights how your research contributes to knowledge in your field and builds on previous similar studies. You need to ensure that your Introduction does the following:

  9. Writing a Research Paper Introduction

    Table of contents Step 1: Introduce your topic Step 2: Describe the background Step 3: Establish your research problem Step 4: Specify your objective (s) Step 5: Map out your paper Research paper introduction examples Frequently asked questions about the research paper introduction Step 1: Introduce your topic

  10. Background Information

    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 attempts to address.

  11. How to Write a Background for a Research Paper: Tips

    Home Blog Research paper How to Write a Background for a Research Paper: Step-by-step Guidelines Published 27 Sep 2023 While the study's findings take the spotlight as the foreground of your investigation, it's equally crucial to establish a strong background.

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

    Answer Follow this Question 4 Answers to this question Answer: 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.

  13. How to Write a Research Paper

    Create a research paper outline. Write a first draft of the research paper. Write the introduction. Write a compelling body of text. Write the conclusion. The second draft. The revision process. Research paper checklist. Free lecture slides.

  14. Organizing Academic Research Papers: Background Information

    Providing background information in the Introduction of a research paper serves as a bridge that links the reader to the topic of your study.But precisely how long and in-depth this bridge should be is largely dependent upon how much information you think the reader will need in order to understand the research problem being discussed and to appreciate why the issues you are investigating are ...

  15. Background Information Examples for Essays and Papers

    Learn how to add background information to essays and papers. These background information examples will help you do it perfectly every time. ... You can see how this works in a variety of pieces, including personal essays, research papers, and more. In each example, the background information is italicized.

  16. What is the Background in a Research Paper?

    What is the Background in a Research Paper? An effective Background section in your manuscript establishes the context for your study. And while original research requires novel findings, providing the necessary background information for these findings may be just as important.

  17. Writing a Research Paper for Your Science Fair Project

    When you write your research paper you might want to copy words, pictures, diagrams, or ideas from one of your sources. It is OK to copy such information as long as you reference it with a citation. If the information is a phrase, sentence, or paragraph, then you should also put it in quotation marks. A citation and quotation marks tell the ...

  18. (Pdf) Procedure for Writing a Background Study for A Research Paper

    PROCEDURE FOR WRITING A BACKGROUND STUDY FOR A RESEARCH PAPER -WITH A PRACTICAL EXAMPLE BY DR BENARD LANGO DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.18093.92644 Authors: Benard Lango Jomo Kenyatta University of...

  19. Science Fair Project Background Research Plan

    To make a background research plan — a roadmap of the research questions you need to answer — follow these steps: Identify the keywords in the question for your science fair project. Brainstorm additional keywords and concepts.

  20. 20+ Research Paper Example

    Here we have gathered examples of research paper for most commonly applied citation styles: Social Media and Social Media Marketing: A Literature Review APA Research Paper Example APA (American Psychological Association) style is commonly used in social sciences, psychology, and education.

  21. How to Write a Research Paper Introduction (with Examples)

    Define your specific research problem and problem statement. Highlight the novelty and contributions of the study. Give an overview of the paper's structure. The research paper introduction can vary in size and structure depending on whether your paper presents the results of original empirical research or is a review paper.

  22. Q: How do I write the background to my research proposal?

    Note that these are merely pointers; a detailed literature search might help you arrive at sharper points for pursuit. Note also that you will need to write a background in your final paper. So, that in the proposal needs to be shorter (crisper). The proposal is more to convey to your professor/supervisor how much you know about research in ...

  23. How to Write a Background for a Research Paper Bonus Example

    Background information example. To write the background of a research paper, you must understand the overall structure and know exactly how this section should look. Let's see an excellent example of a background section for a research paper on the topic of "The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health":

  24. PAPERWALL: Chinese Websites Posing as Local News Outlets Target Global

    A network of at least 123 websites operated from within the People's Republic of China while posing as local news outlets in 30 countries across Europe, Asia, and Latin America, disseminates pro-Beijing disinformation and ad hominem attacks within much larger volumes of commercial press releases. We name this campaign PAPERWALL. We attribute the PAPERWALL campaign to Shenzhen Haimaiyunxiang ...

  25. Journal of Medical Internet Research

    Background: In recent years, legal and infrastructural conditions have been set to improve the adoption of digital applications in health care in Germany. The impact of these actions was amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. So far, no studies have confirmed this progress in dermatology. Objective: The aim of this study was to measure changes in knowledge, interest, expectation, and use of ...