Rajesh:
The following link gives a good explanation for answering your question:
http://www.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-binaries/47687_ch_5_&_6.pdf
Best regards,
Debra
the introduction addresses what the study will entail. The background discusses existing data on your topic, the problem statement is what you identify as an issue with supporting data. Lastly, the rationale tells the reader from your perspective why the study is needed. As long as you can persuade your readers of the need to study the issue and what will be added to the body of existing knowledge you will be okay.
Warm regards,
Kim
Hi Rajesh, if you think of the introduction as briefly explaining what you are planning / intending to do; the background then offers a summary of the the evidence / current knowledge about the topic; the problem statement is where you clearly identify a research question, aim or statement that outlines the specific issue you plan to address and the study rationale is where you argue for the importance of the topic - why should this research be undertaken? The rationale is often included in the introduction and/or background. In a research proposal the intention is to keep your arguments short and succinct, so only say what is necessary to make the argument in support of carrying out research on the particular topic. Ask yourself does each piece of information provide a necessary piece of information that will help convince the reader that my research is valuable and should be supported! good luck.
Usually there is an abstract that precedes the introduction, followed by background. The abstract should be quite terse, explaining what the piece is about and including your contribution to the subject. The introduction goes into more detail to elaborate on the abstract. The background is focused more on the motivation for the effort and what has already transpired that you are building upon.
the introduction identifies the research, you can describe each of the chapters or directly the results of research the background instead serve to highlight the problem in time
Not to oversimplify, but I usually told my doctoral students that the intro and background is to explain to the reader why and how the writer came to this research, providing a specific lens/context though which the reader could read the document. The statement and rationale focus in on the writing/research process itself, speaking to defining the specific question/questions that will be addressed (and this that will not) and the rationale provides the reason of why anyone should pursue this research and its possible value.
Hi Rajesh,
I am 100% sure that by now you have got the answer you were looking for through what the above experts have already responded to you. However, I just want to advise you that next time you need to give the respondents as what level of study you are. Just telling someone you need simple answers is not good enough. As all above colleagues who have answered you already will agree with me that as lecturers we ten to respond based on the level of the audience. That is why you have heard about someone saying what I tell to my PhD students, someone might say when I tell my MBA students and someone might further say when I tell my BA students because all these at one point or another will be involved in projects which will require the elements you have asked. Do not think some of the responses above are wrong no but they have responded based on the anticipated level of student they think are responding to. Best wishes
Thank you every body for your valuable answers. it will greatly help me to direct my master thesis. I appreciate your suggestion respected Fletcher Phiri Sir!
Can you just let me know how to collect data for a qualitative survey
Can you give me indicate whether a scientific article or a thesis ?. To guide you better.
Dear pablo Davila Pinto sir this question is for developing thesis proposal
Introduction vs Background
Writing a research paper is not an easy job. The writer has to present his findings in such a manner so as to make an interesting reading. This requires giving an introduction as well as background to satisfy the queries of the readers. Many people think of these two vital parts of a document such as a research paper as being same or interchangeable. This article brings out the differences between the introduction and background, as well as their role in making a document compelling for a reader.
Introduction
Introduction is that part of a document that tries to introduce the document in an interesting manner to the reader. Introduction is all about what a reader can expect in the document, in a concise manner. However, the introduction contains all the major points that are actually covered in the document. Introduction has to be presented in such a manner so that it lures the reader into reading the entire document. This is not easy, and an art in itself to compel the reader to pick up the research paper and read it in its entirety. This compares well with the trailer of a movie that picks up highlights of the movie to make it look very interesting for the viewer.
Background
Background of a research paper is written with the intention of clarifying the importance and the necessity of the paper in the first place. Why the study and what the basic purpose behind the study are the major questions that are answered through background that is presented with a research paper. A background is also a tool in the hands of the writer to prepare a reader for the document who is not familiar with the concepts discussed in the paper. Background also tries to prepare a reader to send him finally to read the full document.
It is hard to expect a reader to read the full document without creating a background as to what made the writer prepare the document. Background information is necessary as often a reader is interested in knowing the incidents prior to the research. It is like the foundation stone of a building upon which the entire edifice later stands.
What is the difference between Introduction and Background?
• Both an introduction, as well as, background is necessary and integral parts of a document
• Introduction is like showing a trailer of a movie to entice a reader to go through the entire document
• Background is to make a reader understand the reasons of conducting a study and the incidents leading up to the study.
What is the difference between introduction and background in research proposal and statement of problem and rationale of the study?
Agreed with the definitions given by previous scholars / researchers. In terms of their relationship / structure, "Introduction" usually is the first chapter / section in Thesis / Dissertation / Article which encompasses
to set the stage before detailed contents to be provided in subsequent chapters / sections. In most theses / dissertations, the "Introduction" chapter also include:
- Scope of research
- Limitations of research
- Organization of the thesis / dissertation - short summary of each chapter
- Key terms definition
- Summary of Chapter 1 (Introduction)
The differences between introduction and background can be summarized
as follows:-
• Both an introduction, as well as, background is necessary and integral parts of a document
• Introduction is like showing a trailer of a movie to entice a reader to go through the entire document
• Background is to make a reader understand the reasons of conducting a study and the incidents leading up to the study
Thank you all for clarifying these terms..... I have indeed leaned something great.
What is the difference between introduction and background in research proposal and statement of problem and rationale of the statement?
The answer lies in the question. Statement of problem and rationale of the statement can be arrived at after clarity on research proposal and the scope of study(or let us say what is being studied). The rationale of the statement is arrived at after analysing and understanding the problem in issue and formulation of hypothesis.
Introduction and background research proposal given us an idea of what is the background and previous theoretical studies in this regard and helps us in tallying through research the objectives of study to arrive at the hypothesis postulates and result achieved through research. It also leads us to the conclusions & emerging scenarios for future study.
Introduction: Out of several chapters in a proposal or thesis, "Introduction" is a beginning chapter: Chapter One. Usually, proposal or thesis is written on a format developed by own department or university; however, the essence of components of a research remains the same.
Department of English Education, Tribhuvan University, Nepal has developed a format; accordingly, "Introduction'" entails the following components.
Background of the Study
Statement of the problem
Objectives of the Study
Research Question or Hypothesis (if necessary)
Significance of the Study
Delimitations of the Study
Operational Definition of the Key Terms
Background of the Study: Background of the study is a component of introduction. Here is a model background of the study developed by one student of mine on the title 'Stakeholder’s Perception on Semester System: A Case of University Campus ':
1.1 Background of the Study
According to dictionary definition, the word ‘Semester’ means one of the two periods that the school or college year is divided into (Wehmeier etal., 2006, p. 1379). The semester system is something that goes for six months. In educational system, semester system has two academic sessions in a single year instead of one as in annual system. Educational system has been evolving since the early age of Gurukul system. There is a continuous attempt to make it better and better in changed circumstances in the modern world. With the advancement and exposure to new concepts, the educationists investigate possibilities to teach texts in various feasible manners. Introduction of semester system can be said to be the product of these investigations. A semester system is an academic term, which means the division of an academic year, the time during which a school, college or universities holds classes. “In semester system, the whole year is divided into two parts. Currently, lots of countries all over the world have implemented the semester system in their education system” (Mazumdar, 2010, p. 1).
The feature of semester system is not confined to the number of session it has. Compared to the annual system, the semester system involves focused attention of teachers on teaching and learning. The primary concern of the semester system is learning instead of teaching and its approach is learner centered instead teacher centered. The semester system is more organized and interactive in the classroom because it involves pedagogical processes instead of methods. “The motto of the semester is to put its emphasis on continuous, comprehensive and in-depth learning aiming at capacity building of the students by developing required knowledge, skills and attitude(KSA)” (Pabla, 2014).
That is the theoretical part of the semester system and its effectiveness depends upon how the concerned parties perceive it. If the system is newly implemented then there is good chance that the people will it take it in more negative way because of their natural tendency to resist the changes. The implementation of semester system do not give any fruits if its stakeholders like teachers, students and management do not understand the theme and objectives of the semester system. The title of this study suggests the perception of university level teachers, students and management on semester system recently implemented in central campus of Tribhuvan University.
likewise, statement of the problem and rationale of the study are other components under Introductory Chapter.
Very Nice Presentations. But I have a question? I think Back ground of the study and Problem Statement are same.
no need for separate?
Mohammad:
I think Kim Phillips above made this distinction clearly:
the introduction addresses what the study will entail. The background discusses existing data on your topic, the problem statement is what you identify as an issue with supporting data. Lastly, the rationale tells the reader from your perspective why the study is needed. As long as you can persuade your readers of the need to study the issue and what will be added to the body of existing knowledge you will be okay.
Best regards,
Debra
May be You can download the template of research proposal with descriptions online .
Kind regards
I am with Laxmi sir but want to add that ' Introduction' is an umbrella term which subsumes background of the study and problem statement, among others. Background of the study prepares ground for research, and problem statement clarifies the title and the issues to be addressed in the research.
What is the difference between introduction and background in research proposal and statement of problem and rationale of the study?
1. The introduction does just that, it introduces the reader as to what your study will be about.
2. Background tells you the history of the problem, where it started, where is currently and how your study might add to it through the use of the "gap" or "need."
3. The statement of the problem is what tells the reader what exactly you are going to provide research on by stating "It is not known" (This might vary from university as to how it is worded.)
4. Rationale is giving the reader an idea of why this study is necessary.
I know this is way late but I hope that it adds to the body of this question.
An introduction is the teaser for your background summary. It is meant to be short and attention grabbing, and make the reader actually want to read further into the background summary.
A background summary goes in depth, while a introduction does just that... introduce the reader to what will come.
1.An introduction as name implies introducing about your title with out missing the following components: 1.clear definition of the title 2. character/ features 3. importance 4. what you need to address this then summary of your introduction.
2.Statement of the problem is stating about the magnitude of the problem from global level to till your specific study area. components to be addressed 1. Magnitude of the problem from global to specific study area 2.Solution sought by other authors/NGO/GO
3.Gaps which need to be addressed
4.the gap that your research adresses
5.summarize it with your objectives.
3.Rationale is the justification for your research
It all depends where and when the introduction comes. Usually it is a main heading in chapter one of a proposal and report. However, if it used as a sub-heading, then is like a sign post to guide the reader as to what is included in the text in that chapter. Background to the study is a subheading of the introduction whether in the proposal or a report. It is the motivation of the study depicting the historical, theoretical, conceptual and contextual perspectives of the research. It shows evidence of existence of the problem. The statement of the problem specifies the precise problem as evidenced in the background.
Introduction : what is the problem and how big is the problem. what do you know and don't know. What are you going to do about it and why
Introduction : what is the problem and how big is the problem. what do you know and don't know. What are you going to do about it and why
this is most concise answer
Hello Rajesh,
it can help if you think of Background (BG) Present Position (PP) and Way Forward (WF). Introduction, literature and research methodology are the BG. The account of the research is the PP ( in research you are asking 'What is the present position regarding... whatever it is you are researching) WF is the discussion and conclusion.
In the Intro, I advise students to say what they are doing, how they are doing it, why they are doing it, why it is important to the field, and maybe why it is important to them. It is appropriate to state the overarching research question or hypothesis here for the first time. You may draw attention to leading theories or authors in the field, if these are important to your study, but you provide the detail in your literature chapter.
In the literature chapter you can draw your literature research together to show how it led to the overarching RQ/hypothesis. If at the end of the study you find there something that wasn't in your literature study, you can go back and put it in - your aim is to cover the BG, it is not to display your skill at a game of hunt-the-academic-research-paper! Well OK, perhaps there is some of that involved...
Please remember that as a higher level student you have more autonomy, and it is your choice how you proceed. You can ignore the above structure completely if you choose to. Your work will be judged on how well you do the job you have set out to do, and how well you have understood and followed academic form and academic requirements, so that your work is comprehensible, valid and reliable, and contributes to your subject's canon.
At the end of the day, the structure is your choice. I would suggest writing a draft intro just to get things moving, then going back at the end and polishing it.
Best wishes for your studies.
In the introduction , the researcher introduces the topic, methods, but in the background , the researcher goes with depth details. @
Introduction of a thesis is like a first stone of foundation which you lay as according your desire to erect a structure may be of a one story or ten storeys. you cannot build a structure of ten storeys on a weak foundation and and your efforts will be in vain if you invest too much in foundation when you want a structure to go up only a single storey. So its not introducing your topic merely but pin pointing toward what you have to offer for the reader in the whole of you thesis.
Introduction is the first section/chapter of the paper which provides the goal of the topic taking into consideration the background, statement of the problem, purpose of the study, research questions/hypotheses, significance, limitations, delimitation/scope, Operational definition, and organisation of the study. The remaining chapters are also introduce straight away with one or two paragraph without the use of title "Introduction" . Regarding the background, it is the first part of the introduction which provides the assessment of the origin and the problem area of the topic, and the rationale for selecting the problem area. Citations are require in the background to validate and buttress the points being made.
If the researcher decides to separate the background from the introduction, the background will include problems solution, study motivation, significance and advantages of his or her work.
Some researchers use the introduction without background. In this cases, the introduction should include general introduction, problem definition, gaps in literature, problems solution, study motivation, aims/objectives, significance and advantages of your work.
In all cases, the objectives and structure of the research come at the end of the introduction.
The difference is that introduction is like the universal set while background is a subset of the universal set; that is, the introduction contains the background of the study as well as other elements. The background of the study exposes a brief history of the study area, current research progression in the area as well as the researcher's perspective for innovative improvement. Other elements found in the introduction are statement of the problem which clearly defines the problem being solved in unambiguous terms, the aim and objectives which elucidate the goal and deliverables of the research, the justification/significance/rationale of the study which underscores the need for the study and highlights what will be added to the body of existing knowledge as a result of the research, and the scope of the study which sets the boundaries, in terms of activities, location and duration, within which the researcher is expected operate in order to complete the research and fully realise his or her objectives.
Introduction section should provide the reader with a brief overview of your topic and the reasons for conducting research.
http://www.ref-n-write.com/trial/research-paper-sample-writing-introduction-section-academic-phrasebank-vocabulary/
In the background section, you’ll want to provide broad definitions and discussions of the topic and incorporate views of others (literature review) into the discussion to support, refute, or demonstrate your position on the topic.
see this link https://www.geog.ox.ac.uk/graduate/apply/research_proposal.html
Indeed, not all manuscripts need background. I think "background" may be necessary for the book chapter only.
introduction sets the scene of your research while background gives a reason behind the research chosen.
Both an introduction, as well as, background is necessary and integral parts of a document
• Introduction is like showing a trailer of a movie to entice a reader to go through the entire document
• Background is to make a reader understand the reasons of conducting a study and the incidents leading up to the study.
I agree with Dr Hisham Abusaada.
In my area (Polymer), most of the journals require Introduction followed by Methods, Result and Discussion and lastly conclusion
In the thesis, Chapter 1 is the Introduction with consists of Background, Problem Statement, Objectives and Scope
Scope defines focus and boundary of your work, what are within and what are outside your study. It should not be written like methodology activities.
There should also be the hypothesis which is a statement of prediction that will be tested by research
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=MKsJjw0AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao
It is in the context of a thesis or dissertation where one would end up with an introduction and a background. Here, the introduction refers to the opening chapter of the thesis and consists of background, problem statement, purpose of research, research objectives or questions or hypotheses, significance, justification, scope and limitations of the study. Thus, introduction is the entire set of statements made by a researcher to explain what the research is all about and why it is necessary. In this context, a background is the first part of the introduction which explains the key issues covered by research and positions it in the existing body of knowledge. Typically, a background contains definitions, historical information on the key themes of the study, as well as fast statistics and facts relevant to the study. The background also presents the "thesis statement" which is typically that one-sentence statement which summarises the main claim or argument of a thesis.
In research papers, the distinction of introduction and background is fuzzy because it is not normal to have both. Usually, authors of research papers use the term introduction to present the key elements of a background.
Is that mean that introduction is a story about IVs and background is a story about DVs??
In some journals, it is preferred to have background to explain more details of the topic that cannot be placed in the introduction.
Introduction explains the main idea of your research and tells the readers that what the research intends to achieve. It gives an overview of the study concern. On the other hand, the background tells the readers the importance and necessity of the study. It summarises the past researchers and their issues and findings and finally concludes with a research gap which has not been addressed by any of those studies. It tells the readers the main purpose, importance and also the need of the study with a proper rationale.
I like the discussion. Introduction is about what the study entails. Background is somehow broad, funnel shaped- sometimes form a global perspective, systematic flow of ideas. one would question about
definitions of concepts and terms, justification of the study. highlight the major themes of the study.
I will explain background of the study.
First things first:
The following words mean the same thing in research:
Now as a researcher, you need to convince us why 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 must happen? Remember I have used OR not AND, so it means when I say 4 or 6, I mean the same thing.
So to convince us that your research is inevitable and must proceed to study, you achieve this in two ways:
As soon as you have identified your gaps, your research is inevitable.
So, when you combine:
You get background of the study.
This link may help:
https://www.oxbridgeessays.com/blog/writing-dissertation-conclusion-introduction-abstract/
Introduction-
It presents whole approach shortly to know about the research.
Background of the study-
What is the base data? Why this research is being taking on the previous study to solve the problem.
The introduction entails the big picture of your study. It could be globally and (or) locally. The background breaks down your issue at hand contextually. This is typically in academic write-ups.
The introduction you can include the benefits of your research; In the background I can describe how you came to define the subject can be supported by a timeline; When you pose the problem, you ask research questions and the justification highlights why the solution of the problem you pose is important to science
The Background help to clarifying the importance of doing the paper in the first place. But the Introduction tries to introduce the document typically research variables.
Introduction highlights the key elements in the entire study and what the reader expects to find/know whereas background gives details on the concept being studied, what was earlier found, any gaps in the previous studies and the rationale for the current study
You have included different-but-interrelated terms. In the introduction you present the main question or questions of your research; In the background you might elaborate on the topic that can be aided by a timeline based structure of your study; then your problem is highlighted.Rationale can be associated with the logical justifications for making the study.
Introduction set the scene of the research while the back gives a reason behind the research chosen.
Agree with Kim Phillips
As long as you can persuade your readers of the need to study the issue and what will be added to the body of existing knowledge you will be okay.
Dear Dr Rajesh Bhusal . See the following useful link: https://penandthepad.com/difference-introduction-background-dissertation-3469.html
For me, the introduction is the presentation of reserach, and the background is description of the research and shows the importance and relevance.
Actually, In the introduction you present the main question or questions of your research; In the background you might elaborate on the topic that can be aided by a timeline based structure of your study; then your problem is highlighted
An introduction introduces a study to the readers. Being a part of the introduction, a background initiates the research with research setting/context, a problem statement presents the research gap from a literature/practice perspective, and the rationale of the study justifies the research.
This is a good and thought provoking question.
In my opinion, introduction presents your topic to the reader and should captivate your reader. You'll need to define terminologies and explain differences between 2 or 3 conditions etc. Keeping this section simple helps the reader to understand while maintaining the use of necessary technical terms.The first few lines will signify what the reader should expect in the full write up. Also the author should use the own words (be original) as much as possible. If this section holds the reader's attention, then it is most likely they'll read most of your article.
Background is often a segment of the introduction, gives a preview of the topic. It provides information on previous studies and what was found. Sometimes, it may describe a location, city, country setting of the past studies or a commonly used laboratory method etc.
The information in the background should highlight the gap or problem statement if any exists, leading to some research questions and hypothesis.
Ultimately, this should provide the justification or rationale for the proposed study.
I hope this helps.
The introduction is a hook for our paper. starts with some powerful sentences and quotations and followed by an explanation of the title. The background part incorporates the context of the study, focusing on previous work and identify problem and possible solutions
The introduction of your research paper is presented before the background. The introduction provides an overview of the research topic from a broader perspective from a general subject area to a particular field of research. On the contrary, the background clarifies the importance of the study in detail and provides essential context to the study. Background information expands upon the key points stated in your introduction and provides the reader with the essential context needed to understand the research problem on the topic being studied. The contextualization helps the readers understand why your research topic is important from intended perspective which may include: Cultural, Economic, Historical, Philosophical, Physical/ Spatial, Political, Social, Temporal etc,. Background of the study helps to narrate the statement of the problem based on research gap identified from existing literature. After Identify the gaps in the literature, the rationale of the study explains and emphasize why the current research is important to address those gaps.
In a research proposal, the introduction and background sections provide essential information about the study, while the statement of the problem and rationale of the study focus on specific aspects of the research.
In summary, while the introduction and background sections of a research proposal provide a broader context for the study, the statement of the problem and rationale of the study focus on specific aspects. The statement of the problem defines the research problem, while the rationale justifies the significance and potential impact of the study.
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