Similarities and Differences Between the Background of the Study and the Literature Review

The background of the study and the literature review are both essential components of academic research, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics. Understanding these differences and similarities can help researchers present a comprehensive and well-structured academic paper.

Similarities

Purpose

Both sections aim to provide context for the research. They help to justify the need for the study and situate it within the existing body of knowledge.

Foundation

Both rely on existing research and scholarly work to establish a basis for the current study. This reliance on established knowledge not only strengthens the credibility of the research but also sets the stage for building upon existing insights.

Integration

They often overlap in content, as the background of the study may include references to previous studies that are also discussed in the literature review. This overlap highlights the interconnectedness of the research field and the cumulative nature of knowledge development.

Differences

There are notable differences in the aspect of focus, content, structure, depth of analysis, and placement within the research paper.

Aspect: Focus

The background of the study provides the context and rationale for the research problem. It introduces the issue being studied and explains why it is important. On the other hand, the literature review summarizes and analyzes existing research on a specific topic, often highlighting the methodologies, findings, and gaps that have emerged in the field.

Content

The background of the study describes the research problem's significance and objectives, setting the foundation for why the research is necessary and what it aims to achieve. The content of the literature review is more focused on discussing relevant literature, methodologies, findings, and areas where further research is needed to address gaps in the knowledge.

Structure

The background of the study is typically shorter and more narrative in nature, setting the stage for the research. It provides a general outline of the research landscape, preparing the reader for the detailed analysis that follows. In contrast, the literature review is more structured, often organized thematically or chronologically, providing a comprehensive overview of the existing research.

Depth of Analysis

The background of the study is less analytical, focusing more on descriptive aspects. It primarily aims to introduce the research problem and its significance. The literature review, however, goes deeper, critically assessing the strengths and weaknesses of previous studies. This deeper analysis helps to establish the current study's unique contribution to the field.

Placement

The background of the study usually appears at the beginning of the research paper, providing context for the subsequent methodology, results, and discussion sections. The literature review often follows the background and precedes the methodology section, setting the stage for the detailed examination of data and methods used in the study.

Conclusion

In summary, while both the background of the study and the literature review aim to contextualize the research, the background focuses on the specific research problem and its significance. In contrast, the literature review provides a comprehensive overview of existing research related to the topic, setting the stage for the current study's research methods and findings. Understanding these differences can help researchers craft a well-rounded and compelling academic paper.