48+ Sample Background Statements

What is a Background Statement?

In research, a background statement is a researcher’s opportunity to persuade a reviewer of how his research paper can solve a problem, thus deserving funding. The statement should connect to a specific issue that concerns regional or national goals. For example, if a research statement addresses a cure for a certain virus, it must start with the necessity of prevention. A researcher can write about how the virus can impact the economy and society once it spreads. Also, he can talk about national aims to stop the virus from spreading. Note that a background statement can also be referred to as a problem statement.

Similarly, if a researcher is presenting a study that helps people survive while staying in their homes amid an epidemic, he can try to expound on the scope of the problem. How many people will get infected if people go outside of their homes? How does this specific problem come up with a solution? If the problem statement describes a way or method that will deal with the problem, how much money and time will it require? A researcher should calculate how much money, time, and lives are needed to address a particular problem. If he can’t estimate the cost, then how will he expect to be funded?

The Elements of a Functional Research Statement

Creating a functional research statement can be pretty difficult. For that reason, a researcher must learn how to translate their statements into words that are more understandable to non-specialists. The following are some elements of a functional research proposal template for the purpose of funding.

A concise title. The title of a research statement must be concise, conveying its purpose to its readers. Its goal is to attract and get its readers’ attention. It should answer the questions: What impression will the title give? Will it have an impact on the readers? Branding is essential, and a concise title will help a reviewer develop a relationship with a research proposal. If a title confuses its readers, then it will leave a lingering impression on the entire paper.A problem statement. When creating a problem statement, avoid being parochial. Simply displaying that one thing is a serious issue in one state doesn’t automatically mean it’s a national concern. If you are aware that an issue is affecting several states, then it is wise to include them in the statement. The wider the scope of the problem is, the larger the compensation will be if the solution created is successful. Moreover, if you as a researcher can get others involved to support you and endorse your statement, you will have more chances of getting funds.An objective. Provide a brief description of what the product of the analysis will be. Just like the title, the objective must be concise and precise. Don’t input to much detail unless it concerns a new research methodology.The possible benefits. This is the section of the research statement where you rationalize with the reviewers to receive funding. If a program can only support a limited number of projects, what will be their reason to pick yours? You have to be very specific about the possible benefits of your proposal. You must address the questions: What will they miss if they don’t approve of the project? How will it impact the community?Its originality. A research statement may remind a reviewer of other existing projects that are closely related to yours. They may assume that your paper is just a duplicate of a previous project. That is why you have to let them see how your work is different, how it establishes existing research, how it uses a different perspective, how it applies new methods, etc.Funding computation. If you don’t have enough experience as a researcher, you may find this part very difficult. For it to be easier, you must answer the following questions: What are the tasks involved? How much time will each task take? What are the requirements to accomplish the tasks? Also, get to know what the professional rates are of academic consultants. Note that you are not only going to pay for the salaries of researchers, but you are also going to pay for benefits, administrative expenses, overheads, and other expenses.

How to Establish a Background Statement in Research

As we have mentioned earlier, a background statement in research is also referred to as a problem statement. The question is, how do you develop a background/problem statement in research. According to Harvard Business Review, the following steps establishes a problem statement.

Step 1: Demonstrate the Warrant for a Solution

What is the primary need? This question should point out the main problem, which you must concisely and clearly state. Instead of providing a solution, it is necessary to first focus on what is needed to address the situation. What is the expected result? A researcher must understand the views of its beneficiaries to answer this question. The approach to answering the question should be quantitative and qualitative as much as possible. Who are the beneficiaries? This question will oblige an institution to determine all potential beneficiaries.

Step 2: Explain the Need for a Solution

Is your research statement in line with an organization’s goals and vision/mission statements? It’s normal for a company to work on efforts that are in line with their goals. What benefits will the supporting institution get? For profitable companies, they may seek for revenue or a share in the market. The benefit will be calculated by the solution’s impact on the market. How many people are using the solution? Does it impact their way of living? Another question is, how will the solution be implemented? Once a solution is made, an individual must be responsible for implementing it, whatever it may be. The solution can be new technology, business, product innovation, etc., and the person responsible can work while supervising a team with the same goal.

Step 3: Place the Problem in Context

Try to examine past works to create a solution. This can save you money and time and help you think more creatively. What kind of approach have you tried? Search for solutions that are already there and identify the ones that are unbeneficial. What approach have the others tried? What will constrain the implementation of a solution? Now that everything is clear about your goal, take a look at both external and internal constraints that will stop you from applying your solution. Internal constraints may include your commitment and resources, and external constraints may include intellectual property and laws.

Step 4: Input Your Background Statement

Now that you have established your way to support your background/problem statement, it’s time to input the full account of the problem. Can the problem be subdivided into many problems? The background goal is to dig into the root causes of the main problem. Questions such as what are the requirements to realize the solution and what type of assessment will be used to evaluate the success of the solution must also be addressed.

FAQs

Is background information similar to a background statement?

It depends on how and where the data is being used. In research, background information describes and identifies the nature and history of an existing problem defined by present literature. In an introduction, background information should point to the main cause of the problem and its scope. Moreover, it must also indicate the extent of how past studies have addressed the complication, and where the gaps lie.

What does the background of a study mean?

The “background of a study” is a section of a research paper written in its introductory phase. It is a collection of important facts concerning the study of a particular situation. To write the background of a study, one must: (1) perform experimental research, (2) gather some reliable data or information, (3) construct research questions and statements, (4) complete the research, (6) organize the data, (7) pinpoint further studies that must be done, and (8) proofread the work.

What is scientific research?

According to the NCBI, scientific research is a study carried out to contribute to science by collecting, interpreting, and evaluating data systematically. The outcome gained from scientific research is organized, and new data is disclosed for diagnosis and treatment. In unanticipated events, circumstances, and phenomena that happen in life, scientific research is vital. Essentially, solutions through research are needed to fight serious problems that may arise. Scientists must consider research to find the cause, explanation, solution, and application of a particular problem.

What does basic research mean?

Basic research is also known as fundamental or theoretical research. It is a careful examination of standard principles and reasons behind an event or phenomenon. The investigation can be towards a natural occurrence that is related to science. Sometimes, theoretical researches do not lead to the application of scientific solutions. Therefore, basic researches are not focused on solving problems at hand. Its main purpose is to provide a comprehensive knowledge of a specific situation, and its result is used as a basis for applied research.

What is the purpose of research?

Research allows scientists, researchers, and students to make a credible conclusion on a certain topic. When a researcher does his work carefully, he can analyze all the factors that lead to a credible and useful conclusion. Research involves exploration, which is the beginning phase of a study. This is when a researcher comes up with many questions to further understand his subject. The next phase is the desire to deeply comprehend the topic. The roots of a subject are necessary to find the right solution, and that is the essence of research.


A background statement is a broad term that has several meanings, but in research, it is especially useful in finding solutions to a specific problem. What happens if scientists can’t find the source of a pandemic? What if they can’t identify the cause? What if they can’t produce substantial reports? The answer and solution lie in the origin of a problem.