Key characteristics of a background research paper:
* Summarizes existing literature: It gathers information from multiple sources – books, journals, reports, etc. – to create a coherent picture of the topic.
* Identifies key concepts and theories: It explains important terms, concepts, and theories relevant to the topic, defining them clearly and showing their relationships.
* Highlights gaps in research: While summarizing what's known, it also points out areas where more research is needed.
* Provides context: It establishes the historical development of the topic, placing current understanding within a broader framework.
* Is objective and unbiased: It presents information neutrally, avoiding personal opinions or biases. It focuses on accurately representing the findings of previous research.
* Is well-organized and clearly written: It follows a logical structure, using headings, subheadings, and transitions to guide the reader through the information. It uses clear and concise language, avoiding jargon where possible.
Background research papers are frequently used:
* As a preliminary step for a larger research project: They help researchers understand the existing literature before designing their own study.
* To provide context for a thesis or dissertation: They set the stage for the researcher's original contributions.
* To inform policy decisions: They provide policymakers with a summary of the evidence relevant to a particular issue.
* For educational purposes: They are useful for students to learn about a topic in depth.
In short, a background research paper is a crucial tool for understanding a topic thoroughly before embarking on further investigation or engaging in discussions about it.