Writing the background to the study in Chapter 1 of a research paper involves providing context, justification, and rationale for the research topic. Here’s a guide on how to write it effectively, along with examples:

1. Introduction to the Topic:
   • Start by introducing the broad topic of your research.
   • Provide a brief overview of the subject area and its significance.

   Example: “Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern worldwide, with significant implications for both individual health and healthcare systems. The prevalence of childhood obesity has increased dramatically in recent decades, leading to a range of adverse health outcomes…”

2. Literature Review:
   • Review existing literature related to your research topic.
   • Summarize key studies, theories, and findings relevant to your research question.

   Example: “Previous studies have identified various factors contributing to the rise in childhood obesity, including genetic predisposition, unhealthy dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, socioeconomic status, and environmental influences. For example, Smith et al. (2019) found a strong association between consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and obesity in children…”

3. Research Gap Identification:
   • Identify gaps or shortcomings in the existing literature.
   • Explain why further research is needed to address these gaps.

   Example: “Despite the wealth of research on the causes of childhood obesity, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding of the role played by parental feeding practices in shaping children’s dietary behaviors. Existing studies have primarily focused on the nutritional content of foods consumed by children, overlooking the influence of parental feeding behaviors on food choices…”

4. Research Aim and Objectives:
   • Clearly state the research aim and specific objectives.
   • Explain how your study will contribute to addressing the identified research gap.

   Example: “The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between parental feeding practices and children’s dietary behaviors in the context of childhood obesity. Specifically, the objectives of the study are to examine the types of feeding practices employed by parents, assess their impact on children’s food preferences and intake, and explore potential moderating factors…”

5. Significance of the Study:
   • Highlight the potential significance and implications of your research.
   • Explain how your findings could contribute to theory, practice, or policy.

   Example: “This study will contribute to the existing body of literature by shedding light on the role of parental feeding practices in shaping children’s dietary behaviors and, ultimately, their risk of obesity. The findings will have implications for public health interventions aimed at promoting healthy eating habits among children and addressing the global epidemic of childhood obesity.”

6. Conclusion:
   • Summarize the key points discussed in the background to the study.
   • Reinforce the importance of the research topic and justify its relevance.

   Example: “In summary, this chapter has provided an overview of the research topic, reviewed relevant literature, identified gaps in the existing knowledge, and outlined the aim and objectives of the study. By investigating the relationship between parental feeding practices and children’s dietary behaviors, this research aims to contribute to our understanding of childhood obesity and inform strategies for prevention and intervention.”