Unit 7. Introduction: the background of the study

The introduction to the study, the first part of the project proposal introducing the research problem, is intended to set the tone for the readers, enable them to form some idea of the content, the structure and the writer’s position. Commonly, the introduction includes – apart from an introductory paragraph / opening sentences – the following key elements: the background of the study, the problem statement, the professional significance of the study, and possibly some otherfeatures relevant for your study whose combination varies with various university requirements (so that some elements are not always included).

The background presents the context for the study and explains what external factors might influence or affect it. In identifying the background factors you might outline the general state of knowledge about the research problem very briefly (a more detailed account is expected in the review of the literature) and account for key reasons for your choice of the topic focus (i.e. justify it). Justification suggests the rationale for doing research on the topic chosen, in other words, you are to explain why the research needs to be done on this particular problem. According to the British tradition, in this introductory part you are supposed to make a brief reference to the literature, gaps in knowledge, potential usefulness of a methodology and possible benefits of outcomes for understanding, practice and policy. You should also provide key references to support your case.

The academic text analysis shows that in practice those elements can seldom be clearly distinguished – certain features overlap (like, e.g. justification may be regarded in part as background information, or thesis statement reflecting the writer’s viewpoint or perspective may be connected with his purpose). Still, since analyzing those features might prove useful for academic text writing, they are briefly outlined below, the key elements being further discussed in greater detail.

1. Find Russian equivalents for the following phrases.

At present there is the continuous concern for
An increasing amount of publications in the sphere of [x] signify the expanded role of [x] in
Quite a number of scholars register the increased activity of [x] in
There are few theories that share emphasis on [x]
Many scholars hold quite various theories about the role of [x]
Societal developments are surfacing in most organizations
Some scholars conceive the scheme [x] to be an inappropriate framework for
A point of reference for the analysis of [x] as a phenomenon was brought about by N
Numerous blank spots in the field of [x] are to be found in…
A wide range of contemporary studies is ultimately a quantitative one

2. Consider the following clichés – to be further used in writing your project proposal.

7.1.

(At present) there is / an increasing amount of publications in the sphere of [x] signify / quite a number of scholars register	the continuous concern	for
the increased activity	of [x] in
the expanded role

7.2.

At present, (many) scholars	hold quite various theories about (the role of [x] in
At present, there are (few theories)	that share emphasis on [x]

7.3.

Most promising/new/recent	trends/development	in the field of [x]
(Social) problems/ societal developments	are surfacing in/impacting	most (organizations)

7.4.

The

major main most important most significant fundamental key

problems in blank spots in point of reference for trends in (studying) change(s) in questions in

the theory of [x] the field of [x] the analysis of [x] (as a phenomenon) a (wide) range of contemporary studies

concern(s) is/are to be found in was/were brought about by N is ultimately a (quantitative) one

7.5

While	This approach	seems to gain popularity among professionals	some vital aspects of [x] are omitted
The debate over [x]	remains	it has not had much () impact on [x]
However	I/ some scholars	conceive/find/consider [x] (theory/scheme) to be	an inappropriate framework/ a (theoretically) insufficient basis for …
There are good/ Several reasons	to believe that [x]	is oriented to () and hence to involves…
	focus more attention on [x]	than has recently been the case

Features	Examples
Opening sentence	Our present day life is unthinkable without [x]
Justification	It is important to reveal the problems related to [x]
Structural outline	The project will first demonstrate [x], then [y] will be considered by…
Thesis statement	[x] is one of the solutions to the problem
Writer’s purpose	To show possible ways for solving the problem

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