How to Write the Background of the Problem for a Psychology Dissertation

How to write the Background of the Problem for a psychology dissertation. The Background of the Problem in a psychology dissertation explains the context of your research topic and shows why your study is needed. It introduces the psychological issue you are investigating, summarizes relevant research, and identifies gaps in existing knowledge. This section is essential because it justifies your research question and connects theory with real-world psychological concerns.

In psychology, a strong background of the problem helps the reader understand both the scientific and human significance of your study.

What Is the Background of the Problem in Psychology?

In a psychology dissertation, the Background of the Problem is located in Chapter 1 and:

• Introduces the psychological topic (e.g., anxiety, memory, behavior)

• Explains what is already known from research and theory

• Highlights inconsistencies or gaps in psychological literature

• Shows why the issue is important for individuals or society

• Leads logically to your research aim or question

It answers: “What psychological issue are you studying, and why is it important to investigate?”

Why Is It Important in a Psychology Dissertation?

The Background of the Problem is important because it:

• Demonstrates your understanding of psychological theories and research

• Connects your topic to existing empirical studies

• Justifies the need for your research

• Identifies gaps in psychological knowledge

• Helps frame your research question clearly

Without it, your dissertation may lack scientific direction and relevance.

Step 1: Introduce the Psychological Topic

Start by introducing the broad psychological area your study focuses on.

Example:

If your dissertation is about anxiety:

• Begin with mental health and anxiety disorders in general

• Then introduce anxiety in a specific population (e.g., students, adolescents, employees)

This helps set the context for your study.

Step 2: Narrow Down to a Specific Psychological Problem

Move from the general topic to a specific issue you are investigating.

Example:

• Broad topic: Mental health in students

• Specific problem: Increasing levels of academic anxiety among university students during dissertation writing

This step defines the exact focus of your research.

Step 3: Use Psychological Theories and Research

Support your background with relevant psychological theories and studies.

Include:

• Established theories (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Theory, Attachment Theory)

• Empirical research findings

• Key psychological models related to your topic

Example:

Research on anxiety may include:

• Cognitive models of anxiety

• Stress and coping theories

• Previous studies on academic stress

This shows academic depth and credibility.

Step 4: Identify the Research Gap

A strong psychology background of the problem must clearly identify what is missing in existing research.

Common gaps include:

• Limited research on a specific population (e.g., postgraduate students)

• Conflicting findings in previous studies

• Lack of qualitative insight into lived experiences

• Outdated research in fast-changing psychological areas

• Missing variables (e.g., coping strategies, social support)

Example:

“Although anxiety in university students has been widely studied, limited research has focused specifically on dissertation-related anxiety among postgraduate psychology students.”

This gap justifies your study.

Step 5: Explain the Psychological and Real-World Significance

You should explain why the problem matters in both academic and real-world terms.

Consider:

• Impact on mental health and wellbeing

• Effects on academic performance or daily functioning

• Relevance to clinical or educational psychology

• Importance for interventions or support systems

Example:

High levels of academic anxiety may affect student performance, wellbeing, and retention in higher education programs.

Step 6: Link to Your Research Aim or Question

End the background by leading into your research purpose or question.

Example:

“Given the increasing prevalence of academic anxiety, this study aims to explore the factors contributing to dissertation-related stress among postgraduate psychology students.”

This creates a smooth transition into the methodology section.

Tips for Writing a Strong Psychology Background of the Problem

• Start broad (mental health, behavior, cognition)

• Narrow your focus step by step

• Use recent psychological research and theories

• Clearly identify a research gap

• Maintain an academic and evidence-based tone

• Ensure logical flow from theory to problem to research aim

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Students often struggle by:

• Writing too generally without a clear focus

• Overloading the section with too much literature review detail

• Failing to clearly define the psychological problem

• Not linking research to theory

• Skipping the research gap entirely

A clear structure improves clarity and academic quality.

Final Thoughts on How to Write the Background of the Problem for a Psychology Dissertation

The Background of the Problem is a key part of a psychology dissertation because it explains the psychological issue being studied and why it matters. By combining theory, research evidence, and real-world relevance, you build a strong foundation for your study and justify your research question.

A well-written background helps demonstrate both academic understanding and the practical importance of your research.

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