A note on how to write the introduction section of project background in Housing Studies dissertation reports

A note on how to write the introduction section of project background in Housing Studies dissertation reports (information from perplexity.ai)

My question 1: "In the context of writing a Housing Studies dissertation report, very often, I am not sure what I need to say about the "background of the study", and how concise I need to do so. Could you give me some advice?"

The reply: "The background of the study in a Housing Studies dissertation provides essential context by setting the stage for your research problem, linking broad field issues to your specific focus. Aim for conciseness, typically 400-800 words (1-2 pages), to avoid overwhelming readers while building a clear rationale.

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Key Elements

Start with a general overview of housing challenges, such as affordability crises or policy gaps in Hong Kong, then narrow to your topic using statistics or historical trends. Include a brief literature review highlighting key theories, past findings, and identified gaps your study addresses. End by justifying your research's relevance, like its policy implications for local markets.​

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Writing Steps

Follow a funnel approach: Begin broad (e.g., global housing trends), add real-world evidence (government reports, HK stats), review literature succinctly, and pinpoint gaps leading to your questions. Use active voice, cite sources inline (Harvard style per your preference), and integrate context like Fanling's North District dynamics if relevant.

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Conciseness Tips

Prioritize 3-5 key facts or stats; cut redundant history or overly broad reviews. Revise by asking: Does this directly support my problem statement? Target 20-30% of your intro chapter. Test readability by ensuring a non-expert grasps the "why" in one read."

My question 2: "Could you recommend 2 relevant YouTube videos for me to study and also highlight the main ideas on each of the YouTube videos you have recommend?"

The reply: "Two relevant YouTube videos provide clear, step-by-step guidance on writing the background of the study for dissertations, applicable to Housing Studies by adapting examples to housing policy gaps or market trends.

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Video 1 Recommendation

Watch "💪 How to Write the Background of a Study in a Research Paper: A Step-by-Step Guide 🎓" at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFlBRviE70w (12 minutes, by Research with Dr. Saeed). Main ideas include using a funnel structure starting broad with field overviews, narrowing via brief literature reviews to research gaps, and ending with study motivations; it shares a 3-step approach (context, issues, gaps) with practical examples from published papers."

Video 2 Recommendation

Watch "How to Write the Background of the Study in Research (Part 1)" at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eO2witTCkps (part of a thesis series by PhiloNotes, ~10 minutes). Key points cover defining the background's core elements like topic introduction, research gaps, goals, and thesis statement; it explains deductive techniques with samples, emphasizing logical flow from general knowledge to specific problems your Housing Studies work addresses."

My question 3: "What has the discussion of "the background of the study" related to the 3 topics of the relevant "research gaps", "research issues" and "public media-reported issues"? Are these 3 topics also discussed in the section of "the background of the study" or in other parts of the Chapter of Introduction in a dissertation report?"

The reply: "​In a Housing Studies dissertation, the "background of the study" section typically integrates discussions of research gaps, research issues, and public media-reported issues to establish context and justify the research, often using a funnel structure from broad trends to specific needs.

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Coverage in Background

Research gaps (unresolved questions in literature) and research issues (key problems or debates in the field) form core components here, highlighted via a concise literature summary that identifies inconsistencies or limitations, such as gaps in Hong Kong housing policy analysis. Public media-reported issues (e.g., affordability crises from news) appear as real-world evidence to ground academic gaps, showing societal relevance like Fanling's North District housing shortages.

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Placement in Introduction Chapter

These elements primarily reside in the background subsection of Chapter 1 (Introduction), which precedes the problem statement and objectives; fuller elaboration of gaps often extends into a dedicated literature review later in the chapter or as Chapter 2. Media issues may recur in the rationale or significance subsections for emphasis, ensuring the background remains concise (1-2 pages)."

My question 4: "In the Introduction Chapter of a dissertation report, is it also desirable to touch on the topic of "the researcher's positionality" so as to make clear the researcher's motivation to investigate a particular research theme and a particular set of research problems?"

The reply: "Yes, including a brief discussion of the researcher's positionality in the Introduction Chapter of a Housing Studies dissertation is desirable, particularly for qualitative or mixed-methods work, as it transparently links personal motivations to the chosen research theme and problems like Hong Kong housing affordability.

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Role in Introduction

Positionality clarifies how your background—such as being a part-time MBA/Housing Studies student in Fanling, North District—shapes your interest in local policy gaps, enhancing credibility by addressing potential biases early. Limit it to 1-2 paragraphs here, outlining professional experiences (e.g., research methods lecturing), personal stakes, and reflexivity on how these influence problem selection, without delving into full methodology.

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Typical Placement

Place it toward the end of the Introduction (after background and problem statement), as a bridge to research objectives, signaling ethical awareness; expand fully in the methodology chapter for deeper reflexivity on insider/outsider status. This aligns with your academic context, avoiding overemphasis in Chapter 1 while motivating the study authentically."

My question 5: "Could you provide a kind of template to synthesize your clarification of ideas about Introduction, notably on "background of the study" so as to make it easier for me to following your advice?"

The reply: "A template for the Introduction Chapter in a Housing Studies dissertation synthesizes the background of the study with key elements like research gaps, issues, media context, and positionality into a concise, funnel-shaped structure (typically 1500-3000 words total).

Chapter 1: Introduction Template

1.1 Background of the Study (400-800 words)

• Broad Context: Introduce global/regional housing challenges (e.g., affordability crises in Asia-Pacific, stats from UN-Habitat or HK Census).​

• Narrow to Local Issues: Discuss HK-specific trends like Fanling/North District shortages, policy shifts (e.g., public housing waits), blending research issues (debates on supply models), research gaps (e.g., limited mixed-methods on post-2025 impacts), and public media-reported issues (news on skyrocketing rents).
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• Transition: Link to your study's focus, e.g., "These gaps in understanding policy effectiveness motivate this investigation."

1.2 Research Problem and Gaps (300-500 words)

Explicitly state the core problem (e.g., "Inadequate integration of quantitative valuation and qualitative resident experiences in HK housing policy evaluation") and reiterate 2-3 key gaps from background, supported by citations.

1.3 Research Objectives/Questions (200 words)

• List 3-5 objectives or questions derived from gaps (e.g., "To assess dividend-like returns in subsidized housing via regressions").

1.4 Researcher's Positionality (150-250 words)

Briefly note your background (e.g., "As a part-time Housing Studies/MBA student and research methods lecturer in Fanling, personal exposure to local shortages drives this study, with reflexivity on potential insider bias addressed in methodology.").

1.5 Significance and Structure Overview (200-300 words)

Outline contributions (policy/practice) and chapter roadmap. End with study delimitations.

Usage Tips

Adapt placeholders to your Harvard-style citations; ensure funnel flow from broad to specific. Revise for 20-30% of total dissertation length, testing for clarity."

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