👉 Background research is the foundational process of gathering and analyzing existing information about a topic before conducting new, primary research. It involves exploring academic journals, books, government reports, and other credible sources to understand the historical context, current state, and key issues related to the subject. This phase helps researchers formulate informed hypotheses, identify gaps in existing knowledge, and refine their research questions or objectives. By synthesizing prior findings, background research not only saves time and resources by avoiding redundant work but also enhances the credibility and depth of the study, ensuring that new insights are grounded in a robust understanding of the field.