Evaluate the collective function of references cited together in a given text segment.
Classify their combined role into one of the following categories: 'method', 'background', or 'result'.

Text:Studies conducted at finer scales could help to elucidate the relative importance of these relationships in our study area, because other finer-scale studies have shown that elk group size directly responds to variation in predation risk from wolves (Creel & Winnie 2005).
Category: