The introduction to a research paper can be the most challenging part of writing a paper. The length of the introduction varies depending on the type of research paper you are writing. The introduction should state your topic, providing context and the basis for your work, before presenting your research questions and hypotheses. A well-written introduction sets the mood for the paper, captures the reader's interest, and conveys a hypothesis or thesis statement.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Introducing the Topic of the Paper
Step 1. State the topic of your paper
You could start your introduction with a few sentences that state the topic of your paper and provide clues as to the types of research questions you will be asking. This is a good way to introduce your topic to readers and pique their interest. The first few sentences should serve as clues to the broader issue, which you will then focus on in more detail at the back of your introduction. This initial sentence thus leads the reader to your specific research questions.
- In scientific papers, this way of writing is often known as the "inverted pyramid," in which you start with a broad set of writing materials at the beginning and then work your way up.
- The phrase "Throughout the 20th century, our views of life on other planets have changed drastically" introduces a topic, but it is broad in scope.
- These sentences provide clues to the reader about the content of the essay and encourage the reader to continue reading.
Step 2. Consider referring to key words
When you are writing a research paper for publication, you will be asked to write down some keywords that provide quick clues about the areas of research you are writing about. You can also include certain keywords in your title, which you want to include and emphasize in your introduction.
- For example, if you are writing a paper on the behavior of rats when exposed to certain substances, enter the keyword "rat" and the scientific name of the compound used in the first sentences.
- If you are writing a history paper on the impact of World War I on gender relations in Britain, you should include these keywords in your first few sentences.
Step 3. Define any key terms or concepts
You may need to clarify any key terms or concepts at the beginning of your introduction. You should clearly state your opinion throughout your paper. So, if you don't explain unfamiliar terms or concepts, your readers may not have a clear understanding of your argument.
This is especially important if you are trying to develop a new concept using language and terminology that your readers may not understand
Step 4. Introduce the topic through an anecdote or quote
If you're writing a humanities or social science essay, you can find more formal ways to start your introduction and state the topic of your paper. Humanity essays generally begin with an anecdote or illustrative quote that refers to the research topic. This is a variation of the "inverted pyramid" technique and can generate interest in your paper in a more imaginative and engaging way.
- If you use anecdotes, make sure they are brief and completely relevant to your research. The anecdote should serve as an alternative opener, stating the topic of your research paper to the reader.
- For example, if you are writing a sociology paper on youth reoffending, you could include a short story about someone whose story reflects and introduces your topic.
- Such an approach is generally not suitable for introductions to natural science or physics research papers where the terms of writing differ.
Part 2 of 3: Determining the Context for the Paper
Step 1. Include a brief literature review
Depending on the overall length of your paper, you may need to include literature reviews that have been published in a particular field. This is an important element in your paper, which demonstrates that you have a solid knowledge and understanding of academic topics and achievements in your field. You should try to show that you have extensive knowledge, but still show that you use certain topics that are relevant to your own research.
- It is important to write briefly in the introduction. So, provide an overview of the latest developments in your main research and don't need to write a lengthy discussion.
- You can use the "inverted pyramid" principle to focus from broader themes to specific themes that receive direct contributions from the writing of your paper.
- A strong literature review provides important background information for your own research while at the same time highlighting the importance of the field.
Step 2. Use the library to focus on your contribution
A concise but comprehensive literature review can be a very effective way to structure your own research paper. As you develop your introduction, you can stop working on the literature review to focus on your own work and positions that are relevant to the wider discussion.
- By making clear references to existing work, you can clearly demonstrate the particular contribution you are making to advancing your field.
- You can identify differences in existing knowledge and explain how you solved them and advance understanding of that science or knowledge.
Step 3. Develop the basics of your paper
Once you have structured your work in a broader context, you can further develop the foundations of your research and its advantages and importance. These basics should clearly and concisely demonstrate the value of your paper and its contribution to the field of research. Try not only to say that you are imparting unknown knowledge, but also to emphasize the positive contribution of your work.
- For example, if you are writing a scientific paper, you could emphasize the uses of your approach or experimental model.
- Emphasize the novelty of your research and the importance of your new approach, but don't go into too much detail in the introduction.
- The written basis could be: "this study evaluates the anti-inflammatory effects of a previously unknown topical compound in order to evaluate its possible clinical use".
Part 3 of 3: Breaking Down Your Research Questions and Hypotheses
Step 1. State your research questions
Once you have stated your research position within the research area and the general basis for your paper, you can detail the research questions raised in the paper. A literature review and research base structure your research and introduce your research question. This question should be well developed from the previous introductory sections and should not come as a surprise to the reader.
- The research question or questions are usually written at the end of the introduction, and should be concise and sufficiently focused.
- Research questions can remind readers of some of the key words included in the first few sentences and in the title of your paper.
- An example of a research question is “What are the consequences of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on Mexico's export economy?”
- This question can be further elaborated by referring to certain elements of the Free Trade Agreement and their implications for certain industries in Mexico, such as clothing manufacturing.
- A good research question should shape a problem into a testable hypothesis.
Step 2. State your hypothesis
After you have detailed your research questions, you should present your hypothesis or thesis statement clearly and concisely. This is a statement that your essay will make a certain contribution and have a clear outcome, not just cover a broader topic. You should briefly explain why you concluded this hypothesis by referring to your discussion of your literature review.
- If possible, try to avoid using the word "hypothesis" and make your hypothesis implicit in your writing. This can make your writing less stilted.
- In a scientific paper, providing a clear one-sentence summary of the results of your research and how it relates to your hypothesis will make the information clear and easy to accept.
- An example of the hypothesis is “rats that were deprived of food during the study period were expected to be more lethargic than rats that ate normally”.
Step 3. Outline the structure of your paper
In some cases, the last part of the introduction to the research paper is a few sentences that provide an overview of the body structure of the paper. This can give you an outline of how you will organize your paper and break it down into sections.
- This is not always necessary and you should pay attention to the writing requirements of your discipline.
- For example, in a natural science paper, there is a fairly rigid structure that you must follow.
- Humanities or social science papers will likely provide more opportunities for you to modify the structure of your paper.
Tips
- Use the outline of your research papers to help you determine what information to include when writing your introduction.
- Consider drafting your introduction after you have completed the rest of your research paper. Writing the introduction last time can help ensure that you don't forget any of the main points.
Warning
- Avoid emotional or sensational introductions; An introduction like this can lead to distrust of the reader.
- Don't overwhelm the reader with too much or too much information. Make the introduction as short as possible by writing certain details in the body of your paper.
- Make it a habit to avoid using personal pronouns in your introduction, such as "I", "we", or "we".
