Writing Introduction to a Research Paper

Writing a research paper is a cumbersome and uphill task. The interesting part is; how to introduce the subject to the readers, which keeps them stay with the paper till the end. Following tricks of the trade are always helpful to me while I work on any research project: -

Why an Introduction is Needed

Normally Scientists and Researchers write the introduction at the last, ensuring that they miss no major peaks. The intended readers are justified and convinced about the importance and rationale behind the work.

Unlike abstract, the introduction doesn't face word limitations but should be concise and to the point. It should give an overall review along with a few issues from the abstract.

It should start with a broader context of the issue and gradually narrowing down to a Research Problem.

Major Components of Introduction

Few factors or components upon which introduction could be based are: -

Background

The first task of any introduction is to make an impression or a scene. A scene where the Contextual Pattern of the paper should declare a link of current research with the previous one. There should be continuity among the research carried out in the past till to-date.

The first paragraph should always give out the historical background of previous research. While narrating the background keep stick to the relevant information only.

Declarations

An introduction should give out the justification behind the research where a declaration is needed in the following way: -

´ This work is based on a previous research project.

´ This is an area which is overlooked by everyone.

´ This is an improvement upon previous research where results were not according to the expectations.

Then another declaration is needed that how to: -

´ Fill the gap

´ Layout the Objectives

´ Layout the Methodology

´ Display different hypothesis and rejection of the Null Hypothesis

Limitations

Do establish the fact of all weak areas in previous research from the beginning. All failures and disappointments should be declared in the introduction. Avoid details of such events as the introduction is a place where highlighting is required and enough.

Assumptions

Research is always built up around some assumptions. All assuming factors which are to be incorporated in the research of a paper should also be highlighted in the introduction.

Few Tips

A strong introduction should lure in the reader to read the rest of the work by following way: -

´ Short Introduction: It will keep people's interest alive, so stick to the outline for the paper and also keep the introduction's structure in a similar way.

´ Defining the Problem: End of the introduction should be at the research question and thesis statement or hypothesis. By doing this, readers will know the writer's intentions.

´ Organization: While writing paper, the writer may drift in different directions due to the flow of research, so make changes to the introduction as well and keep on moving.

´ Final Step: Once the introduction is over then the writer is good to go. Now the rest of the paper can be attempted.

Conclusion

"A good first impression can work wonders."

J. K. Rowling

An introduction is the first impression of the whole research work. If the writer has introduced the subject in the desired manner, then the interest of the readers would always be alive. In short, the introduction reflects the personality of a research paper.