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.
