The introduction section of a research paper takes in three elements – background, a research gap and your research strategies to fill the gap. Introduction section will give an overview to readers about a research problem, background, hypotheses, logical argument, writing style and novelty of your research work. An organised introduction will give a preview in advance to your readers which research gap has been fulfilled. Here are the steps you should follow to compose introduction section of a research paper.
Start with the fact that is widely known
When it comes to writing an introduction for your research paper, you should start with a scientific statement that is substantially accepted, and then lay down statements that lead your audience from known to unknown facts. To pick a sentence that is widely known to readers, first, you should consider the audience of your journal in which you want to have your manuscript published.
For instance, you are writing on a topic “The attitude of US girls toward physical education in particular and physical activity in general”, the first statement of your introduction will be as follows:
“Traditional sporting structures in the United States have been denounced as inappropriate for the needs of many girls and young women.” (the fact that is widely known to people)
Pose a question
Following a chain of known facts, you will take your reader to the specific area, the area that highlights a research problem or research gap by posing a question which will be answered in your conclusion. Inform your readers that the answer is currently unknown by citing a literature reference closest to the gap. Provide sufficient resources so that your readers can observe the research gap into the literature that you will fill through your research.
For instance, suppose you found issues such as layoffs and deteriorating school conditions that restrict school teachers to enhance students’ progress, the question that you will pose in the introduction can be:
“These issues raise a question that unbearable pressure on teachers will not produce the desired outcomes, but rather devastate our education system.”
Jump to your plan of action
Wind up the introduction section as you have stated research problem and briefly explained how you would fill the gap. Your plan of action will describe methods and materials in detail. However, in the introduction section, you will explain the summary of ways how you achieve your goal of fulfilling the gap.
An introduction can catch the interest of the reader, while it ca also disinterest him and urge to shut reading the research instantly. So pay utmost attention while writing the introduction section of your research paper.