· An introduction is the initial part of a research paper and the part that a reader is likely to read first (at least when focusing deeply and reading it in detail). Hence, definitions, notions, and other information required for understanding the paper are presented/listed here · The introduction is the broad beginning of the paper that answers three important questions for the reader: What is this? Why should I read it? What do you want me to think about / consider doing / react to? Think of the structure of the introduction as an inverted triangle of information that lays a foundation for understanding the research blogger.com: Robert V. Labaree Your introduction should define the topic, consist of a context and rationale, as well as of a hypothesis and research questions. A thoughtful introduction sets a tone for the whole paper, grabs attention of the reader and provides thesis statement and blogger.comted Reading Time: 8 mins
How to Write a Research Paper Introduction: Tips & Examples
The introduction leads the reader from a general subject area to a particular topic of inquiry. It establishes the scope, context, and significance of the research being conducted by summarizing current understanding and background information about the topic, stating the purpose of the work in the form of the research problem supported by a hypothesis or a set of questions, explaining briefly the methodological approach used to examine the research problem, highlighting the potential outcomes your study can reveal, and outlining the remaining structure and organization of the paper.
Key Elements of the Research Proposal. Prepared under the direction of the Superintendent and by the Curriculum Design and Writing Team. Baltimore County Public Schools. Think of the introduction as a mental road map that must answer for the reader these four questions:. A well-written introduction is important because, quite simply, you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. The opening paragraphs of your paper will provide your readers with their initial impressions about the logic of your argument, your writing style, the overall quality of your research, and, ultimately, the validity of your findings and conclusions.
A vague, disorganized, introduction meaning in research paper, or error-filled introduction will create a negative impression, whereas, a concise, engaging, and well-written introduction will lead your readers to think highly of your analytical skills, your writing style, and your research approach.
All introductions should conclude with a brief paragraph that describes the organization of the rest of the paper. Hirano, Eliana. The Writing Center. Peter Redman. London: Sage,pp. Demystifying the Journal Article. Inside Higher Education. Structure and Approach. The introduction is the broad beginning of the paper that answers three important questions for the reader:.
Think of the structure of the introduction as an inverted triangle of information that lays a foundation for understanding the research problem. Organize the information so as to present the more general aspects of the topic early in the introduction, then narrow your analysis to more specific topical information that provides context, finally arriving at your research problem and the rationale for studying it [often written as a series of key questions to be addressed or framed as a hypothesis or set of assumptions to be tested] and, whenever possible, a description of the potential outcomes your study can reveal.
These are general phases associated with writing an introduction: 1. Establish an area to research by:. Identify a research niche by:. Place your research within the research niche by:. NOTE: It is often useful to review the introduction late in the writing process. This is appropriate because outcomes are unknown until you've completed the study. After you complete writing the body of the paper, introduction meaning in research paper, go back and review introductory descriptions of the structure of the paper, the method of data gathering, the reporting and analysis of results, and the conclusion.
Reviewing and, if necessary, rewriting the introduction ensures that it correctly matches the overall structure of your final paper. Delimitations of the Study. Delimitations refer to those characteristics that limit the scope and define the conceptual boundaries of your research. This is determined by the introduction meaning in research paper exclusionary and inclusionary decisions you make about how to investigate the research problem.
In other words, not only should you tell the reader what it is you are studying and why, but you must also acknowledge why you rejected alternative approaches that could have been used to examine the topic. Obviously, the first limiting step was the choice of research problem itself.
Introduction meaning in research paper, implicit are other, related problems that could have been chosen but were rejected. These should be noted in the conclusion of your introduction.
For example, a delimitating statement could read, "Although many factors can be understood to impact the likelihood young people will vote, this study will focus on socioeconomic factors related to the need to work full-time while in school. Examples of delimitating choices would be:.
Review each of these decisions. Not only do you clearly establish what you intend to accomplish in your research, but you should also include a declaration of what the study does not intend to cover.
Make this reasoning explicit! NOTE: Delimitations refer to the initial choices made about the broader, overall design of your study and should not be confused with documenting the limitations of your study discovered after the research has been completed. ANOTHER NOTE : Do not view delimitating statements as admitting to an inherent failing or shortcoming in your research.
They are an accepted element of academic writing intended to keep the reader focused on the research problem by explicitly defining the conceptual boundaries and scope of your study. It addresses any critical questions in the reader's mind of, "Why the hell didn't the author examine this? The Narrative Flow. Issues to keep in mind that will help the narrative flow in your introduction :.
Engaging the Reader. A research problem in the social sciences can come across as dry and uninteresting to anyone unfamiliar with the topic. Therefore, one of the goals of your introduction is to make readers want to read your paper.
Here are several strategies you can use introduction meaning in research paper grab the reader's attention:. NOTE: It is important that you choose only one of the suggested strategies for introduction meaning in research paper your readers. This avoids giving an impression that your paper is more flash than substance and does not distract from the substance of your study.
Freedman, Leora and Jerry Plotnick. Introductions and Conclusions. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Introduction. The Structure, Format, Content, and Style of a Journal-Style Scientific Paper. Department of Biology. Bates College; Introductions. University of North Carolina; Introductions. Writing Center, introduction meaning in research paper. University of Wisconsin, Madison; Introductions, Body Paragraphs, and Conclusions for an Argument Paper.
The Writing Lab and The OWL. Program in Writing and Humanistic Studies. Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Sharpling, Gerald. Writing an Introduction. Centre for Applied Linguistics, University of Warwick; Samraj, B. Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential Skills and Tasks, introduction meaning in research paper. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press, ; Writing Your Introduction, introduction meaning in research paper.
Department of English Writing Guide. George Mason University. Avoid the "Dictionary" Introduction, introduction meaning in research paper. Giving the dictionary definition of words related to the research problem may appear appropriate because it introduction meaning in research paper important to define specific terminology that readers may be unfamiliar with. However, anyone can look a word up in the dictionary and a general dictionary is not a particularly authoritative source because it doesn't take into account the context of your topic and doesn't offer particularly detailed information.
Also, placed in the context of a particular discipline, a term or concept may have a different meaning than what is found in a general dictionary. If you feel that you must seek out an authoritative definition, use a subject specific dictionary or encyclopedia [e, introduction meaning in research paper.
A good database for obtaining definitive definitions of concepts or terms is Credo Reference. Saba, Robert. The College Research Paper. Florida International University; Introductions. University of North Carolina. When Do I Begin? A common question asked at the start of any paper is, "Where should I begin? Therefore, it is important to lay a foundation for understanding the historical context underpinning the research problem.
However, this information should be brief and succinct and begin at a point in time that illustrates the study's overall importance. For example, a study that investigates coffee cultivation and export in West Africa as a key stimulus for local economic growth needs to describe the beginning of exporting coffee in the region and establishing why economic growth is important.
You do not need to give a long historical explanation about coffee exports in Africa. If a research problem requires a substantial exploration of introduction meaning in research paper historical context, do this in the literature review section. In your introduction, make note of this introduction meaning in research paper part of the "roadmap" [see below] that you use to describe the organization of your paper.
Always End with a Roadmap. The final paragraph or sentences of your introduction should forecast your main arguments and conclusions and provide a brief description of the rest of the paper [the "roadmap"] that let's the reader know where you are going and what to expect, introduction meaning in research paper. A roadmap is important because it helps the reader place the research problem within the context of their own perspectives about the topic.
In addition, concluding your introduction with an explicit roadmap tells the reader that you have a clear understanding of the structural purpose of your paper.
In this way, the roadmap acts as a type of promise to yourself and to your readers that you will follow a consistent and coherent approach to addressing the topic of inquiry. Refer to it often to help keep your writing focused and organized. Cassuto, Leonard. A Student's Guide to Writing in East Asian Studies. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Writing n. USC Libraries Research Guides Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper 4.
Research Paper (Definition, Example, Outline) 2020
, time: 13:12Writing a Research Paper Introduction | Step-by-Step Guide
· The introduction is the broad beginning of the paper that answers three important questions for the reader: What is this? Why should I read it? What do you want me to think about / consider doing / react to? Think of the structure of the introduction as an inverted triangle of information that lays a foundation for understanding the research blogger.com: Robert V. Labaree 4. The Introduction - Organizing Academic Research Papers · How to write a research paper introduction Step 1: Introduce your topic. The first job of the introduction is to tell the reader what your topic is and why it’s Step 2: Describe the background. This part of the introduction differs depending on what approach your paper is taking. Step 3: Estimated Reading Time: 10 mins
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