Buzz
Writing the introduction can often be the most difficult part of crafting a research paper. The length of the introduction depends on the type of research you are conducting. In this section, you will outline the topic, provide context, and explain the reasoning behind the study before stating the research question and hypothesis. A strong introduction sets the tone of the paper, piques the reader's interest, and presents the thesis or main argument clearly.
Steps
Introduce the Research Topic
State the research topic. You can start by briefly describing the topic and suggesting the type of research questions that will be addressed. This is an effective way to introduce the subject and spark interest in the reader. The opening sentences should present the content that will be explored in depth later, leading up to the specific research question.
- For scientific papers, this is sometimes referred to as the 'inverted triangle' approach: moving from the general to the specific.
- The sentence 'Throughout the 20th century, our perspective on life beyond Earth has changed significantly' introduces the topic without going into detail.
- This helps orient the reader to the article's content and encourages them to continue reading.
Consider using keywords. When writing a research paper for publication, you will need to submit your manuscript alongside a set of keywords. These keywords help readers quickly identify the specific research area you are focusing on. You can also include a few targeted keywords in the title, which you want to emphasize in the introduction.
- For example, if writing about the behavior of mice exposed to a particular substance, you might include the word 'mouse' and the scientific name of the related compound in the opening sentence.
- If writing a history paper about the impact of World War I on gender relations in Britain, be sure to mention these keywords early in the paper.
Define all key terms and concepts. You may need to define all key terms and concepts from the outset when writing the introduction. Doing so shows that you have a deep understanding of your work: if you fail to clarify unfamiliar terms or concepts, your readers may have difficulty following your argument.
- This is especially important when introducing new abstract concepts, as well as unfamiliar language and terminology.
Introduce the topic through an anecdote or quote. If writing about anthropology or social sciences, you may choose to introduce the topic with a more creative approach. Papers focusing on human subjects often begin with a story or quote that illustrates the research topic. This is a variation of the 'inverted triangle' technique and can captivate the reader's interest in a more whimsical way, while also showcasing an engaging writing style.
- When using a story, make sure it is concise, relevant to your research, and performs the same function as other types of introductions: introducing the research topic.
- For example, if writing a sociological paper on recidivism among young offenders, you could use a brief story that highlights and introduces your topic.
- In physical sciences and natural sciences, this approach is generally not used in introductions, as it is not highly valued in these types of research papers.
Develop the Research Paper Content
Include a brief theoretical background. Depending on the overall length of the research paper, the introduction should provide a summary of existing research within the same field. This section is vital because it shows your knowledge and understanding of previous studies and debates in the field. The introduction should indicate that, although you have broad knowledge, your focus will be on issues directly related to your specific research.
- The introduction should be concise, offering an overview of the current state of preliminary research, rather than an exhaustive discussion.
- You can use the 'inverted triangle' principle, starting from broader concepts and narrowing down to the specific issues addressed in your research.
- A good theoretical background will present essential foundational information relevant to your research and emphasize the significance of the research field.
Clarify your contribution through the theoretical framework. A well-rounded yet concise theoretical framework can effectively shape the direction of your research paper. As you develop your introduction, you can shift from the theoretical background to your specific research, highlighting its unique place in the field.
- By clearly referencing existing studies, you can demonstrate how your contributions further the overall development of the field.
- You can also identify gaps in current research and explain how your approach enhances the body of knowledge.
Provide a thorough explanation for the need for your research. Once you’ve established your research’s position, you can explain in greater detail why the research is necessary, its strengths, and its significance. This explanation should be clear and succinct, emphasizing the value of your study and its contribution to the field. Avoid simply stating that you are filling a gap in existing research. Focus on the positive contributions of your work.
- For instance, in scientific research, you might highlight the significance of the model or experimental methods used.
- Emphasize the innovation of your research and the importance of your new approach, but avoid overloading the introduction with details.
- An example of a research purpose could be: 'This study evaluates previously unknown anti-inflammatory properties of a compound with localized effects, to assess its potential medical applications.'
Clarify the research question and hypothesis.
State the research question. After establishing the research’s position in the field and presenting the general rationale, you can now clearly articulate the research questions that will be addressed in your study. The theoretical background and rationale for the study will guide your work and introduce your research questions. These questions should naturally flow from the prior sections, not be introduced abruptly to surprise the reader.
- Research questions are usually presented toward the end of the introduction. They should be concise and focused.
- Your research questions can echo keywords used in the opening sentences and the title of your paper.
- For instance, a research question could be: 'What is the impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement on Mexico's export-oriented economy?'
- It can be narrowed to focus on the effect of a specific element of the North American Free Trade Agreement on a particular industry in Mexico, such as the textile industry.
- A good research question should frame the issue in a testable hypothesis.
Present your hypothesis. After presenting the research question, you should clearly and concisely state your hypothesis or thesis. This shows that your research will provide specific, actionable results rather than merely exploring a general topic. Briefly explain how you arrived at this hypothesis and reference the theoretical framework.
- If possible, avoid using the word 'hypothesis,' but still convey the concept so that the reader understands your intent. This will make the writing less rigid.
- For scientific papers, presenting a preliminary result and its relation to the hypothesis in one clear sentence helps make the information transparent and easily accessible.
- For example, the hypothesis could be: 'Mice that are not fed during the study period are expected to be less flexible than those that are normally fed.'
Lên bố cục của bài nghiên cứu. Trong một số trường hợp, phần cuối của lời giới thiệu sẽ là vài dòng trình bày tổng quan kết cấu nội dung của bài nghiên cứu. Bạn có thể chỉ cần trình bày dàn ý cũng như cách bạn sắp xếp và chia nhỏ bài viết.
- Điều này không phải lúc nào cũng cần thiết. Bạn nên để ý đến thông lệ được dùng khi viết nghiên cứu trong lĩnh vực của bạn.
- Chẳng hạn như với bài khoa học tự nhiên, bạn sẽ tuân theo một cấu trúc tương đối cứng nhắc.
- Thường thì các bài khoa học xã hội và nhân văn có thể linh hoạt hơn trong cấu trúc.
Lời khuyên
- Sử dụng dàn ý để xác định thông tin cần đưa vào phần giới thiệu.
- Cân nhắc viết nháp lời giới thiệu sau khi đã hoàn tất phần còn lại của bài nghiên cứu. Nhờ đó, không bỏ sót bất kỳ điểm quan trọng nào.
Cảnh báo
- Đừng viết kiểu cảm tính hay giật gân trong phần giới thiệu: nó có thể khiến người đọc cảm thấy không đáng tin.
- Nhìn chung, cần tránh sử dụng ngôi nhân xưng thứ nhất, chẳng hạn như "tôi", "chúng tôi", "của chúng tôi", "của tôi".
- Đừng khiến người đọc choáng ngợp với quá nhiều thông tin dư thừa. Hãy giữ cho phần giới thiệu súc tích hết mức có thể bằng cách dành chi tiết cụ thể cho phần thân bài.
