How to Write an Introduction to a Research Paper

The introduction can be the hardest part of a research paper. The length of the introduction depends on the type of research you intend to write. Here, you will state the topic, content, and rationale before stating the research question and hypothesis. A good opening is one that establishes the writing style, sparks the reader’s interest, and presents a hypothesis or topic sentence.

Table of Contents

Introduce the topic of the research paper

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Research topic statement. You can start with a few sentences that state the topic as well as suggest the type of research question that will be answered. This is a good way to introduce the topic and spark interest from the reader. ^{[1] X Research Sources} The first sentences that need to be presented are discussed in more depth later and lead to the specific research question.

With science, it is sometimes called the “inverted triangle” method: going from the general to the specific. ^{[2] X Research Source}
The sentence “During the 20th century, our view of extraterrestrial life has changed a lot” introduces the topic but does not go into detail.
It helps readers navigate the content of the article and encourages them to continue reading.

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Consider using keywords. When you’re writing a research paper for publication, you’ll have to submit your manuscript with a bunch of keywords. These keywords help readers quickly identify the area of research you are targeting. You can also put a few keywords in the title that you want to build and emphasize in the introduction. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

For example, in a study of rat behavior when exposed to a substance, you might include the word “rat” and the scientific name of the compound involved in the first sentence. ^{[4] X Research Sources}
If you’re writing a history about the impact of World War I on sex relations in Britain, you should mention these keywords in the first few lines.

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Define all key terms and concepts. You’ll probably have to clarify all the key terms and concepts at the outset when writing your introduction. It shows that you really understand your work: if you don’t explain unfamiliar terms or concepts, it’s possible that the reader won’t understand your point. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

This is especially important when constructing new abstractions with unfamiliar language and terminology.

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Introduce the topic through an anecdote or quote. If you’re writing about anthropology or the social sciences, you can start and introduce the topic in more literary ways. Articles about people in particular often begin with illustrative stories or statements directed to the research topic. This is a variation of the “inverted triangle” technique and it can excite the reader in a more whimsical way as well as showcase an engaging writing style.

When using a story, make sure it’s short, relevant to your research, and does what other openings do: state the research topic.
For example, if you are writing a sociology article about recidivism rates among young prisoners, you could use a short story about someone whose story represents and introduces your topic.
Physical science and natural science research papers have a different spelling and in general, in this type of research, the above approach is not appreciated when used for the introduction.

Research content creation

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Includes a short theoretical basis. Depending on the overall length of the paper, the introduction should provide an overview of published research in the same field. This is important because it shows your deep knowledge and understanding of the research and debate in the field. The introduction should show that despite your broad knowledge, you will be focusing on the issues that are most relevant to your research.

The introduction should be concise, providing an overview of current developments in prerequisite research rather than a lengthy discussion. ^{[6] X Research Sources}
You can apply the “inverted triangle” principle to go from the bigger picture to issues where you have a direct contribution to your research paper.
A good theoretical background will present important background information to your research and show the importance of the field of study. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

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Through the theoretical basis, clarify your contribution. A concise yet complete theoretical background can be a very effective way of framing research. As you develop your introduction, you can go from theory to your own research and its own place in the field.

By explicitly referring to existing works, you can show specific contributions to the overall development of your field.
You can identify gaps in current research and explain how you approach and promote knowledge growth. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

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Explain in detail the reason for the study. Once you have identified the specific niche of the work, you can more fully explain the rationale for the study, its strengths, and its own importance. This rationale should be clear and concise, showing the value of the research as well as the contribution in its field. ^{[9] X Source of Research} Try not to stop at just saying that you are filling a gap in current research. Emphasize the positive contributions of the work.

For example, if you are writing scientific research, you can emphasize the value of the empirical model or method used.
Emphasize the novelty of your research and the importance of your new approach. Don’t go into too much detail in the introduction, though. ^{[10] X Research Source}
The reason given could be: “study evaluating the unknown anti-inflammatory factors of a compound with a local effect in order to evaluate its potential medical effects”.

Clarifying research questions and hypotheses

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State the research question. Once you’ve identified the place of your research in the field and outlined the overall rationale for your work, you can now clarify the questions that will be addressed in your research. The rationale and rationale for your research will shape your work and introduce your research question. These questions need to develop naturally from the previous sections, not suddenly, surprising the reader. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Research questions are usually asked at the end of the introduction. They should be presented in a concise, focused manner. ^{[12] X Research Source}
The research question may repeat some of the key words that have been developed in the first sentences and title of the research paper.
The research question might be similar to this: “What is the impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement on Mexico’s export-oriented economy?”
It is possible to go deeper, studying the impact of an element of the Free Trade Agreement on a specific Mexican industry, such as the apparel industry.
A good research question should frame the problem in a testable hypothesis.

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Present your hypothesis. After you come up with your research question, you need to state your idea, or topic sentence, in a clear and concise manner. It shows that the research paper will make a specific contribution and have clear results, not just cover a general topic. ^{[13] X Research Source} You should briefly clarify how you came to this hypothesis and refer to the theoretical basis.

If possible, avoid using the word “hypothesis” and still let the reader understand what you mean. ^{[14] X Research Source} This makes the article less rigid.
With a scientific paper, clearly stating the results obtained and their relationship to hypotheses in just one sentence makes the information clear and accessible. ^{[15] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}
For example, it might be hypothesized that “rats that were not fed during the study period are expected to be less flexible than those fed normally”.

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Outline your research paper. In some cases, the end of the introduction will be a few lines that outline the structure of the research paper. ^{[16] X Research Sources} You can simply state your outline and how you organize and break down the paper.

This is not always necessary. You should be mindful of the practices used when writing research in your field.
For example, with a natural science lesson, you will follow a relatively rigid structure. ^{[17] X Research Source}
Often the humanities and social sciences courses can be more flexible in structure.

Advice

Use an outline to determine what information to include in your introduction.
Consider drafting your introduction after you’ve completed the rest of your research paper. As a result, no important points are left out.

Warning

Don’t write sensational or sensational in the introduction: it can make the reader feel untrustworthy.
In general, the use of the first person should be avoided, such as “I”, “we”, “our”, “mine”.
Don’t overwhelm the reader with too much redundant information. Keep the introduction as concise as possible by giving specifics to the body.

Steps

Introduce the topic of the research paper

Research content creation

Clarifying research questions and hypotheses

Advice

Warning

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