Point to remember while

writing effective
Introduction of a Research
Paper
 Introduction
 1st and 2nd paragraph of background of key variables
Minimum 3 sentences and maximum 6-8 sentences.

 3rd and 4th paragraph should be of GAPS in previous study or body

of knowledge .
Gaps could be like:-
 Conducted in 1970s in Pakistan now culture changes and do it again
 There is no study on it although it is very important factor and no one up to my knowledge
try to investigate it.
 Criticize on the operationalization of variables.
 Takes place in developed nations but not in developing nations
 Add variables as IV, Moderator or Mediator in existing frameworks
 See the industry from which data is collected you can change the industry
 Introduction
 5th and 6th paragraph is of Importance and Significance of filling
those GAPS
Tell the importance of that GAP and what are the drawbacks of GAPS

 7th paragraph is of the OBJECTIVES of the current study

Based on the gaps identified and the importance of filing those GAPS there are several
objectives on it.

 Note: Don’t use bullets or headings.

 Write it in simple paragraph.
 Introduction…

 Before a reader starts reading the article, he reviews it

visually. If the size of introduction is too large, it will
make a bad impression on your paper.
 Just remember, all you have to present in the introduction
is: definition of the topic idea and its urgency,
explanation of the aim of the research, facts to hook
the reader and research statement.
 Introduction…

 Be logical. Your introduction will be really strong if it contains key

ideas only in few sentences.
 To reach such result it is important to satisfy logical connection of the
thoughts.
 Your goal is to make reader understand in the end of the introduction
what exactly you attempted to achieve in research paper and why this
problem worth profound research.
 Introduction…

 Review previous studies of your topic. Every person can study the
same topic in a different way.
 Before you start your own research, you must become aware of the
discoveries other scholars made on this issue.
I. Structure and Approach

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?
1. Establish an area to research by:

 Highlighting the importance of the topic, and/or

 Making general statements about the topic, and/or
 Presenting an overview on current research on the subject.
2. Identify a research niche by:

 Opposing an existing assumption, and/or

 Revealing a gap in existing research, and/or
 Formulating a research question or problem, and/or
 Continuing a disciplinary tradition.
3. Place your research within the
research niche by:
 Stating the intent of your study,
 Outlining the key characteristics of your study,
 Describing important results, and
 Giving a brief overview of the structure of the paper
 The key aims and objectives of your study,
 The research questions that you address,
 The variables of interest [i.e., the various factors and features of the
phenomenon being studied],
 The method(s) of investigation,
 The time period your study covers, and
 Any relevant alternative theoretical frameworks that could have been
adopted.
 The Narrative Flow

Issues to keep in mind that will help the narrative flow in your introduction:
Your introduction should clearly identify the subject area of interest.
 A simple strategy to follow is to use key words from your title in the first few
sentences of the introduction.
This will help focus the introduction on the topic at the appropriate level and
ensures that you get to the subject matter quickly without losing focus, or
discussing information that is too general.
 Clearly state the hypothesis that you investigated. When you are
first learning to write in this format it is okay, and actually
preferable, to use a past statement like, "The purpose of this study
was to...." or “This study investigated three possible mechanisms to
explain the....“

 Why did you choose this kind of research study or design? Provide a
clear statement of the rationale for your approach to the problem
studied. This will usually follow your statement of purpose in the last
paragraph of the introduction.
 Engaging the Reader

The overarching goal of your introduction is to make

your readers want to read your paper. The introduction
should grab the reader's attention.