Research Paper Introduction – Meaning, Elements, Importance and Techniques

The introduction is the first thing people will see when they open your paper, so make it count. The way you introduce yourself and your work can reveal a lot about who you are–are you confident or unsure? Do we know what to expect from this research after reading these opening lines?

The introduction is your opportunity to engage readers by explaining how this paper will provide them with new information and insights. You want the reader’s attention so they can gain a better understanding of why it matters that you are studying these topics, not just because you find doing research enjoyable or challenging.

What is Research Paper Introduction?

Introduction in the research paper is the first paragraph that provides a detailed background of the topic it could also be referred to as the formal presentation of the topic or subject.

The introduction is often the most important chapter of your paper because it lays out what you want to accomplish and how. The introduction should have a broad view of the topic, establishing how it relates broadly with other topics in its field. It’s also an opportunity for you to state why this research matters by explaining both background information as well as stating hypotheses or questions that will be answered through your study (or at least addressed).
It should provide an overview of what approach you will take with your methodology before providing some brief details as to how this study could yield results that can contribute value to society.

Objectives of writing a research paper introduction

• The main objective of the introduction part of a research paper is to make the reader familiar with the content and purpose of writing a research paper. As a Research paper introduction is the first section of a research paper that has a great effect on the reader’s mind. Therefore, you should edit and proofread the introduction after writing it.
• One of the main objectives of the introduction is to give a description of the problem that will be addressed. In this section, the researcher might discuss the nature of the research, the purpose of the research, the significance of the research problem, and the research question(s) to be addressed.
• Another objective of the introduction section in the research paper is to capture the attention of the reader. It is the paragraph in a research paper that makes the reader familiar with the subject by providing an overview of the topic, the length of an introduction is completely based on the types of research papers is being written.

For example, Globalization is a phenomenon that has bought drastic changes in industries. It has changed the way marketing has been done by firms.

Elements of introduction in the research paper

Different elements of introduction in the research paper are:

1. Topic sentence

It provides the reader with a basic idea about the research paper. You are required to use expressive words for your topic sentence in a research paper, as this will help you in grabbing the attention of the reader. The topic sentences should relate to the information contained in the paragraph.

2. Thesis statement

It is the most important part of the introduction section of the research paper. This section in the research paper provides the reader with a basic idea about the topic. The thesis statement that you have design should be cohesive and clear. Reviewing and refining the thesis statement again is considered to be one of the best strategies for ensuring clarity. While writing the thesis statement as a part of the introduction, you need to make sure that it is narrow, specific, and focused.

3. Supporting sentences

In the main body section of the research paper, you need to include at least five arguments. You should include the only relevant argument in the research paper. Supporting sentences might include a reason for selecting a specific topic for investigation, the importance of research. It might also include other important information about the research such as research questions, aims, and objectives, etc.

4. Conclusion sentences

It mainly includes restatements of the main idea of the research. You, in order to write a concluding sentence, will be required to again write the topic sentence. But in this section, the topic sentence should be in different words. While writing conclusive sentences you will again need to emphasize the key idea of research. But you have to provide additional information along with the key idea. You should use both expressive and impressive words while writing conclusive sentences.

Read More: How to Write a Mini Research Paper Outline

Importance of introduction in the research paper

The introduction has great significance in the research paper. Introduction in the research paper is very much essential, as it helps the researcher in stating their objective.

• The introduction section in the researcher paper consists of the research paper hook which provides the researcher with ease in grabbing the attention of the reader.
• It enables you to avoid any kind of confusion and misunderstanding.
• An introduction section enables us to highlight the issue.
• By providing an effective introduction you can make the reader feel connected.
• The introduction section in a research paper is important as it enables to clearly state the objective of conducting the investigation on a particulars topic.
• It helps you to demonstrate the importance of the research topics or problem that has been addressed in the research paper.
• It enables you to explain the way research on a particular topic has filled the gap in the literature.
• An effective introduction in the research paper helps you in developing a good impression on the reader.

See Also: How to Write Literature Review in Research Paper

Techniques of writing introduction in research paper

• You should write this introduction in the last after completion of all other parts. As after completing other parts of the research paper you will develop little idea about the content  that you need to add in the introduction for matching it with the other sections of the research paper
• While writing the introduction section in the research paper you need to mainly concentrate on the tone you are using.
• While drafting an introduction you need to highlight the main issue because of which you are performing an investigation on a specific topic.
• You should provide the reader with a hint of the questions that you want to get answered.

The procedure of writing an introduction in a research paper

• Defining of the topic of research: It is an initial phase where you need to provide background information or an overview of your research topic. The beginning sentences in a research paper should represent the issue on which a complete research project is based.
• Consideration related to keywords: the keywords are those words that represent the different aspects of the investigation. For example, if you are writing a research paper on the impact of globalization on business function, then in the introduction section you need to provide a definition or explanation about globalization.
• Definition of key terms in a research paper: It is essentials for you to define the complex term which you will use in a research paper. As it is the strategy that will help you in ensuring clarity throughout the research paper. By providing the definition of complex terms you can ensure that the reader has understood what you want to convey. Defining the key terms is very much crucial particularly when you are describing new concepts in your research paper.
• Introduction to the topic using quotation: You should include the quotation that should be related to the topic. Using the quotation in the introduction section will help you in capturing the attention of the reader. While you are writing a quote you need to make sure it is short and simple.

Must See: A Guide to Start Research Process

Research Paper Introduction Example

Following are some examples to understand the research paper introduction:

1. Research paper introduction on environmental issues

The fast growth in the industrial setup and a massive increase of vehicles on the roads are becoming devastating causes of environmental issues these days. It is very difficult to survive in urban and suburban areas where the air is polluted to a level that can cause different diseases in the human body. Pollution cannot be considered which is caused by the emission of harmful substances in the air only. But at the same time, there are so many other types of pollutions as well. We cannot afford to ignore soil pollution, noise pollution, and water pollution which are equally responsible for the poor life quality on earth with an increasing rate of pollution.

2. Harmful results of environmental pollution

More harmful results of environmental pollution can be seen in the form of smog which is harmful to the eyes and respiratory system of the human body. Soil pollution causes different harms to the human body in an indirect way. So the case with drinking contaminated water by the people. It is the need of the hour to have a focus on this arena of life as well because if we keep on ignoring things for a long period of time things can turn out to be dangerous in different ways. Here in this essay, we will talk about the different methods and mediums through which the environmental issues can be checked by the society of people in togetherness.

3. Measures were taken for reducing pollution

New policies like an adaption of the green chemistry and planting trees people are taking to prevent pollution. Dealing with the various issues of pollution will be the main focus of the essay. By finding relevant solutions for each problem by doing authentic research using the surveys technique.  Apart from the types of pollution mentioned here, you can also add noise pollution and its solutions to the list.