INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1: THE PROBLEM WHY IS THE INTRODUCTION IMPORTANT? WHAT MAKES A GOOD INTRODUCTION? THE INTRODUCTION The introduction is the opening section of an academic research paper that serves as the foundation for the entire paper. 4 THE INTRODUCTION It aims to establish the context, significance, and scope of the research by presenting the topic, providing background information, outlining the research question and problem statement, and highlighting the study's contribution to the existing body of knowledge. 5 THE INTRODUCTION: PURPOSE Engage the Reader: Capture the reader's interest and establish the importance of the research. Set the Stage: Provide context and background information to help the reader understand the research topic. Establish the Research Problem: Clearly articulate the specific question or problem that the research will address. Highlight the Research's Significance: Explain why the research is important and its potential impact.
6 FIVE STEPS ON WRITING YOUR 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 interesting or important.
7 FIVE STEPS ON WRITING YOUR INTRODUCTION Step 1: Introduce your topic The hook is a striking opening sentence that clearly conveys the relevance of your topic.
8 FIVE STEPS ON WRITING YOUR INTRODUCTION Step 1: Introduce your topic “The rise of social media has been accompanied by a sharp increase in the prevalence of body image issues among women and girls.” 9 FIVE STEPS ON WRITING YOUR INTRODUCTION Step 1: Introduce your topic Clarity and relevance are still more important than catchiness.
10 FIVE STEPS ON WRITING YOUR INTRODUCTION Step 2: Describe the background Provide an overview of the most relevant research that has already been conducted.
11 FIVE STEPS ON WRITING YOUR INTRODUCTION Step 2: Describe the background Begin by establishing the kinds of research that have been done, and end with limitations or gaps in the research that you intend to respond to. 12 FIVE STEPS ON WRITING YOUR INTRODUCTION Step 3: Establish your research problem Clarify how your own research fits in and what problem it addresses.
13 FIVE STEPS ON WRITING YOUR INTRODUCTION Step 3: Establish your research problem Try to lead into the problem on the basis of your discussion of the literature.
14 FIVE STEPS ON WRITING YOUR INTRODUCTION Step 3: Establish your research problem What research gap is your work intended to fill? What limitations in previous work does it address? What contribution to knowledge does it make? 15 FIVE STEPS ON WRITING YOUR INTRODUCTION Step 4: Specify your questions, objectives, and hypothesis Present your research question clearly and directly, with a minimum of discussion at this point. 16 FIVE STEPS ON WRITING YOUR INTRODUCTION Step 4: Specify your questions, objectives, and hypothesis “This study set out to answer the following question: What effects does daily use of Instagram have on the prevalence of body image issues among adolescent girls?” 17 FIVE STEPS ON WRITING YOUR INTRODUCTION Step 4: Specify your questions, objectives, and hypothesis Research Question: How does social media use affect self-esteem in teenagers? Hypothesis: Null Hypothesis (H0): "There is no relationship between social media use and self-esteem in teenagers." Alternative Hypothesis (H1): "There is a negative relationship between social media use and self- esteem in teenagers."
18 FIVE STEPS ON WRITING YOUR INTRODUCTION Step 5: Map out your paper Providing a glimpse into the structure and content of the paper that follows.
19 FIVE STEPS ON WRITING YOUR INTRODUCTION Step 5: Map out your paper This is crucial for setting expectations and guiding the reader through the flow of your argument.
20 LESSON 2: WRITING THE RESEARCH INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1: THE PROBLEM STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM A concise and focused declaration of the issue or challenge that your research aims to address. It's the foundation of your research, setting the stage for your investigation and guiding your entire research process. 22 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES The specific, measurable goals that you aim to achieve through your research project. They act as a roadmap, guiding your research process and ensuring that your study stays focused and relevant. 23 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES The SMART Criteria
Specific: Your objectives should be clear and well-defined, stating exactly
what you want to achieve. Avoid vague or ambiguous statements. Measurable: Your objectives should be quantifiable, allowing you to track your progress and measure your results. Identify specific metrics or indicators that will be used to assess achievement. Achievable: Your objectives should be realistic and attainable within the scope of your study and available resources. Set challenging goals, but ensure they are feasible within the time frame and with the resources available. Relevant: Your objectives should be directly related to your research question and contribute meaningfully to addressing the research problem. They should be significant and valuable to your field of study. Time-Bound: Your objectives should have a specific deadline or time frame for completion. This helps you set a schedule for your research activities and monitor your progress.
24 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY Explains why the research is important and why it should be conducted. It essentially answers the question: "Why does this research matter?" 25 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS The scope of a research study defines its boundaries and parameters, outlining what will be included and investigated. It clarifies the focus and depth of the study, ensuring that it remains manageable and relevant to the research question. 26 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS Limitations refer to the constraints or weaknesses within the research study that may impact its validity or generalizability. These limitations can arise from various factors, such as methodological constraints, resource limitations, scope constraints, ethical considerations, and time constraints. 27 So, what makes a good introduction?
