This document provides guidance on how to write an effective research introduction. The introduction establishes the foundation and context for the paper. It should lead the reader to the discussion section by answering two key questions: why the study was needed to fill a gap in scientific knowledge, and why that gap needs filling. The introduction covers what is already known through background information and relevant literature, identifies the knowledge gap, and explains how the current study will attempt to fill that gap. It follows a three-step structure: 1) discussing what is known, 2) identifying what is unknown, and 3) explaining how and why the researcher will fill the gap.

1. How toWrite a Research
Introduction

2. Introduction
•Establishes the foundation of a research paper
•Readers rules set in introduction apply to all parts of the
paper

3. Purpose of the Introduction
•Introduction content should lead reader to the
discussion section
Introduction
Discussion/
Conclusion

4. Answer two major questions
•Why was this study needed to fill the gap in scientific
knowledge
•Why does this gap need filling

5. Known
Knowledge
gap

6. Flow of Objectives
Identify the knowledge gap
Explain why it needs to be filled
Summarize how this study attempts
to fill that gap

7. Introduction Content
Sales
-Brief background information about research topic
-Rationale for undertaking this study
(reason for “filling the gap”)
-Key references to preliminary work or
Closely related papers
-Clarification of terms, definitions or abbreviations
-Review of pertinent literature

8. Introduction Structure
1
2
3
What is known
What is unknown
How and why should we fill the
gap

9. Step 1: Show what is already known
(Background Information)
•Give a strong statement that reflects your research subject
area
•State the topics and the problems explored in your study. Ask
questions to frame the aims of the study.
•Use keywords from your title
•Do not state obvious or broad facts about your topic-higly
relevant information is always more useful

10. Step 1: Show what is already known
(Background Information)
•Cite all the sources referenced
•Only give useful background information
•Only review relevant, up-to-date primary literature
that supports your explanation of current base of
knowledge

11. Step 2: Show the gap in knowledge
•Highlight areas of too little available information
•Explain why and how we should fill in the gap
•Explain what logical steps can be developed based on
existing research

12. Step 2: Show the gap in knowledge
•Show you have examined the current data and devised a
plan
•Show your awareness of the direction of your field
•Show confidence in pursuing this study

13. Step 3: Show how your study fills in the
knowledge gap
•State your purpose and give a clear hypothesis of
objective of the study
•Tell what useful knowledge will be gained