This document provides guidance on writing the introduction section of a case study research paper. It advises that the introduction should describe both the research problem and why the specific case is being used to address the problem. A good introduction should answer four questions: what was being studied, why the topic is important, what was previously known about the topic, and how the study will advance understanding. The introduction should include a thesis statement and research questions. Sample introductory paragraphs are provided and analyzed to identify the key elements that should be included - a hook, background on previous studies, the gap in knowledge, the aim of the study, and specific research questions. Outlines for writing the introduction and background are recommended.

1. ENG33
Week 6
Writing the Case Study
Introduction
DR. RUSSELL RODRIGO

2. Introduction
 As with any research paper, your introduction should serve as a roadmap
for your readers to ascertain the scope and purpose of your study.
 The introduction to a case study research paper, however, should not only
describe the research problem and its significance, but you should also
succinctly describe why the case is being used and how it relates to
addressing the problem.
 The two elements should be linked.

3. A good introduction answers these four
questions:
1. What was I studying?
2. Why was this topic important to investigate?
3. What did we know about this topic before I did this study?
4. How will this study advance new knowledge or new ways of
understanding?

4. Research Questions & Thesis
Statement
1.Problem
2.Research Question
3.Thesis statement

5. Exercise: Opening Paragraph
A. Read the three sample introductory paragraphs and identify 5 basic
pieces of information that should be considered in writing a
research introduction.
B. Underline or label what each sentence says (e.g. hook, thesis
statement, research method, previous studies/background, missing piece or
gap, etc.).
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6. Sample Introduction
Topic: Social Movements in Thailand
People like to say that Thai people are unconcerned about their politics. They are wrong. If Thai people do not care
about their politics, there would not have been many historic social movements in Thailand (Thamrongthanyawong, 2010).
Thailand has experienced many forms of social movements that were aggressive, and it also has seen some that were non-
violent but powerful. In the 21st century, Thailand still suffers from the violent form of social movements which irritated and
ended many lives of those who advocated for social changes. To depict, look at the event of the Red Shirt movement in
2010, you will see that most tourists during that time felt unsafe to inhabit in Thailand due to the severity of the event
(Buchanan, 2013). The fear of the foreigners was actually a tool for the social movement advocates to put pressure on the
government to amend the law that they detested. Furthermore, Thailand is also encountering a modern type of social
movement which takes place in the form of social media. This form of social movements is also compelling, and it possesses
the power to bring changes no less than the bloodshed or the traditional type because it can put pressure on the government
or the related organs every single second just by posting discrediting posts and sharing or just commenting on the posts.
Generally, Thailand observes social movements taking place every moment that the second counts and the government knows
that social movements can severely affect Thailand. However, the degree on how these social movements influenced Thailand
in general remains a question. The purpose of this paper is to analyse Thailand’s notable social movements happening in the
21st century and how they influence Thai politics. Specifically, it aims to answer the following questions:
1. What are the impacts of Bloody Social Movements (Red Shirt, Yellow Shirts, and Internet Movement) on Thai Image?
2. What are social movements impacts on Thailand’s legal changes?
3. How do the social movements in Thailand bridge the gaps of laws?

7. People like to say that Thai people are unconcerned about their politics. They are wrong. If Thai
people do not care about their politics, there would not have been many historic social
movements in Thailand (Thamrongthanyawong, 2010). Thailand has experienced many forms of
social movements that were aggressive, and it also has seen some that were non-violent but
powerful. In the 21st century, Thailand still suffers from the violent form of social movements
which irritated and ended many lives of those who advocated for social changes. To depict, look
at the event of the Red Shirt movement in 2010, you will see that most tourists during that time
felt unsafe to inhabit in Thailand due to the severity of the event (Buchanan, 2013). The fear of
the foreigners was actually a tool for the social movement advocates to put pressure on the
government to amend the law that they detested. Furthermore, Thailand is also encountering a
modern type of social movement which takes place in the form of social media. This form of
social movements is also compelling, and it possesses the power to bring changes no less than
the bloodshed or the traditional type because it can put pressure on the government or the
related organs every single second just by posting discrediting posts and sharing or just
commenting on the posts. Generally, Thailand observes social movements taking place every
moment that the second counts and the government knows that social movements can severely
affect Thailand. However, the degree on how these social movements influenced Thailand in
general remains a question. The purpose of this paper is to analyse Thailand’s notable social
movements happening in the 21st century and how they influence Thai politics. Specifically, it
aims to answer the following questions:
1. What are the impacts of Bloody Social Movements (Red Shirt, Yellow Shirts, and Internet Movement)
on Thai Image?
2. What are social movements impacts on Thailand’s legal changes?
3. How do the social movements in Thailand bridge the gaps of laws?
A statement of
the general
topic or a hook
A general statement
about what previous
studies have found
A statement about
what the literature is
missing or where
there is an
unanswered question
Thesis statement
(Aim + Research
Questions

8. The opening paragraph
Includes 5 basic pieces of information, usually in this order:
1. A statement of the general topic or a hook
2. A general statement about what previous studies have found
3. A statement about what the literature is missing or where there is an
unanswered question
4. The aim of the study
5. Specific research questions
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9. Production
 Write an outline of your introduction
 Write the background of your case study research
topic
9