1. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Chapter 10
The Introduction

2. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Function of the Introduction
• Awakens the reader’s interests
• Provides context
• Tells the reader what to expect in the paper

3. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Content of the Introduction
Keep the introduction short
Include the following elements:
1. Background information (known/background)
2. Problems and unknown factors (unknown)
3. Addition made by your research (question)
4. Experimental approach

4. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Content and Organization
Informative Papers
Follow a funnel structure
(Optional: Results/conclusion and significance)

5. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Content and Organization
Descriptive Papers
Follow a funnel structure

6. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Introduction: Question/Purpose
The Question is the
central point
of the whole paper
Super-Topic Sentence
State the central point (question/purpose) preciselyState the central point (question/purpose) precisely
Example
To determine if increasing amounts of
CO2 in the atmosphere affect maize seed germination, …

7. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
UnknownUnknown
QuestionQuestion
Example of a Brief Introduction
Several general anesthetics, including
barbiturates depress the bronchomotor response
to vagus nerve stimulation (1, 7, 9). However,
the site of this depression has not been
determined. To determine which site in the
vagal motor pathway to the bronchioles is most
sensitive to depression by barbiturates, we did
experiments in isolated rings of ferret in which
we stimulated this pathway at four different
sites before and after exposure to barbiturates.
KnownKnown
Exp.
approach
Exp.
approach

8. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
The Parts of the Introduction
The Known/Background
Provide pertinent background information
Write about existing research and believes
Amount of background depends on audience̵
Do not review the literature

9. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
The Parts of the Introduction
The Unknown
State unknown outright or problem
For example: “the site ... has not been
determined”
“has not been established”
“is unclear”
“is unknown”
Avoid criticizing previous studies and antagonistic phrases
(“failed to,” “used invalid techniques,” “foolishly did not
recognize”)

10. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
State the central question/purpose precisely
For example: “To determine…”
•Name variables studied
•Keep your writing focused on the question/purpose
•The question should be the question you would expect after
reading the statement of what is unknown or problematic
The Parts of the Introduction
The Question

11. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Write a short experimental approach
•1-3 sentences
• Describe what you examined
(name organism, enzyme, etc.)
• Describe how you examined it
(general technique)
The Parts of the Introduction
Experimental Approach

12. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
• Describe any discovery made
• Mention how something was discovered
• Mention any advantages or disadvantages that
may arise
The Parts of the Introduction
Discovery and Description

13. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Give your paper some significance
•State the significance/implication at the end
of the Introduction
The Parts of the Introduction
Implication

14. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Important Writing Principles for the
Introduction
Ensure good cohesion and coherence
Use all techniques of continuity:
Sentence location
Topic sentences
Word location
Key terms
Transitions
Signal all the elements of the Introduction

15. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Introduction: Commonly Used Signals
Known Unknown Question Exp. approach
“It has been
reported that . . . ”
“is unknown” “We hypothe-
sized that . . . ”
To test this
hypothesis, we . . . ”
“X is has been
known to . . . ”
“has not been
determined”
“To determine
whether . . . , ”
“To examine . . . ”
“we . . . ”
“we assessed”
“A is a
component of B”
“The question
remains
whether . . . ”
“The purpose of
this study was to
determine whether
. . . ”
“For this purpose, we
. . . ”
“X increases
when Y is
added . . . ”
“ . . . is unclear” “Here we describe
experiments to
evaluate . . . ”
“ . . . by/using . . . ”
“. . . has been
described”
“ . . . does not
exist”
“This report
describes . . . ”

16. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Sample Introduction
CT-3 has shown marked antiallodynic and analgesic
effects in animals (1). However, it has not been
determined whether CT-3 also possesses the ability to
treat neuropathic pain in humans. To examine the
analgesic efficacy and safety of CT-3 for chronic
neuropathic pain in humans, we conducted a
randomized, double blind, palcebo-controlled
crossover study on 21 patients for 5 weeks using two
daily doses of 10 mg CT-3 or placebo.
Backgroun
d
Backgroun
d
QuestionQuestion
Exp.
approach
Exp.
approach
UnknownUnknown
Example

17. Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Common Problems of the Introduction
• Missing elements
• Obscured elements
• Excessive length
• Context/background too narrow
• Overview sentences