Introduction

1) Introduce the problem.

• The introduction should indicate the specific problem under study and the way it was researched. It summarizes the arguments behind the study, trying to answer the following questions:
  • Why is this study important?
  • How do the hypothesis and the design relate to this problem?
  • What are the theoretical implications of the study and how does this study relate to previous research?
  • What theoretical propositions are tested?

2) Develop the background (Literature Review).

• Discuss the previous research done on the topic of study but do not be too exhaustive.
• Recognize the work of others by using citations and specific credit to relevant earlier works. However, cite and reference only those that are important to the issue at hand and and only emphasize pertinent findings and conclusions and relevant methodology.
• Establish continuity between previous and present research.
• Controversial issues should be treated fairly and do not include your personal opinion.

3) State the purpose and rationale.

• Make this statement in the closing paragraphs of the introduction.
• Define the variables and hypothesis here.
• Explain your approach to solving the problem at hand.

4) The Introduction section is not labeled. Simply center the title at the beginning of the page.

For an example, click here.

For a checklist, click here.