How to Write an Introduction for an Academic Article?
Mar 07, 2024
When writing an academic article, the introduction is crucial for grabbing the reader's attention and setting the stage for your research.
The introduction is the first opportunity for readers to truly engage with your work, following the abstract and visual aids. Similar to an intriguing story, it creates a captivating stage that invites readers into your research realm.
Ideally, an article's introduction and conclusion should comprise around 10% of the word count[1]. The introduction aims to provide the reader with the necessary information and context that highlights the significance of your research.
By establishing the groundwork for how readers approach your work and the principles of interpretation, the Introduction sets the tone for the rest of your paper.
Crafting an academic document in finance, economics, business, marketing, management, or any research domain requires a well-written introduction to ensure readers understand your research. Let's dive into some essential elements that should be present in your introduction.
What is an Introduction in an Academic Article?
In an academic article, the introduction provides a comprehensive review of the literature, showcasing the different methods used to tackle an industry issue and how research has progressed over time.
It is worth noting that the majority of references are cited in this section. Furthermore, the introduction should incorporate information about the equipment or distinctive setups utilized in previous studies. Additionally, it should highlight the industrial significance of the research.
The main goal of an introduction is to provide context for your research. This includes outlining the literature gap, stating the problem or question, defining objectives, and explaining the significance of your study. It also establishes the scope and intention of your work, highlighting its relevance to current theories and practices.
If you're struggling with some parts of your introduction, try using AI research tools to write your introduction more effectively.
What to Include in the Introduction Section
Your manuscript should tell a chronological story, starting with the introduction and progressing towards the discussion/conclusion. In the discussion, you need to explain how this study filled the existing gap in scientific knowledge. The introduction, however, should establish the context by identifying the knowledge gap and explaining how you plan to fill it and why.
Think of your manuscript like an hourglass. The introduction holds the current knowledge, like the sand in the top bulb. As the sand trickles through the research, it builds a new base of knowledge in the bottom bulb.
Types of Introductions
- Background Accession: This type begins with a broad overview of your field and gradually narrows down to the specific focus of your research.
- Problem Statement or Research Question Oriented: This approach starts by stating the problem or question, highlighting its significance, and then explaining how your study addresses it.
- Inverted Triangle Approach: Similar to the Problem Statement approach, this type starts with a broader context and narrows down to the specific research problem or question. However, it also includes a brief overview of your key findings or main arguments.
- Anecdotal Introduction: This type uses an interesting or relevant anecdote to capture the reader's attention and introduce the topic or issue that your research addresses.
- Quotation Introduction: You begin with a quote relevant to your research topic and use it as a hook to draw the reader into your paper.
How to Introduce an Article?
- Familiarise Yourself with the Principles of Writing a Good Introduction: An effective introduction persuades a journal editor, reviewer, and reader to engage with an article. It should include specific information such as:
- The known: Existing scientific information and data
- The unknown: Areas where our current knowledge is lacking
- Research hypothesis or question: The main focus or inquiry of the study
- Methodologies employed for the study or research
- Pay Heed to the CARS Method of Structuring: John Swales referred to structuring introductions as the ‘CARS model’ [2]. This model consists of three crucial elements:
- Defining a Territory (Setting the Stage): This initial step is about establishing the context of your study. It involves identifying the broader field or subject area your research falls under and justifying why it's important to investigate.
- Identifying a Niche (Recognizing the Problem): In this step, you point out a gap in the existing body of knowledge, highlighting a problem or a question that hasn't been sufficiently addressed. This paves the way for your research to fill this gap.
- Occupying that Niche (Offering the Solution): The final part of the model is where you present your research as the answer to the identified problem. Here, you will outline your hypotheses, research questions, or the main ideas you will explore in your study.
- Establish the Context: Provide the reader with a brief overview of your field's research or knowledge. This helps to place your research within a broader academic dialogue.
- Identify the Research Gap: Point out the aspects that the existing research has overlooked or not fully explored. This clarifies the necessity and value of your research.
- State the Research Problem/Question: Clearly articulate the problem your research addresses or the question it seeks to answer.
- Declare the Purpose and Objectives: Explain what your study aims to achieve and its intended contributions to the field.
- Outline the Structure: Provide a brief overview of how your paper is organized, outlining each section's purpose and content.
- Use of Right Tenses: Use the present tense when discussing concepts or definitions. For example, "Lithium-ion batteries are extensively used..." When referring to past literature, use the past tense. For instance, "Li et al. investigated the properties...." Use the present tense or present perfect to describe the current study. For example, "In this work, we have conducted experiments...", "This work aims to...".
Tips for Writing an Effective Introduction
- Be concise and specific in stating the research problem or question.
- Insert correct citations in the correct format.
- Communicate the purpose and objectives of your study.
- Provide background information that is relevant and necessary for understanding the topic.
- Engage your readers by highlighting the significance or relevance of your research.
- Use a clear and professional tone throughout the introduction.
- Use relevant statistics, quotes, or anecdotes to grab readers' attention and create interest.
- Avoid making overly broad statements or generalizations.
- Clearly outline the structure and organization of your paper.
FAQs
1. What is the purpose of an introduction in an academic article?
An introduction aims to provide readers with a clear understanding of the study's research problem, objectives, and significance. It also sets the tone for the rest of the manuscript and outlines its structure.
2. How do you engage readers in the introduction?
You can use relevant statistics, quotes, or anecdotes to grab readers' attention and create interest in your topic. It's also essential to use a clear and professional tone throughout the introduction.
3. Can I make generalizations in the introduction?
It's best to avoid making overly broad statements or generalizations in the introduction. Instead, focus on providing specific information and setting expectations for the rest of the paper.
4. How should I structure my introduction?
A typical introduction includes an opening sentence or hook, background information on the topic, a concise statement of the research problem, objectives and significance of the study, and a brief overview of the paper's structure. However, the exact structure may vary depending on the specific requirements of your field or journal.
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