Crafting the introduction of research paper

The introduction in Chapter 1 of a research paper gives background on the topic, states the research problem, and outlines the study’s goals. Its purpose is to help readers understand the importance of the research and set up the rest of the paper.

Lesson objectives

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

Identify the key elements of the research paper introduction; and
Formulate a clear and engaging introduction for your research topic.

Lesson content

A well-written introduction is essential in establishing the foundation of a research paper. It provides readers a clear view of the study’s focus and its importance. In this lesson, we will cover the five key elements of an effective introduction.

In the introduction, it includes the five main elements:

Why your research is important?
What is already known about the topic?
What is the “gap” or what is not yet known about the topic?
Why it is important to learn the new information that your research adds?
What is the specific research aim(s) that your paper addresses?

What is a research gap?

Is a topic or area for which missing or insufficient information limits the ability to conclude a question.
Defined as a gap that limits the ability of decision-makers (policy-makers, patients, practitioners) to make decisions.
Exists due to a question or a problem that has not been answered by any of the existing studies or research.

Research Gap Type	Definition
Evidence Gap (Contradictory Evidence Gap)	Results from studies allow for conclusions in their own right but are contradictory when examined from a more abstract point of view [Jacobs, 2011; Müller-Bloch & Kranz, 2014; Miles, 2017].
Knowledge Gap (Knowledge Void Gap)	Desired research findings do not exist [Jacobs, 2011; Müller-Bloch & Kranz, 2014; Miles, 2017].
Practical-Knowledge Gap (Action-Knowledge Conflict Gap)	Professional behavior or practices deviate from research findings or are not covered by research [Jacobs, 2011; Müller-Bloch & Kranz, 2014; Miles, 2017].
Methodological Gap (Method and Research Design Gap)	A variation of research methods is necessary to generate new insights or to avoid distorted findings [Jacobs, 2011; Müller-Bloch & Kranz, 2014; Miles, 2017].
Empirical Gap (Evaluation Void Gap)	Research findings or propositions need to be evaluated or empirically verified [Jacobs, 2011; Müller-Bloch & Kranz, 2014; Miles, 2017].
Theoretical Gap (Theory Application Void Gap)	Theory should be applied to certain research issues to generate new insights. There is lack of theory thus a gap exists [Jacobs, 2011; Müller-Bloch & Kranz, 2014; Miles, 2017].
Population Gap	Research regarding the population that is not adequately represented to under-research in the evidence base or prior research (e.g., gender, race/ethnicity, age and etic) (Robinson, et al, 2011).

Source: Robinson, Saldanhea, & McKoy (2011); Müller-Bloch & Kranz, (2015); Miles, (2017)

Lesson 3 →

Crafting the introduction of research paper

References

ACTIVITY 2.1 - Crafting Your Own Research Paper Introduction