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How to Write an Introduction for a Research Paper in 5 Steps

How to Write a Research Paper Introduction
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A research paper introduction is the initial section of the paper where you set the context, state the research problem, and present your thesis statement. It's crucial to make it strong because it's the reader's first encounter with your work. In the intriductory section, you should make a good first impression and engage your reader's curiosity about your research topic.

Trying to write a research paper introduction and don't know where you should start from? An introductory paragraph is literally the most crucial section in your work. This small part should present key findings and main ideas. Unfortunately, most students don't know where to start. But no worries, we will teach you how to write an introduction for a research paper step-by-step. So stay tuned and don't miss any important detail!  

How to Write a Good Introduction for a Research Paper

A good introduction for your research paper can be the most challenging part of an entire work. It should present your topic, literature background, novelty, relevance, hypothesis, and structure of your study. A well-written opening paragraph sets the tone, grabs the reader's attention, and states your thesis.

Beginning
Your chance to grab your reader's attention to the chosen topic.

Middle Sentences
This part covers different points of your research.  

Last Sentence
All previous sentences have been building up to your hypothesis!  

Here are some life hacks on how to begin your research paper:


A research paper introduction is like your project's business card. It should briefly reflect your work’s essence. Exactly as shown in our cheap college research papers.
And now, let's check these steps you should take to make it excellent!  

Hacks on how to start a research paper

Step 1. State Topic of Your Research Paper

Research paper introduction is a great way to intrigue readers with your study research paper topics. Use the "funnel" or "inverted pyramid" method. Start with some general information on this case, smoothly narrowing it down. Then develop it in your problem. Good writing style hooks the reader's attention from the very first lines.

Example of good writing style hook


This sentence introduces the topic without limiting it to a narrow framework. Begin your study in such a manner that helps you inform readers about the article's theme and spark their interest. And our paper writing service is really great at making research introductions stand out. Entrust a chapter or a full dissertation to our service and get outstanding results worry free.

Step 2. Describe Main Sources of Information

Include a short literature overview in the introduction to your research paper. Consider scientific articles written before you in this field of study. Literature review size depends on your total work's length. This is an essential part of your publication. Show that you have strong knowledge of material and understand current problems in this area.

Informational sources can be formulated as follows:  

  • Known problems or tasks (for example, assumptions removed, new conditions accepted)
  • Methods and solutions
  • Known theory outcomes in new conditions
  • Experimental results
  • Original phenomena models development
  • Statistical analysis methods, synthesis, or calculations.

Step 3. Emphasize Significance of Research Paper

In the research paper introduction, go from literature review to own work. Imagine it is already published. Can you identify a gap in modern knowledge and fill it with this investigation? Describe values and contributions to the development of a specific ​​study area.

The significance of your research paper:  

  • Fills gaps in science
  • Questions the problem in modern conditions
  • Reveals your point of view on issues
  • Generalizes gained experience
  • Summarizes and promotes knowledge
  • Sets new problems to attract public attention.

In terms of scientific approval, relevance means that you need to obtain fresh data or test new methods, etc. Focus on knowledge gaps, but emphasize contributions you made. Sounds a bit difficult? Don't worry, just ask StudyCrumb "Help me write my research paper" and our writers will get your back anytime.

Example of a scientific approval in the introduction

Step 4. Provide Research Paper Thesis

Research paper thesis is as equally important as their solution. It determines strategy and direction. Providing this part of the introduction shows the ability to identify what is already known and unknown to science. Wonder how to write a thesis for a research paper? Formulate your working hypothesis clearly and concisely. State testing ideas. Indicate a specific contribution and expected work's result. The hypothesis should logically flow from a previous literature discussion on a subject. Avoid the actual word "hypothesis." But it should be clear for readers what to expect from your study. This will make your text look less formal. It is enough to summarize the previous discussion and show your work's purpose. Look through different hypothesis examples for a better understanding.

Research paper thesis example looks like this:  

Example of research paper thesis

If you can't develop a thesis of research paper, feel free to use a thesis statement generator by StudyCrumb.

Step 5. Outline Your Research Paper

Before starting a research paper, students should keep its structure in mind. Research paper outline is crucial for highlighting key points you are planning to cover in your study. In a few sentences simply specify the methods and principles of other text sections. For example, most articles in natural sciences follow a rather strict structure. Studies in humanitarian sciences usually stick to less definite rules.

Basically, the research paper's introduction, just as its body, has beginning, middle and the last part. We prepared a hint to make your writing easier.  

Bottom Line

Writing an introductory paragraph for research paper can be frustrating and slow. But it doesn't have to be so. Research paper introductions should be short. So avoid dull descriptions and instead focus on the latest improvements in this field.

Follow the "inverted triangle" principle, gradually moving from discussing broad issues to narrower ones. After analyzing literature sources, emphasize your own contribution. We believe in you!

But still, don't forget that research paper introduction plays a crucial part in your work. Do you feel too much pressure and anxiety about writing this part? Don't worry; our essay writers got your back and will do it beyond your expectations!  

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long should an introduction be for a research paper?

Research paper's introduction's size may vary slightly with different format guidelines. Generally, it is usually about four paragraphs. It should be about 10% of your general material volume. But keep it short! There is no need for a long watery introduction. It's more significant that you draw the reader's attention and make them read further.

2. What should an introduction include in a research paper?

Research paper introduction includes:P

  • Paper topic
  • Its essence and relevance
  • Issues considered in work
  • Hypothesis.

A well-written introduction defines your work tone, attracts the reader's attention, and notifies the hypothesis.

3. Should I use research questions, hypotheses or thesis statements?

Hypotheses, Thesis statements and Research questions are often used in scientific works. Hypotheses basically are guesses based on existing knowledge. They are commonly found in experimental quantitative studies. Thesis statements put forward an idea that needs to be supported or proven. It can be found in all scientific papers. They can explain the hypothesis and how you intend to keep it. Research questions (answer to it) is the knowledge you want as your study's result.

Article posted on:May 3, 2022
Article updated on:Feb 21, 2024

Comments

Leave your comment here:
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Daniel
6/24/2022 11:09 AM
Hi! I am writing to say that this article turned out to be very useful and informative for me. My professor assigned me to write a psychology research paper. Since it was my first time writing such a paper, I thought it would be very hard for me to start. But after reading this article, I have written a really good research paper introduction. Thanks a lot for making my student's life easier.
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StudyCrumb
6/24/2022 12:34 PM
Hi Daniel,

Thank you so much for such pleasant words! You make us want to do better! We always do our best when it comes to studying questions. Good luck with your further writing!
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Arthur
7/6/2022 4:44 PM
Hello, I'm about to write a research paper on history. I'd like to ask a question. How to write a history research paper introduction?
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StudyCrumb
7/6/2022 5:10 PM
Hi Arthur,

Basically, there is no difference between history research paper introduction and any other type of research paper. So, use the same rules for writing your history research paper. You can freely use our step-by-step writing guide and tips given above, and be sure your history paper introduction will be great. Feel free to ask us any questions. Good luck!
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Doreen
9/11/2023 3:06 PM
How can I pass research
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StudyCrumb
9/11/2023 3:31 PM
Hi,

Thank you for reaching out. To successfully complete a research paper, our article on writing an introduction is just the start. Make sure to follow a structured approach, cite sources accurately, and present clear arguments. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask.