-
Writing a Research Paper Introduction
–
A
step-by-step
reference
The introduction is the first
chapter of a
research paper
.
It starts from the research
proposal
stage, but it is critical to understand the
difference between the
introduction of
a research proposal and that of a research paper.
At the proposal
stage, the introduction
is presented in a future tense expressing the
intensions and
expectations of the
researcher, whereas that of the research paper is
in the past
tense, revealing what
actually happened.
A
research paper Introduction
plays an essential role of preparing
the reader’s
mind to follow the paper
as it unveils the problem, the researcher’s
intervention,
intentions and
expectations.
Sections of a research
paper introduction
The
introduction constituents and sequence majorly
depend on the type of research
and
format undertaken.
?
Background:
Reveals an
identified and well defined problem, exploring its
history and nature with reference to
the existing literature. It should indicate
the root of the problem, its extent,
the affected, previous investigations, etc.;
highlighting the
research
paper introduction
in general, and
ensuring
proper perception of the
situation at hand.
?
Statement of
the problem:
Is the core of the
issue/problem and must be
clearly
defined. It states exactly what the problem is,
justifying that the
study narrows or
bridges the gap between what it is and what it
ought to be.
?
Purpose of the study:
Is
derived from the statement of the problem. It
states why one decides to study the
problem and the role of his/her research
to solve the problem.
?
Objectives of
the study:
These constitute the targets
a researcher intends
to achieve. They
act as a yardstick for the research exercise and
must be
specific, measurable and
achievable.
?
Research questions:
These
are research guiding questions generated from
objectives. The researcher needs to
answer them as part of the
investigation.
?
Hypotheses:
These are
guiding predictions of the outcome of the study.
Basing on research questions, an
assumption derived form existing theories,
personal observations and experience is
made. A hypothesis provides a
tentative
answer to the problem, allowing for further
investigations.
Hypotheses are common
for descriptive and explanatory research.
?
Scope of the study:
Is
expressed in terms of a geographical area, say
village, town or city; and in terms of
content
–
showing the extent
of
knowledge coverage.
?
Significance of
the study:
Shows how meaningful and
useful the research
is; as well as
indicating the beneficiary group(s).
?
Assumption:
Situations under
which the research is may not be exact, so
for easy of work the researcher may
assume what he/she has exactly
considered in his/her investigation.
?
Delimitations:
These are advantageous factors
affecting one’s research
exercise.
?
Limitations:
These are disadvantageous factors
affecting one’s research
exercise.
?
Definition of key
concepts/terms:
Due to ambiguity and
varying
meanings of
words/terms/concepts, the researcher needs to be
precise
giving exact meaning of what
he/she intends to communicate.
?
Abbreviation:
Abbreviations
may be misunderstood, so clear full meanings
avoid confusion.
How to Write a Research Proposal
–
A successful
and winning approach
15
November, 2009
Research exercises are first planned in
research proposals. It determines the
research direction, its endurance or
failure. A proposal serves as an action plan for
research, constituting three chapters;
Introduction, Literature review and
Methodologies. It is complemented with
references, budget and timetable. Students
obliged to do research submit research
proposals to their supervisors before real
research exercises. Supervisors approve
the proposals for research exercises to
commence. Learning how to write a
research proposal is key for research students.
A research proposal is presented in a
future tense, signifying the target research
accomplishments and operation mode.
Before doing a
custom research
paper
or
term paper
writing
, planning is a key role.
How to write a research proposal in a
simpler way
Understand the intended
topic, your knowledge about the subject,
yo
ur audience’s
interests
and their knowledge about the subject. Understand
the type of research
resources and
sources required. If you understand how to write a
research proposal,
then your research
exercise becomes easier. Your
essay
writing
tactics, highly aid
your writing skills for a proposal.
? Chapter one
(Introduction):
- this expresses the
intensions and expectations of the
researcher and plays an essential role
of preparing the reader’s mind as it
r
eveals
the problem,
researcher’s intentions, why he/she intends to
intervene and his/her
expectations.
The introduction contains;
1. background of the study,
2. statement of the problem,
3. purpose of the study,
4.
objectives of the study,
5. research
questions and/or
6. hypotheses,
3