Some Tips to Make a Good Introduction of a Research Manuscript

One of the biggest problem in creating a manuscript for research proposal is finding a suitable problem. But even if a problem is already apparent, it would still seem difficult to convince people (most often your instructor and adviser) that a problem is worth the effort for a study. And one way to solve such is to make a really good and convincing introduction.

Before writing an introduction, the following must be considered, (as suggested in the APA handbook 6th edition):

1. Why is the problem important?
2. How does the study relate to previous work in the area? If other aspects of this study have been reported previously, how does this report differ from, and build on, the earlier report?
3. What are the primary and secondary hypotheses and objectives of the study, and what, if any, are the links to theory?
4. How do the hypotheses and research design relate to one another?
5. What are the theoretical and practical implications of the study?

An introduction could answer these questions in few paragraphs. You might have several background studies and related literature to answer item #2, but presenting them in few passages as possible is better in order to have the reader get a firm sense of those. Do not feel compelled to exhaustively include all accounts. Always remember that you are making an "introduction". Save the rest in the RRL section.

It is also good to list all relevant topics that might be included as your research will progress, and create a concept map or outline that shows their relationship to one another. This will help you in organizing and arranging these topics. Although not a rule of the thumb, introducing the core of the problem (question #1) at the later part of the introduction would create a better impact, provided that you have presented the background (#2) well. Questions #3 to #5 would then support the relevance of the problem after it is introduced.

Citation of and specific credit to relevant earlier works are signs of scientific and scholarly responsibility and are essential for the growth of a cumulative science (APA, 2009). Therefor, you should see to it that factual statements in your introduction are derived from trusted sources. If there are statements in your manuscript that reflects your opinion or observation, it would be best if they are supported with related theories and literature, to establish that these are plausible - which would further be proven as you continue with the entire research process.