How to write a research paper
introduction
Published on September 24, 2020 by Jack Caulfield. Revised on November 19, 2020.
The introduction to a research paper is where you set up your topic and approach for the reader.
It has several key goals:
Present your topic and get the reader interested
Provide background or summarize existing research
Position your own approach
Detail your specific research problem
Give an overview of the paper’s structure
The introduction looks slightly different depending on whether your paper presents the results of
original empirical research or constructs an argument by engaging with a variety of sources.
The five steps in this article will help you put together an effective introduction for either type of
research paper.
Sample Research Papers
Topic: Business Report of Ford Motor Company, UK
“Ford Motor Company Limited is a European company that is a subsidiary of Britain. In 1909, this
company took its first initiative as one of the leading vehicle manufacturing firms in the world.
Currently, Ford has its registered office in Brentwood, Essex, and it is considered as the biggest
commercial vehicle producing company in Britain. Three major manufacturing units of Ford is now
housed by Britain.”
This sample paper on Ford’s business report shows that the writer has started on a wider aspect by mentioning
a little about Ford’s journey and straightaway delved into the main concern without much explanations on its
history. The structure is like an inverted triangle just opposite to a research paper conclusion.
Topic: Influence of E-Service Quality on Consumers Online Repurchases
Intentions: An Empirical Study of Alibaba
“The usage of information technology transformed the process of service delivery as well as
renovating the provision of services. The elevation of the online shopping market over the past few
years has altered the business pattern. Electronic platform has been adopted by most of the existing
businesses in the world for differentiating their businesses from the rivals to satisfy customer needs,
create customer value, and develop customer trust by providing superior quality service (Kassim and
Asiah Abdullah, 2010).”
In the sample paper about e-market analysis based on Alibaba, the initiation marks the actual point of
discussion without even a tinge of exaggeration about the past researches conducted on the relevant
framework.
At this point ends the first phase of the introduction and the second segment begins. Have a look at its style
and approach of writing.
Phase 2: Explain the Integral Risks. Mention the Purpose
of Your Study
Once you are done with the brief prolog, it is time to dig a little deeper into the matter. As shown in a
good research paper outline example, this section is for explaining the risks relevant to your area of research.
Indicate why you are disagreeing with the particular argument and what your standpoint is. With the
illustration, portray the reason behind choosing this research problem as your topic of investigation. Here’s
how to compose this section with utmost accuracy –
Make a note of the potential risks associated with this topic
How the outside world is reacting to the subject line
Find a groove in the assumptions made earlier on this matter
Why do you count to the existing arguments and standpoints
Stipulate evidence, and validations in response to your opinion
How your research methodology will help the global demographic
While composing the introduction, make sure this segment strikes in readers’ mind and triggers their curiosity.
Find a unique research niche and portray it to the audience in the best way possible. Eye the sample intros for a
detailed overview.
Sample Research Papers
Topic: Strategic Management: Case Study Analysis of Nestle
“Due to the effect of malnutrition, the milk food production was committed to withstanding the infant
mortality problem. The product has soon created an inheritance of shared value while embedding
within their corporate business principles and values (Boyd, 2012) and became quite popular in
Europe. As the leading health, nutrition, and wellness company, it is delegated to elevating its business
with an efficacious and humble start.”
The sample paper on case study analysis of Nestle, perfectly, describes how to develop the second segment of
an introduction by articulating the research niche and crannies in existing assumption followed by your own
point of view on the fact. It is a great example of an introduction in a research paper.
Topic: Corporate Responsibility and Governance of Walmart
“The organizations prepare their business conduct through the means encompassed by a model
served as the idea of corporate governance. Due to the existing glitches regarding the governance that
have cropped up both at the economic and national level where it concerns the organization, the term
corporate governance has reached the vanguard of public attention broadly over the recent past few
years.”
The project management sample paper on Walmart, has a perfect introduction that highlights the research
niche, quite efficiently. Download and view the full paper to understand how they have pointed to the issues in
the second and significant section of the opening passage.
After this, you have to establish a strong thesis statement that happens to mark the end of your introductory
paragraph. Know how to craft it right.
Phase 3: Build A Potent Thesis Statement. Keep It
Rational
The last and final segment of the introduction is said to be the backbone of your paper, irrespective of
your research paper topics. Here comes the thesis statement – a short summary of the project title. Well, it
may sound simple but actually, it is not. There’s a lot more than what the eyes meet. If this goes wrong, neither
the writer can keep a tab of the further paper nor a reader will feel the urge to go through the complete draft. A
few tips for an intense research proposal.
Make it logical, sensible and compelling
Keep it precise, and to-the-point
It must have relevance to the topic
It should strongly portray the central theme
Do not use complex sentences
Avoid unknown and unfamiliar acronyms
The proposal must be easy-to-understand
A good research paper outline always suggests writing the thesis statement at the beginning as it aids writers
for smooth writing. A few examples to clear your concept.
Sample Research Papers
Topic: Communicational Strategy Analysis of Microsoft
“This paper discusses about the organizational communication of Microsoft in theoretical
perspective. It covers both the internal and external communications conducted by the company and
its implication on the company.”
Here’s a true thesis statement that holds the exact essence of the critical analysis sample paper on Microsoft.
Read the full paper to understand the writer’s perspective and how he/she has composed the rest of the
introduction.
Phase 4: Insert A Smooth Transition Statement Between
the Introduction and Body
Though the opening passage technically ends with the thesis statement, there is a little extension to consider. A
smooth transition is what points the difference between an amateur and a veteran writer. Readers can easily
connect with the body paragraph, after completing the introduction, if there is an intermediate meaningful
sentence. However, an abrupt initiation of the main discussion, often, creates a bad impact on the writer. So, it
is clever to spend a moment in crafting a significant transition. Keep the following tips in mind –
It should be rational
Hold the essence of transition,
Defines what to expect from the body,
Most importantly, simple and short.
Note: Elaborate transition statements are simply considered to be unprofessional and novice style of writing.
Often students get confused between a research paper abstract and an introduction. On reading this blog, you
may get over this bewilderment, easily. Make sure you apply each of the tips, next time onwards, whenever
you sit for drafting an introduction.
If a shortage of time or any other cause restricts you from establishing a good quality introduction, get in touch
with paper writing helper. PenMyPaper has the most experienced set of professionals, who conduct empirical
research and draft the most unique and original papers.
