Introduction

o When writing your Introduction, follow this structure:
First paragraph
• Start out with a general statement(s) about the research topic and gradually get to the thesis.
• Thesis – A statement that tells the reader what the paper is about. It is usually found at the end of the first paragraph. Do not include the hypothesis here.
• This paragraph can be relatively broad but should include only relevant information that is written in a scientific manner, like the rest of the paper.
“Body” of introduction
• The body should discuss any theory you are using, findings from previous research that relate to your variables, or very similar constructs.
• Your description of previous studies should include brief details about methods as well as specific information about the findings.
• If you are the first researcher to consider these variables together (that is, no previous research links these two variables), then you’ll have to make a logical argument as to why you think they will be associated.
• Use topic sentences for each paragraph and clear, logical transitions within and between paragraphs.
• It must be very clear why the variables are likely associated from theory and/or previous research.