Introduction
The introduction gives the general topic and the problem the research addresses. It is the context of the research. It answers questions like "What is this research about?", "Who is it by?", "Why was it done?" and "How did it originate?" While some readers only read the title, and some only the abstract, many use the introduction to decide whether to read on. The introduction is like a "business plan" that presents the case to the reader that it is worth reading on. A research introduction may include any or all of the following:
Title: Does the title describe the topic in an interesting way, and invite the reader to read on?
Author(s): Are authors in contribution order, and could each present the publication at a conference?
Abstract: Does the abstract state the main purpose, results and implications?
Background: Does a brief background history introduce the research?
Problem: Is the problem the research addresses clearly stated and relevant?
Topic Area: Is there one topic area referred to by consistent terms through-out?
Topic Originality: Is the chosen topic area to some degree unexplored territory?
Purpose: Is the research purpose stated in a single sentence within the first few pages?
Publication Form: Is the publication form indicated early so readers know what to expect?
Target Audience: Is the target audience for this publication clear?
NOTE: The above are NOT required headings!
Download printable checklist: RRCheckWriting-1.pdf
