The introduction of a research paper sets the foundation for the rest of the paper. According to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, which is the authoritative guide for using APA style, there are key components that should be included in the introduction. The introduction accomplishes several important goals including introducing the topic, capturing the reader’s interest, providing context and background on the topic, stating the purpose and significance of the research being presented, and offering a brief overview of the paper.
The first part of the introduction should introduce the general topic or issue being discussed in the paper. This helps orient the reader by providing a clear idea of what subject matter is being explored. The topic should be presented in a way that generates interest in why it is worth exploring further. For broad topics, it may be helpful to narrow the focus specifically to the aspect of the topic being examined in the paper. For example, instead of just stating “bullying” as the topic, further specify it as “The psychological impact of bullying on elementary school students.” Concisely capturing the reader’s attention early in the introduction is important to engage them in further reading the paper.
After introducing the topic, the next crucial component is providing necessary background and context. This portion gives the reader the information required to fully understand the significance and purpose of the research being presented. Any relevant theories, models, previous studies or definitions should be discussed here to orient the reader with the foundational knowledge in the field related to the topic. Summarize past research and perspectives on the topic to logically lead into why further exploration is warranted. Integrate well-known theories and models in the field and how past research relates or contrasts with the research question or hypothesis being examined. Providing robust context demonstrates that the study builds upon an established knowledge base and does not just examine the topic in isolation.
The purpose statement should clearly and concisely state the goals, intentions or questions that are being addressed in the research. It answers why the study is important and worthwhile. In research papers, this is generally a statement of the research question or hypothesis being explored. For example, a purpose statement may say “The current study aims to investigate whether classroom pet ownership is linked to improved student attitudes and behavior by comparing metrics in classes with and without classroom pets.” This direct statement helps guide the reader’s understanding of what the study set out to specifically examine.
Closely following the purpose statement is articulating the significance or importance of the study. Why should readers care about this research? What does it add to the existing body of knowledge or have implications for? Explaining the potential applications, value or broader impacts of the study provides rationale for why the topic and purpose warrant investigation. It helps establish that significance extends beyond just fulfilling a course assignment requirement to potentially influencing the field at some level. Statements about implications or applications anchor how the study fits into the real world context.
The introduction should conclude with a very brief overview of how the rest of the paper is organized. Offering 1-2 sentences on the structure and content of forthcoming sections provides a roadmap for readers of what to expect. Summarize that methods will be described, results presented and discussed, and conclusions drawn. This helps transition the reader into the body of the paper while still maintaining interest after setting up the importance and relevance of the topic in the introduction.
Based on guidelines from the APA Publication Manual, a complete research paper introduction would accomplish introducing the topic, generating interest, providing background context, stating the purpose and significance, and closing with a brief overview. The introduction lays the necessary foundation for readers to comprehend why the research being presented is important and worthwhile of their time and attention. Including each critical component helps establish a coherent framework for the remainder of the paper. A well-constructed introduction is essential for properly framing the significance and implications of research presented following APA style standards.