Introduction of an article is an essential part of a scientific article. The basic aim of an introduction is to convey the reasons of undertaking the study.[1]It generally apprises the readers about the relevance of a study.
The framework of introduction can be compared to a triangle “upside down”. Like a funnel, introduction is supposed to begin with a broad perspective (mentioning something known) and then narrowing down to an unknown aspect of a topic and at the end, funnel down to the question the scientific paper is trying to answer.[2]
Introduction essentially has three paragraphs. Swales describes three phases of article introduction.[3]
Create a territory: The first paragraph of an introduction should mention the field of the work, the importance of that field and what has already been done in that particular field. It makes the readers aware of the current information (what is known) of the problem that was being investigated. Making readers aware of “what is known” means presenting the vital information needed to appreciate the background and not the complete literature.
Establish a position: The second paragraph reviews the limitations encountered, and unanswered questions of the topic This makes the readers aware of “what is not known” and gives a clue why the research has been undertaken?
Capture that position: This is the third (last) and the most important paragraph. This paragraph gives details of the hypothesis of the research. This paragraph should mention the aim of the study and would establish the viewpoint for the remaining part of the publication.[4]It would be the most suitable place to describe the study design used in the research article.
To conclude, readers should get sufficient background information to understand the importance of the research.[5]The introduction should not try to summarize everything that has been done on the particular topic of research in past.[6]The references that are cited in introduction are most important and relevant to substantiate the research.
REFERENCES
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