What is a Dissertation Introduction?
The introduction is the first section and chapter of the dissertation, after the research proposal. But it does not mean that you should write the first thing. In fact, it is recommended that you complete your dissertation and then begin with the introduction paragraph.
Introductions can vary in length, but they must be long enough to orient the reader to what follows. The introduction should, in a sense, tell a story of how one got interested in pursuing a topic and why one chose the particular study or experiment under review.
It should point out something unique about this research that differentiates it from other studies on similar topics. In addition, an introduction should provide preliminary information about how this study will be conducted and the results the reader can expect.
It is also important to present an introduction that includes a statement of purpose (directly addressing the research question or hypothesis) and states how it will be investigated.
Also, it should include some indication of why these questions are interesting. This should be backed up with citations from appropriate sources.
Dissertation Introduction Format & Outline
Before you begin writing, it is suggested that you create an outline for your dissertation’s introduction paragraph. What does an outline do? It gives direction to your dissertation and keeps you on the right track throughout the writing process.
Here is a sample format and outline for your dissertation’s introduction chapter.
- Background Information
Give a general and detailed overview of the research topic and question. It will inform the readers about the things that will be analyzed and examined in the research paper or dissertation.
- Statement of the Problem
It must state a clear question or statement that will be discussed in the dissertation. Be brief but make sure that you state the question or problem statement clearly and without any ambiguities. It is important because otherwise, it could confuse your readers.
- Theoretical Framework of Your Study
This information and detail provide the main theoretical structure and basis for your study. It supports the research and gives it a clear and easy-to-understand direction.
- Purpose of the Study
What will your research investigate and examine? Add two to three paragraphs here to explain the significance and purpose of your study and research.
- Main Research Questions
What question will you answer? State those questions in this section. There is no upper limit for these questions but try to limit yourself to just three to four main questions related to your main research topic.
- Definition of Difficult Terms
Did you use any difficult or technical terms in your dissertation? Define them here. It is quite possible that your readers may not know about these terms and get confused. To help them define and explain these terms beforehand.
- Methodology and Procedure
It includes a brief description and explanation of the methodology and research procedures that you will use for your research.
- Importance of Your Research
Why are your study and research important? State what makes your research question and study significant for the industry. This will inform the readers about the relevance and importance of your study and acquired results.
- Limitations of the Research
Are there any limitations to your research? There definitely are some. Mention and state those here. This also shows the future scope of research in the same field and topic.
- Organization and Structure of the Research
Tell the readers about the structure that your study will follow. This will give a coherent format to your research and keep the readers on track.
How to Write a Dissertation Introduction?
Here are the steps to write an engaging and good introduction chapter for your dissertation.
1. Complete the Rest of the Dissertation First
The introduction of your dissertation doesn’t have to be the starting point or part of your dissertation. In fact, it's often written after completing the entire paper.
It may help draft an introductory paragraph near the beginning for guidance on what will come next and use this as a template during later stages when revising content throughout all the chapters.
2. Begin with the Main Topic and Context
Your research should be both interesting and accessible. Introduce your topic and research aim by contextualizing it in the current debate or discussion. Then tell what you plan on finding out for this research problem.
You'll also want to give some background information on why now is such an important time so that people will continue listening!
3. Narrow Your Focus and Scope
After introducing your main idea and topic, narrow your focus and inform the readers about the scope of your study and research project.
Some questions and research objectives to answer include;
- What is your chosen geographical area?
- What is the chosen time period?
- Which communities have you examined in your research?
- What themes and aspects are covered in your research?
- Answer all these questions in your intro chapter.
4. Show the Relevance and Significance of Your Study
It's important to give a brief overview of the current state of research, citing relevant literature and indicating how your work will address gaps in existing knowledge. Add those previous studies to your literature review section.
You can do this by conducting surveys among experts who have additional information on specific topics-the more detailed they are about particular results/findings from past studies, etc., the better!
5. Add the Relevant & Important Questions
A clear, concise introduction will set the tone for your entire dissertation. This is where you need to discuss what makes this research different from all other work done in its field and why it's worth reading even if they have read everything about the topic.
In this section, you need to state your central research aims and objectives. You can briefly mention how you answered these questions and what research methods were used in doing so.
But if there's a separate chapter on methodology and conceptual framework, don't get into too much detail.
6. Give an Overview of the Research Structure
To help guide your reader through the dissertation, end with an overview of its structure. Summarizing each chapter so that it can be seen how you contributed towards achieving your central aims should be done concisely but effectively.
Dissertation Introduction Example
Here is a sample dissertation introduction.
Tips to Write an Engaging Dissertation Introduction
Here are some helpful tips for writing your dissertation or thesis introduction successfully and quickly.
- Do not write the intro chapter in the beginning.
- Do not add too much information here and keep everything brief.
- Do not add too many details from the literature review and methodology chapter.
- Give some context to the readers instead of beginning straight from the research question.
- Keep the chapter brief and reasonable in length.
- Do not add too many citations but limit it to two to three only.
By following these tips, you will be able to stay focused and write this chapter successfully. In case you need help, you can talk to MyPerfectPaper.net. We are always here, and we can provide the needed help.
