Guide to writing a dissertation introduction section
The opening of your dissertation is just as important as the main body. Like any other kind of essay, your introduction ushers readers to your work. It gives them an overview of your work's content, including the purpose of your work. The introduction also sets the tone for your work and should therefore be well written.
Research Background of your Dissertation Introduction
The research background of your dissertation comes within the first section of your introduction. The background of your research helps the reader to understand the basics of your work. Also, it tells readers why you are researching the topic and its relevance to your field of studies.
The content of your research background should comprise the significant points in your work. This enables your supervisor and makers to understand the concept of your dissertation from the start.
How to Start Your Introduction
Unlike other types of essays, it is always best to write your full dissertation introduction after completing your work. This allows you to write an insightful section comprising of the highlights of your work. However, there should be a draft for your introduction as you start your research. In doing the draft, you can rely on your research proposal as it contains the same elements as the main dissertation. After completing your main work, you can then revise the introduction to suit it.
Main parts of an Introduction
Your introduction should include:
- Topic and perspective: You should explain why you chose the subject and what readers must know
- Scope of work: which area of the subject are you exploring
- The relevance of your work: does your topic have academic, economic, social, or professional importance to the field of research?
- Research objectives: what does your research seek to achieve?
Topic and perspective
The first thing your introduction should make mention of is the topic of your dissertation. Afterward, furnish readers with the background data for a clear understanding of your work perspective, back this with what you want to achieve with your research.
Scope of work
After introducing the topic, let your readers know how broad or narrow your research is. This should include:
- The area of your research
- Timeframe
- Your audience/ research persons
They should also know the extent of research that has gone into the work.
The relevance of your research
Your dissertation topic should have relevance to your field of studies. Is it going to improve existing research, or you are going into an under-researched area? What importance does the work have economically or socially? Therefore, it would be best to state the current situation in your area of research using credible sources. Highlight the weaknesses or gaps in previous research and then tell readers how your work would address those shortfalls. In brief, your research must
- Solve or propose solutions to a theoretical or practical problem
- Enhance the existing papers and research
- Take a new perspective of the subject
- Shows a gap in the literature
Research objectives
This is another important aspect of your research. Without objectives, research would be worthless. You should mention why you are embarking on the study and the expected outcome. In stating your purpose, you should also specify a brief methodology of your work.