Q: How do I write an introduction for a study that has to do with the effects of appraisals on employees?

Ha, ha. That’s a relevant topic for the season. :-)

Quips aside, the Introduction of a study has to cover a lot of ground. It has to provide the context of the study, talk about why you are conducting the study, and share what existing studies say about the topic and area. In your case, you will probably need to cover both the positive and negative effects of appraisals, providing relevant stats as needed, such as the number of employees who quit when given a bad appraisal.

For all this information, apart from your own knowledge and perhaps experience in the area, you will need to do an exhaustive literature search. Facts and stats you gain from reading up about other studies will feed into the Introduction and also provide support for necessary arguments and recommendations you make (as needed) in the course of your study.

The information we have provided here is just a primer. You will find more detailed information on how to do a literature search and then write the Introduction in the following resources:

• Tips for effective literature searching and keeping up with new publications
• 4 Step approach to writing the Introduction section of a research paper
• Write a strong introduction section – Make a great first impression [Course]

A final point though. While it helps to do most of your reading for the Introduction (and the rest of the paper) before starting the study and paper, it helps to write the Introduction after completing the study and the rest of the sections in the paper. This is also because the other sections are easier to write as they come from the findings, whereas the Introduction is often about weaving a narrative and requires more skillful writing. However, you may also wish to write a first draft of the Introduction at the outset and then revisit it at the end.

Anyway, all the best for the Introduction – and the rest of the paper!