Video: How to Write the Introduction Section in a Research Paper

Writing a strong introduction for your research paper can leave a lasting impression on your readers! Starting to write a paper can be quite challenging, especially if you are an early-career researcher. This video will make the process simple and structured. 

Dr. Raffaella Gozzelino (NOVA Medical School, Lisbon) explains how to craft an engaging, structured, and powerful introduction that captures your reader’s attention and convinces journal editors that your study is worth publishing!  

Start broad, give the reader essential background, and then narrow down to your specific research question. Think of an inverted pyramid framework that helps you move smoothly from general ideas to the precise focus of your study.  

Below are some key tips to writing an effective Introduction section: 

• Establish the research area, identify the problem, and then explain how your study provides a solution. 
• Answer the key question: “Why did you do this research?”  
• Highlight what gap in knowledge your study fills or what controversy it addresses.  
• Emphasize what makes your study unique and why it matters to your field.  
• Use the correct tenses (present, past, present perfect, and present continuous) to make your sentences clear and grammatically correct.  
• Define key terms and abbreviations, cite sources accurately, include both classic and recent literature, and make sure your references reflect latest research in your field.  

This video simplifies academic writing for early-career researchers and students who want to publish in top journals. Whether you are writing a thesis, dissertation, or journal article, this guide will help you build a logical, convincing introduction that clearly communicates your research purpose and importance.  

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