In general, Introduction section
of an article should cover: research background,
research problem/problem statement, and research
objective(s)/research question(s).

1. Establish an area to research by:
• Highlighting the importance of the
topic, and/or
• Making general statements about the
topic, and/or
• Presenting an overview on current
research on the subject.

2. Identify a research niche by:
• Opposing an existing assumption, and/or
• Revealing a gap in existing research,
and/or

• Formulating a research question or problem, and/or
• Continuing a disciplinary tradition.

3. Place your research within the research niche by:
• Stating the intent of your study,
• Outlining the key characteristics of your study,
• Describing important results, and
• Giving a brief overview of the structure of the paper