Writing the Introduction

After reading an introduction, the reader should be able to answer most of these questions:

What is the context of this problem? In what situation or environment can this problem be observed? (Background)

Why is this research important? Who will benefit? Why do we need to know this? Why does this situation, method, model or piece of equipment need to be improved? (Rationale)

What is it we don��t know? What is the gap in our knowledge this research will fill? What needs to be improved? (Problem Statement)

What steps will the researcher take to try and fill this gap or improve the situation? (Objectives)

Is there any aspect of the problem the researcher will not discuss? Is the study limited to a specific geographical area or to only certain aspects of the situation? (Scope)

Is there any factor, condition or circumstance that prevents the researcher from achieving all his/her objectives? (Limitations)

In considering his/her method, model, formulation or approach, does the researcher take certain conditions, states, requirements for granted? Are there certain fundamental conditions or states the researcher takes to be true? (Assumptions)
 

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