How to start a research paper

Once you have completed your research, you can start writing your introduction. It should contain a clear and concise introductory sentence about the topic you are going to cover. Also, be sure to include relevant background information on the topic. This will help the reader understand the issue you are discussing. Also, don’t forget to include the main points of your work here – this will give readers an overview of what they’ll be reading next.

What is a research paper?

A research paper is a scholarly document that presents the findings of a research study or investigation. It is a formal piece of academic writing that follows a specific structure and format, typically including sections such as an abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion, and references. The purpose of a research paper is to communicate the results of research, contribute to the existing body of knowledge in a particular field, and provide insights or recommendations.

Key components of a research paper include:

  1. Title: A concise and informative title that reflects the main focus of the research.
  2. Abstract: A brief summary of the research, including the purpose, methods, results, and conclusions.
  3. Introduction: An introduction to the research problem, background information, and the research question or hypothesis.
  4. Literature Review: A review of existing literature relevant to the research topic, demonstrating the context and gaps in current knowledge.
  5. Methodology: A detailed description of the research design, methods, and procedures used to collect and analyze data.
  6. Results: Presentation of the findings obtained from the research, often using tables, figures, or graphs.
  7. Discussion: Interpretation of the results, analysis of their significance, and discussion of their implications. This section may also address limitations and suggest avenues for future research.
  8. Conclusion: A summary of the main findings and their broader implications.
  9. References: A list of all the sources cited in the paper, following a specific citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).

Research papers are a fundamental part of academic and scientific communication, serving as a means for researchers to share their work with the scholarly community and beyond. They undergo peer review, a process in which other experts in the field evaluate the paper’s quality and validity before it is published in a journal or presented at a conference.

Need help WRITING RESUMES?

Just submit your requirements and choose a resume writer. That’s all we need to write a winning resume for you.

Introduction Paragraph Outline

An introduction is a crucial part of a research paper, as it sets the tone, introduces the topic, and provides necessary background information for readers. Below is an outline that you can use as a guide for structuring the introduction paragraph of your research paper:

Opening Sentence:

Start with a hook or attention-grabbing statement that relates to your research topic. This could be a compelling fact, a relevant quote, or a thought-provoking question.

Background Information:

Provide some background information about the general subject area of your research. This helps to contextualize your study and gives readers a foundation for understanding the specific focus of your paper.

Contextualize the Problem:

Narrow down from the general background to the specific problem or question that your research addresses. Clearly state the significance of the issue and why it is worth exploring.

Statement of the Problem or Research Question:

Clearly articulate the problem or research question that your study aims to address. This should be a concise and focused statement that highlights the purpose of your research.

Purpose of the Study:

State the purpose of your research. Explain what you intend to achieve or discover through your study. This is often expressed as the research objectives or goals.

Significance of the Study:

Discuss the importance of your research in the broader context. Explain how your study contributes to the existing body of knowledge in the field and why it is relevant or valuable.

Overview of the Paper’s Structure:

Provide a brief roadmap of the paper by outlining the main sections and their purposes. Mention the key components, such as the literature review, methodology, results, and conclusion.

Thesis Statement:

Conclude the introduction with a clear and concise thesis statement. This is a sentence or two that outlines the main argument or claim of your research paper.

Remember to adjust the level of detail and the specific elements included in the introduction based on the requirements of your assignment or the guidelines of the publication you are submitting to. The introduction should be engaging, informative, and set the stage for the rest of your research paper.

It seems like you’re looking for help with a research paper title. Crafting a good title is essential as it provides a concise preview of your research topic and grabs the reader’s attention. To generate a title, consider the following tips:

  1. Clarity: Ensure your title clearly reflects the main theme or focus of your research. Avoid vague or overly complex language.

  2. Conciseness: Keep the title concise and to the point. Aim for a balance between brevity and informativeness.

  3. Keywords: Use relevant keywords that capture the essence of your research. This can help your paper be more discoverable in academic databases.

  4. Creativity: While clarity is important, a touch of creativity can make your title more engaging. However, avoid being overly clever if it sacrifices clarity.

  5. Avoid jargon: If possible, try to avoid discipline-specific jargon that might be unclear to readers outside your field.

Title Paper Research Page

Final thoughts

Certainly! When it comes to starting a research paper, the beginning is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire paper and engages the reader. Here are some final thoughts on how to start a research paper:

Clear Introduction:

The introduction should provide a clear overview of the topic. Clearly state the purpose of the research and its significance.

Engage your readers by presenting the context of your study and explaining why it matters.

Thesis Statement:

Craft a strong thesis statement that succinctly captures the main point or argument of your research.

Ensure your thesis is specific, focused, and provides a roadmap for the reader to follow.

Background Information:

Provide enough background information to give readers a foundational understanding of the subject.

Contextualize your research within the existing literature to demonstrate its relevance and contribution.

Hook the Reader:

Use a compelling hook to grab the reader’s attention from the outset. This could be an intriguing fact, a thought-provoking question, or a relevant quote.

A strong hook encourages the reader to continue exploring your paper.

Research Objectives:

Clearly state the objectives of your research. Outline what you aim to achieve and the questions you seek to answer.

This sets the stage for the reader to understand the scope and purpose of your study.

Methodology Preview:

Briefly introduce the research methods you employed. This gives the reader an understanding of the approach you took to gather and analyze data.

Highlight any innovative or unique aspects of your methodology.

Transparency about limitations demonstrates a realistic and honest approach to your research.

Remember, the goal of the introduction is to orient the reader to your research and motivate them to continue reading. A well-crafted introduction not only provides a roadmap for your paper but also generates interest and curiosity, compelling the reader to delve deeper into your research.

Example of Preliminary Research Paper

Example 1: In this paper, we investigate how information technology can be used to increase the efficiency of business processes. We conducted research at a manufacturing company with the aim of identifying and evaluating different ways to improve business processes. We also analyze the impact of information technology on productivity and efficiency. Our results show that the implementation of information technology can significantly increase the efficiency of business processes.

Example 2: This paper aims to study the influence of social media on online shopping behavior. This research was conducted using an online survey distributed to respondents in the United States. The results show that social media has a significant influence on online shopping behavior, with people being more likely to view new products and brands through social media than any other source. These results provide important insights into how social media can be used by companies to promote their products and influence customer behavior.