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How to write ‘introduction’ in scientific journal article

Article  in  Journal of Patan Academy of Health Sciences · January 2015

DOI: 10.3126/jpahs.v2i1.20331

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ISSN: 2091-2749 (Print)
2091-2749 (Print)
2091-2757 (Online)
Correspondence
2091-2757 (Online)
Prof. Dr. Jay N Shah
Editor in Chief, Journal of Patan
Academy of Health Sciences
Email:drjaywufei@gmail.com
1 Journal of
EDITORIAL
How to write ‘introduction’ in scientific journal
article
Jay N Shah
Editor in Chief, Journal of Patan Academy of Health Sciences
Introduction section states the purpose, the rationale for carrying out the
research including background information on what is known, current
state of what is unknown and clearly highlights the gaps the present study
aim to fulfill.
“Introduction” in scientific articles is the “entrance gate” that introduces
the paper to attract attention and create urge to the readers, reviewers
and peers to read further sections of the manuscript. This section should
have a "hook" to gain the reader's attention as why this research work
was chosen, and why is it important? This section summarizes the
relevant literature to help the reader understand why the study question
is important. This section must appropriately choose past studies to set
the background to provide the reader adequate information regarding the
necessity of the project to justify the worthiness of the study. The
function of the introduction is to establish the context of the work by
discussing the relevant literature and clearly summarizing the
understanding of the problem and provide rationale and possible
outcomes the present study. A good beginning makes a good ending!
Introduction usually contains three distinct themes, preferably in separate
paragraphs:
The first or the beginning provides ‘general overview’ of the topic,
including past literatures to provide clear objective of the study. This is
done by including key words from title in the first few sentences to focus
directly on the topic. The aim is to build a rapport, right from the
beginning between the reader and the article proper, with clear and
robust information on the research topic. The literature review and choice
of research method should make the reader understand the issue that
current work attempted to resolve. Care should be taken so that the
literature review is not too exhaustive to include all the available
knowledge in field of study.
The second paragraph deals with specific subject matter, current issue,
what and how it needs to be solved and narrow down the reader’s
attention for possible solution thePatan Academy
current of Health
work Sciences. 2015
may provide. July;2(1):1-2
Here, keep
in view that the topic of current work need to be discussed in light of
current literature to narrow down the problems so as readers can ‘see’
the importance of the work on which the manuscript is based up on.
 Jay: Introduction in journal
The writing of introduction section is in simple
language, in present tense. State the purpose with
clear rationale why the study is being carried out. This
includes background information of the problem
already known, current status, and then narrow down
to what is unsolved and the gap that present study is
going to bridge. And obviously, if the problem is not
stated in a reasonable, understandable way, readers
will have no interest in your solution
The abbreviations, acronyms appearing for the first
time must be provided with full forms in the bracket.
All important statements, facts and figures must be
backed up by appropriate recent citations. Most
journals have limit of words for this section and must
be followed comply with the format and instruction. In
summary, the purpose of the Introduction is to provide
sufficient background information to allow the readers
to understand the problem and see the importance of
the present study without needing to refer to other
publications on the topic. The writing has to be short
and sweet, like the vitals details on the ‘matrimonial
website’ to attract best match! The tips for a strong
introduction is to arouse interest and encourage the
2 Journal of Patan Academy of Health Sciences. 2015 July;2(1):1-2
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reader to read the rest of your work, keeping it short
by sticking closely to the problem, the aim of the
research so as the conclusion and discussion that will
follow later are aligned to the introduction section. The
introduction concludes with a clear statement the
purpose and objectives to help readers see clearly the
evolution, importance, and critical aspects of the
study.
Schematic diagram of a good introduction is to follow
the structure of inverted triangle:
REFRECENCES
1. How to Write an Introduction.
https://explorable.com/how-to-write-an-introduction
2. Writing a scientific research article.
http://www.columbia.edu/cu/biology/ug/research/paper
.html
3. Preparing for submission.
http://www.icmje.org/recommendations/browse/manus
cript-preparation/preparing-for-submission.html
4. How to write a paper in scientific journal style and
format.
http://abacus.bates.edu/~ganderso/biology/resources/w
riting/HTWsections.html#introduction
5. Abdullah Armağan. How to write an introduction section
of a scientific article? Turk J Urol. 2013;39:8-9. DOI:
10.5152/tud.2013.046