Your introduction is a concise summary of 100 – 200 words, stating what the objectives are and what you are going to write about. Many students confuse this section with the background or history sections, but generally, they are expected to be kept separate.
Top Dissertation Introduction Tips
A good formula for your introduction is to put the issue in context as concisely as possible. Answer the questions: Why do this study? Why now? Why here? Why me? State the aims of the study.
Structuring Your Dissertation Introduction
The introduction is one of the most crucial parts of your dissertation, setting the tone for the entire work. Here are some key elements to include:
- Contextualize the Issue
- Begin by briefly introducing the broader topic and placing it in context. This involves explaining the relevance and significance of the topic in the current academic or practical landscape. For example:
- “In recent years, the impact of social media on mental health has become a topic of significant concern among psychologists and sociologists.”
- Begin by briefly introducing the broader topic and placing it in context. This involves explaining the relevance and significance of the topic in the current academic or practical landscape. For example:
- State the Problem or Research Question
- Clearly articulate the specific problem or research question your dissertation addresses. This should be concise yet detailed enough to give readers a clear understanding of the focus of your study. For instance:
- “This study aims to investigate the correlation between social media usage and the prevalence of anxiety and depression among teenagers.”
- Clearly articulate the specific problem or research question your dissertation addresses. This should be concise yet detailed enough to give readers a clear understanding of the focus of your study. For instance:
- Justify the Timing and Relevance
- Explain why this study is important at this particular time. Highlight any recent developments, gaps in the literature, or pressing issues that make your research timely. For example:
- “With the rapid increase in social media platforms and their pervasive influence, understanding their impact on mental health is more critical than ever.”
- Explain why this study is important at this particular time. Highlight any recent developments, gaps in the literature, or pressing issues that make your research timely. For example:
- Specify the Location or Context
- If your study focuses on a specific geographical area, population, or context, mention it. This helps narrow down the scope and makes your research more targeted. For instance:
- “This research focuses on high school students in urban areas, where social media usage is particularly high.”
- If your study focuses on a specific geographical area, population, or context, mention it. This helps narrow down the scope and makes your research more targeted. For instance:
- Explain Your Motivation
- Briefly discuss why you are interested in this topic and what you hope to achieve. This personal touch can make your introduction more engaging. For example:
- “As a psychology student with a keen interest in adolescent mental health, I am motivated to explore how modern digital habits are affecting young minds.”
- Briefly discuss why you are interested in this topic and what you hope to achieve. This personal touch can make your introduction more engaging. For example:
- State the Aims and Objectives
- Conclude your introduction by clearly stating the aims and objectives of your dissertation. This provides a roadmap for what your study seeks to accomplish. For example:
- “The primary aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes in teenagers. Specific objectives include identifying patterns of social media use, measuring levels of anxiety and depression, and suggesting potential interventions.”
- Conclude your introduction by clearly stating the aims and objectives of your dissertation. This provides a roadmap for what your study seeks to accomplish. For example:
Example Introduction
Here is an example of a well-structured introduction based on the elements discussed:
“In recent years, the impact of social media on mental health has become a topic of significant concern among psychologists and sociologists. This study aims to investigate the correlation between social media usage and the prevalence of anxiety and depression among teenagers. With the rapid increase in social media platforms and their pervasive influence, understanding their impact on mental health is more critical than ever. This research focuses on high school students in urban areas, where social media usage is particularly high. As a psychology student with a keen interest in adolescent mental health, I am motivated to explore how modern digital habits are affecting young minds. The primary aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes in teenagers. Specific objectives include identifying patterns of social media use, measuring levels of anxiety and depression, and suggesting potential interventions.”