Writing an Introduction in

Clinical Research

By Dr. Veronica Oluyemisi NYAMALI

Consultant Psychiatrist (MB cHB, FWACP)Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos

Outline

Introduction (Origin, Dictionary, Thesaurus) Location of the introduction aspect Introduction in research Aims of introduction Subdivisions of the introduction section Contents of introduction Qualities of a well written introduction An introduction. When? Why? & How? How to write clearly Questions and answers

Brainstorming Questions

Before you start writing, consider.........

Who will the readers be?

Which journal(s) will it be sent to?

Which college or school program is it?

Definition of Introduction

Oxford Ad. Dict (8th Ed) defined “introduction” as:

• explanatory section at beginning• something giving basic facts• presentation of somebody to another

person/group• first experience• bringing in something new

• foreword, opening, preface, prologue, overture, preamble, beginning

• outline, overview, primer, summary, starter, rough guide, taster

• institution, presentation, insertion, ushering in

Thesaurus

A formal report may be divided into 3 major parts: Prefatory, body of the text and the supplemental parts.

Prefatory: Title fly, Title page, Declaration, Supervisor’s Certification, HOD’s Certification, Dedication, Acknowledgement, Table of Contents, List of Tables, List of Figures, List of Abbreviations, Abstract.

Body of text: Introduction (tell them what you want to tell them), text ( tell them), Conclusion (tell them what you have told them) & Recommendation (tell them what you feel)

Supplemental parts: References, Appendices, Consent Form, Letter of Approval to Conduct Study, Questionnaires etc.

Location of the Introduction Section

The introduction in research sets up the background for what we are about to learn (the bottom line) and why it matters. • The introduction serves as a means to set up the

question. • It gives the reader an idea of where you are going in

your project so they can follow along or a map for your readers to prepare them for where you are taking them to in your project.

• This is your chance to set the stage for what is to come, your opportunity to really sell your findings and their importance.

• You can give them more background details and supporting evidence for your thesis in the body of the paper itself.

Introduction Section in Research

The introduction section of a scientific paper aims to: • introduce a specific topic. • stimulate the reader’s interest hence leaving a positive

initial impression of what is to come, so that he or she will be motivated to read the rest of the paper.• provide background information about what has

already been done by others, supported by a limited number of relevant references. • inform the reader about the purpose of the paper, what

it will address, and how it relates to previous work.

Aims of Introduction

.

Introduction Cont’dA Statement of Purpose is a sentence that you write, which states, in some

detail, what you want to learn about in your research project.

The statement guides you as you work so that you will read and take notes

only on what's needed for your project.

Why do I need to do it?

Writing a statement of purpose will do 4 things to help you:

• You will get more interested in your project. • It will keep you from getting overwhelmed and panicky at all the information you may find. • It will help you develop a thesis statement, which comes later on in the research process.• It saves you valuable time and effort.

The Introduction section can be divided into 2 broad parts:• Background Information• Rationale (Purpose/Justification, objectives

and significance/clinical relevance.

Background Information: A general introduction to the topic you will be discussing. Two lists of questions. "factual" questions and

"interpretive" questions.

Subdivisions

Factual Questions• The answers to these will give your reader

the basic background information they need to understand your topic.

• Assume your reader knows nothing about your subject. Make an effort to tell them everything they need to know to understand what you will say in your project.

• Make a list of specific questions that ask : Who? What? When? Where?

Subdivisions of Introduction

Interpretive Questions• The answers to these will show your creative

thinking in your project and can become the basis for your thesis statement.

• These kinds of questions are the result of your own original thinking.

• They can be based on the preliminary research you have done on your chosen topic. Select one or two to answer in your presentation.

• They can be the basis of forming a thesis statement.

Subdivisions of Introduction

Types of Interpretive Questions: • Hypothetical: How would things be different today if something in

the past had been different?• Prediction: How will something look or be in the future, based on

the way it is now?• Solution: What solutions can be offered to a problem that exists

today?• Comparison or Analogy: Find the similarities and differences

between your main subject and a similar subject, or with another subject in the same time period or place.

• Judgment: Based on the information you find, what can you say as your informed opinion about the subject?

Subdivisions of Introduction

• The basic premise of your study.• Why the findings are interesting and novel?• What clinical implication your work may have?• Indicate what was previously unknown -framing

why we are here now. Move on to the major

finding, then spend a few sentences detailing• Start the introduction by providing the

background for the field, gaps in knowledge identified and

then your hypothesis.

Contents of Introduction

(Niel, 2007)

According to Pakes (2001), a well written introduction should have the following qualities: • Brief/Concise/Succinct/ Focused.• Background Information.• State the study hypothesis and/or objectives.• Describe the study rationale.

Qualities of a Well Written Introduction (Pakes, 2001)

• Without an introduction it is sometimes very difficult for your audience to figure out what you are trying to say.

• There needs to be a thread of an idea that they will follow through your paper or presentation. The introduction gives the reader the beginning of the piece of thread so they can follow it.

Why write an introduction?.....

(Cambridge Rindge and Latin School Research Guide, 2011)

Many books recommend writing your introduction last, after you finish your project. This is to make sure that you introduce what you are actually going to say.

If your project changes in the creating process, it is important to make sure that your introduction accurately reflects what you will be saying.

If, however, you have written a good outline and stick to it, then it is fine to start writing your introduction first.

Just make sure in your proofreading that you have kept the thread consistent throughout the paper.

When do I write it?...........

Start with a couple of sentences that introduce your topic to your reader. You do not have to give too much detailed information; save that for the body of your paper. Make these sentences as interesting as you can. Through them, you can hook a reader and get them very interested in the line of thinking you are going to develop in your project.

The nature and scope of the problem well defined.

Once you have expressed your purpose, you should find it easier to move from the general purpose to relevant material on the subject then to your hypothesis.

Then state your aim and objectives, which may be done in one or more sentences. The length of your introduction depends on the length and complexity of your project.

How do I write it?.......

Style issues.....( Wells 2004)» Flow» Specificity» Message

Editing & Formatting....... » Paging (Prefatory-Roman Numerals, Main Text-

Arabic Numerals)»Margins (Top, Bottom, Left & Right- 1 Inch)» Paragraph » Font Types (Times New Roman, Arial Size, Calibri)» Font Size: (12)» Line Spacing (Double)» Numbering (Chapters, Figures, Tables etc.)» Citing & Referencing» Footnotes» Captioning etc

How to write clearly

Some matters of style: Omit needless words Avoid meta-comments on the writing Use repetition and parallel construction Avoidance of Jargons Avoid language bias Voice type & self reference Tense Common errors of grammar and usage Spelling

Some matters of writing: Plagiarism Lifting

Stuffy writing is frequently used to disguise intellectual fuzziness. Think about what you really want to write. Be exact.

How to write well

Thank You!!!