Introduction to the Topic
The very first part of your dissertation introduction should provide a broad overview of the research topic. This is where you give the reader background information on the subject area and establish why it is important. You should set the context for your research by highlighting key issues, trends, or challenges within the field.
In this section, you should also demonstrate your understanding of existing research and how your study contributes to the ongoing academic conversation. Make sure to introduce the dissertation topic in a way that grabs the reader's interest, giving them a reason to care about your work.
Statement of the Research Problem
After introducing the broader topic, you need to define the research problem that your dissertation will address clearly. This section should explain the gap in the existing research that your study aims to fill. Why is this topic important? What has been overlooked or underexplored in previous studies?
The problem statement is one of the most important parts of your dissertation introduction, as it sets the foundation for your research. Make sure your problem statement is specific, clear, and well-defined.
Research Questions and Objectives
In this part of the dissertation introduction, you’ll present the research questions or hypotheses that your study will answer. These questions should directly address the research problem you have identified and guide the direction of your dissertation.
Be sure to present clear and focused research questions. Each question should help you explore a particular aspect of your topic and contribute to the overall goals of the dissertation.
Additionally, this section will outline the objectives of your research, detailing what you hope to achieve by conducting the study. Your objectives should align with the research questions and give the reader a clear sense of your goals.
Justification for the Study
The justification section explains why your research is valuable and necessary. You need to demonstrate the significance of your study and explain how it will contribute to the field. What makes your research unique or timely? How does it address a gap or challenge in the existing literature?
This section should convince your readers that your research will make an important contribution, whether it be to theory, practice, or policy.
Structure of the Dissertation
Lastly, your dissertation introduction should briefly outline the structure of your dissertation. Provide a short description of each chapter, helping the reader understand how your work is organized and what to expect in the coming sections.
Including a brief overview of the structure gives the reader a clear understanding of the logical flow of your dissertation, which can make it easier for them to follow your argumentation.