Purpose of the Introduction: · To familiarize the reader with the topic, present the current state of the field, and convince them of the need for further study on this issue (i.e. to convince the scientific community that you have identified a scientific problem and will add a new aspect to the scientific discussion/field). o A good introduction is like a good sales pitch! Components of the Introduction: Note: Each numbered component below should be one paragraph in your introduction. 1. Identify the Research Problem: In the first paragraph of this assignment, start with a brief description of the problem/topic: what/why is it a problem, who does it impact, what are the overall implications. Include key statistics to emphasize the importance/magnitude of the topic/problem. Briefly mention what still needs to be addressed (through additional research). 2. Definition/Explanation of Terms: Explain the scientific explanation/definitions of the problem. For example, if your topic is a disease, describe what causes it, how/why it develops, symptoms, disease progress, and anything beyond the definition that is necessary. This is a scientific proposal and should provide the reader with enough detail to understand the topic of the proposal. 3. Population: Describe the population affected by the topic (gender, ethnicity, age, occupational exposure, etc.). Describe the topic within the population (what implications does the topic have). 4. Current Standards and Potential Changes: Describe how is this problem/topic currently dealt with/treated/managed and introduce/explain the second variable that should be correlated OR implemented (depending on the type of study you are conducting). 5. Recent Review Study: Provide a general overview of the current state of the literature on your topic using at least 1 review, systematic review, or meta-analysis relevant to your topic. Briefly state what they studied and what they found (purpose, how many studies included, main results). This provides the reader with a snapshot of the current knowledge of the topic. 6. Conclusion: Provide a recap of the topic/problem, what is currently known, and indicate that there is a need for further study (what is the gap in the literature?). This may be due to either a lack of or contradictory information. End with how information obtained could be applied. The conclusion of your introduction should clearly indicate the need for study on this topic. **NOTE: The introduction should answer the following: What is the general idea/problem under investigation? Why is this topic/research important? What is currently known and what remains unclear (why does it NEED to be studied/what is missing from the literature)? Some HINTS (these apply to all assignments): · Basic studies (general/fundamental) on the topic, regardless of its publication date could be useful to gain knowledge/understanding of your topic. • Reputable websites that end with .org, .edu, or .gov are acceptable for general information (secondary sources). ◦ Do NOT use/cite websites such as Wikipedia, WebMD. · NEVER leave the reader in doubt as to the source of your information (i.e., Cite thoroughly & properly). Follow the APA style for citations & reference list ◦ Refer to studies by author and year in APA format (e.g., “A study by Smith et al. (2012) reported that …”) ◦ Note that every piece of information you are conveying from another source must be cited and referenced · Avoid quoting directly. Read the article, set it aside, and then write down the important points in your own words (i.e., paraphrase) and use citations whenever necessary. · Technical scientific writing is terse, clear cut, and lacking in artistic enhancements. · ACTIVE VOICE is usually encouraged. Avoid using the following personal pronouns: I and YOU • Avoid referring to “your study” throughout. You are providing background information on the topic, identifying the gap in the literature, and alluding to what your study will address, not directly stating it.