The Introduction to the Research Report

Function of the Introduction:

The introduction needs to grab the reader's attention and quickly convince her that the research report addresses an important social problem. If the report focuses on a narrow social problem, it is also necessary to explain how the narrow problem relates to a larger social problem, and why it makes sense to focus on this piece of the problem. The introduction should provide the reader with a road map to the entire research report. What will the reader learn in the various chapters? What is the report's underlying logic? Finally, the introduction should introduce the reader to the proposed solution, and should BRIEFLY explain how the solution relates to the research report's other sections.

Some drafters include a history of the general problem in the Introduction. Personally, I like my introductions as short and sweet as possible. MPs are typically busy individuals, so it is best to write with as much precision as possible. Include historical information if it is essential that the reader understand either the historic circumstances giving rise to the social problem or the attempts made to address the problem in the past. For example, if the reader is likely to jump to embrace a "solution" that has already been tried, and failed, that historic information can help break down some of the reader's assumptions about how the problem should be addressed. Likewise, if you are addressing a social problem that has been around for a long time, but people tend to view as a "new" problem, providing historical information can be useful. However, be careful to select information strategically so your report will provide the reader with the background necessary to make an informed decision, without overwhelming her.

Criteria for evaluating the Introduction

When reviewing your introduction, ask if it adequately:

1. summarizes, in a few sentences, the social problem which the bill will target, and the bill’s proposed solution;

2. describes the relevant information about the larger country-specific context within which the social problem has arisen (may include history, comparative law and experience);

3. shows how that the bill may help to resolve part of the country’s larger social problems, especially if the law-makers incorporate it into a larger legislative program designed to alter or eliminate the other aspects of those larger problems; and

4. provides a ‘table of contents’ paragraph, which, following the problem-solving methodology, informs readers of the underlying logic of the research report’s subsequent parts?