11/7/17

The Introduction
Overall Objective
Change the reader from a passive
recipient into an enthusiastic searcher.
Science Writing: Peer-to-Peer First Objective
Show the reader that the story is worth
telling … start with the real world.
Graeme Martin Second Objective
Professor of Animal Science Show the reader your clear scientific
thinking leading to the hypothesis

The Introduction The Introduction

A series of logical statements So, there are only 2 components:

1) The hypothesis (or what you would expect to find).
… leading to …
2) The logical reasoning that makes this hypothesis the
The Hypothesis most plausible expectation possible. Clear scientific
thinking, creating an expectation.

Remember: The hypothesis = … and nothing else!

the expected result of the experiment The Introduction is not a statement of the
L problem plus a review of the literature!

1

How to Write The Introduction
General structure – only 2 components
Part 1 – The logical reasoning
Begin with “big picture” (real-world context of the research)
then focus down towards the hypothesis
Fact 1 (big picture)
Fact 2
Fact 3 …
Part 2 – The hypothesis
So, we need to test if … then …
And nothing else!
Homework
n List the order of points for the Introduction
of your paper;
n Dot points only
Big picture
n English
n Peer review tomorrow
11/7/17
How to Write The Introduction
General structure – only 2 components
Part 1 – The logical reasoning
Begin with “big picture” (real-world context of the research)
then focus down towards the hypothesis.
For example:
Introduction 1) The fecundity of Pelibuey ewes is a major factor limiting their
Big picture success in Mexico (reference).
2) Fecundity is determined primarily by ovulation rate (reference).
3) In other breeds, ovulation rate is controlled by nutrition (reference).
Logical
sequence Therefore, we need to test whether …
Part 2 – The hypothesis
Hypo- … a nutritional supplement will increase ovulation rate in Pelibuey ewes.
thesis
Learning by Peer Review
Why
When you talk about your work, it helps you say what you’re
trying to say
Reviewers can tell you what they don’t understand
As a critic, you learn to review your own work more critically
Logical
order of How
points Constructive advice and feedback
Don’t say “You should …”
Use “I”:
“I’m confused by …”
Hypo-
“I’d like to hear more about …”
thesis