Real-world examples of examples of example of introduction in a research paper

Let’s start with what you actually came for: concrete, readable examples of introductions. These are simplified, student-friendly samples, but they follow the same structure you’ll see in published research.

Example 1: Psychology research paper introduction (social media & anxiety)

Over the past decade, social media platforms have become deeply embedded in the daily lives of adolescents in the United States. Recent surveys suggest that over 95% of teens report using at least one social media app, with many checking their feeds multiple times per hour (Pew Research Center, 2023). At the same time, rates of reported anxiety symptoms among adolescents have risen, leading researchers and educators to question whether these trends may be connected.

Although prior studies have examined the relationship between overall screen time and mental health, fewer have focused specifically on social media use patterns, such as late-night scrolling or passive consumption of content. Understanding these patterns is important for parents, school counselors, and policymakers who are trying to design realistic guidelines for healthy technology use.

This study investigates the association between specific social media use behaviors and self-reported anxiety symptoms among high school students in urban public schools. By identifying which usage patterns are most strongly linked with anxiety, this research aims to inform school-based interventions and digital wellness education programs.

Why this works:

• Starts broad (social media in teen life)
• Narrows to a problem (anxiety rates)
• Shows a gap (few studies on specific patterns)
• States purpose and scope of the study

When you look for examples of examples of example of introduction in a research paper in psychology, you’ll see this same arc again and again.

Example 2: Nursing / public health introduction (vaccination attitudes)

Vaccine hesitancy has become a major public health concern in the United States, particularly in communities that have experienced recent outbreaks of preventable diseases such as measles (CDC, 2024). While vaccination rates remain high overall, localized pockets of low uptake can undermine herd immunity and increase the risk of disease transmission.

Previous research has identified misinformation, mistrust of medical institutions, and cultural beliefs as factors that influence vaccination decisions. However, less is known about how these factors interact within specific communities and how health care providers can address them during routine clinical encounters.

This research paper examines parental attitudes toward childhood vaccination in a mid-sized Midwestern city, focusing on how parents describe their decision-making process and sources of information. The goal is to provide practical recommendations for pediatric nurses and family physicians seeking to improve vaccine communication and build trust with hesitant parents.

Notice how this example of an introduction in a research paper clearly signals:

• The big issue (vaccine hesitancy)
• What’s already known
• What’s missing
• What this particular study will do

Example 3: Education research paper introduction (online learning outcomes)

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning has shifted from a temporary emergency measure to a long-term feature of higher education in the United States and worldwide. Many universities now offer hybrid or fully online degree programs, and students increasingly expect flexible learning options (Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2024).

While numerous studies have compared test scores in online and face-to-face courses, fewer have examined how online course design elements—such as instructor presence, discussion formats, and assignment types—shape student engagement and persistence. As institutions continue to invest in digital infrastructure, understanding which design features support student success has become a high priority.

This study explores the relationship between specific online course design practices and student engagement in introductory undergraduate courses at a large public university. By analyzing course analytics and student survey responses, the research aims to identify design patterns that are associated with higher participation and lower withdrawal rates.

If you’re collecting examples of examples of example of introduction in a research paper in education, this is a very typical pattern: context → problem → gap → purpose.

Example 4: Technology / computer science introduction (AI detection in writing)

The rapid adoption of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as large language models, has transformed how students draft and revise written assignments. While these tools can support brainstorming and editing, they have also raised concerns about academic integrity and the authenticity of student work (Stanford University, 2024).

In response, many institutions have begun using AI-detection software to identify assignments that may have been produced or heavily assisted by AI. However, early evaluations of these tools suggest that they may produce false positives, particularly for non-native English speakers and students who use formulaic writing structures.

This research paper evaluates the accuracy and fairness of a widely used AI-detection system in a first-year writing program at a large public university. By comparing detection scores with instructor assessments and student self-reports, the study seeks to understand how reliable these tools are and what risks they may pose for students.

Here, the introduction clearly sets up a timely 2024–2025 issue, frames a controversy, and then explains the specific study.

Example 5: Environmental science introduction (urban heat islands)

As average global temperatures continue to rise, cities are experiencing more frequent and intense heat waves. Urban areas tend to be significantly warmer than surrounding rural regions, a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect (EPA, 2024). This effect increases energy demand, worsens air quality, and poses serious health risks for residents, particularly older adults and low-income communities.

Many cities have begun experimenting with strategies such as cool roofs, expanded tree canopy, and reflective pavement to reduce urban heat. However, there is limited research comparing the effectiveness of these strategies at the neighborhood level, especially in cities with diverse housing types and infrastructure.

This study analyzes temperature data, land cover maps, and demographic information from three neighborhoods in Phoenix, Arizona, to examine how different mitigation strategies influence local temperatures. The findings aim to support city planners and public health officials in targeting heat reduction efforts where they are most needed.

This is a good example of introduction in a research paper that blends environmental data with social impact.

Example 6: Business / marketing introduction (influencer marketing & Gen Z)

Influencer marketing has become a dominant strategy for brands seeking to reach Generation Z consumers on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. In 2023, global spending on influencer campaigns surpassed $21 billion, and the market is projected to grow further as short-form video continues to gain popularity (Influencer Marketing Hub, 2024).

Although brands often assume that influencers increase trust and authenticity, recent surveys suggest that many Gen Z consumers are skeptical of sponsored content and rely on a mix of peer reviews, creator transparency, and brand values when making purchasing decisions.

This research investigates how different types of influencer disclosures (such as #ad labels, verbal sponsorship mentions, and on-screen text) affect perceived authenticity and purchase intention among Gen Z social media users in the United States. The study’s findings may help marketers design campaigns that are both transparent and persuasive.

This shows how to write an introduction that is data-informed and clearly tied to a practical outcome.

Breaking down the pattern behind these examples

Now that you’ve seen several real examples of introductions, let’s pull out the pattern they share. When you look at many examples of examples of example of introduction in a research paper, you’ll notice they almost always include four moves:

First move: Broad context
Each introduction starts with the big picture: a trend, problem, or situation that matters beyond the specific study. This could be teens on social media, vaccine hesitancy, or urban heat.

Second move: Narrowing to a problem or question
Then the writer zooms in on something more specific: rising anxiety, low vaccination pockets, unclear effectiveness of AI detection, and so on.

Third move: Pointing out a gap
Strong introductions briefly show what research has already done and what it hasn’t. Phrases like “less is known,” “fewer studies have,” or “however, limited research has” are common.

Fourth move: Declaring your purpose
Finally, the introduction states what this particular paper will do: “This study investigates…,” “This research examines…,” or “This paper evaluates….”

If you read a few published papers from databases like PubMed (via the National Institutes of Health) or ERIC (via the U.S. Department of Education), you’ll see the same structure, just with more technical language.

More discipline-specific examples of introduction in a research paper

To make this even more practical, here are a few shorter, targeted examples of introductions in different subject areas. Think of this as a mini library of best examples you can adapt.

STEM example: Biology lab-style research paper

Antibiotic resistance is one of the most serious threats to global health, as common infections become harder and more expensive to treat (World Health Organization, 2024). One contributor to this problem is the overuse of antibiotics in agricultural settings, where drugs are used not only to treat disease but also to promote animal growth.

Previous studies have documented antibiotic-resistant bacteria in large-scale industrial farms, but less attention has been paid to small, family-owned operations that supply local markets. Understanding resistance patterns in these settings can help public health officials design targeted monitoring and education programs.

This study examines the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli in livestock from small farms in northern Pennsylvania. By comparing resistance profiles across farms with different antibiotic use practices, the research aims to identify behaviors associated with higher resistance levels.

Humanities example: Literature / cultural studies

In recent years, young adult (YA) fiction has played a significant role in shaping public conversations about mental health, trauma, and identity. Bestselling novels that center characters with depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder have sparked debates about representation, responsibility, and the potential impact of these stories on teen readers.

While scholars have examined how mental illness is portrayed in adult literary fiction and film, fewer studies have focused on YA novels that explicitly target adolescent audiences. This gap is important because teens may interpret and internalize these narratives differently than adults.

This paper analyzes three popular YA novels published between 2015 and 2022 to explore how they depict depression and recovery. It considers how narrative voice, plot structure, and paratextual elements (such as trigger warnings and author notes) shape readers’ understanding of mental health.

These additional samples give you more examples of examples of example of introduction in a research paper that you can mirror in your own discipline.

How to write your own introduction using these examples

Let’s turn these models into a simple, repeatable process you can use.

Step 1: Start with the big picture in 2–3 sentences
Ask yourself: “Why would a stranger care about this topic in 2024 or 2025?” Use a statistic, a trend, or a recent event. For instance:

• “Since 2020, remote work has changed how millions of employees collaborate and communicate.”
• “In the past five years, concerns about data privacy have increased as more personal information moves online.”

Step 2: Narrow to a specific problem or tension
Now zoom in. What specific issue, population, or setting are you actually studying? You might write something like:

• “However, little is known about how remote work affects early-career employees who are still building professional networks.”

Step 3: Mention what’s already known (briefly)
You don’t need a full literature review here, but one or two sentences help:

• “Previous research has shown that remote work can improve work–life balance, but findings about productivity and mentorship are mixed.”

Step 4: Point out the gap
This is the “why this study matters” moment:

• “Few studies have examined how remote work arrangements influence informal mentoring relationships in the first three years of employment.”

Step 5: State your purpose clearly
Use direct language so your reader knows exactly what the paper will do:

• “This study investigates… ”
• “This paper examines…”
• “This research aims to…”

If you compare this five-step process to the earlier examples of examples of example of introduction in a research paper, you’ll see they match almost line by line.

Common mistakes students make (and how these examples avoid them)

Looking at real examples is helpful partly because they don’t do the things that weaken many student papers. Here are patterns to avoid:

Starting with a dictionary definition
“Stress is defined as…” feels like filler. Notice that none of the examples start that way. They jump straight into context.

Being too vague
“Technology is changing our lives” doesn’t say much. Strong introductions give specific details: years, locations, populations, or platforms.

Not stating a clear purpose
If your introduction never says what the study actually does, readers are left guessing. Every example of introduction in a research paper above has a sentence that starts with “This study…” or “This paper….”

Writing a full literature review in the introduction
You only need a taste of previous research here. Save the long discussion for your literature review section.

When you review examples of examples of example of introduction in a research paper from your field, pay attention to how short and focused the opening section usually is.

FAQ: Short answers about introductions and examples

Q1. Where can I find more real examples of research paper introductions?
Look at open-access articles from:

• PubMed Central (NIH) for health and medical topics
• ERIC (U.S. Department of Education) for education research
• University repositories (search “open access theses” on large .edu sites)

Skim the first few paragraphs of each paper; those are your examples of introductions in the wild.

Q2. How long should an introduction be in a typical college research paper?
For most undergraduate papers (8–15 pages), the introduction is usually about one to one-and-a-half pages, double-spaced. Shorter assignments may only need a few solid paragraphs that still follow the same pattern as the examples here.

Q3. Can I copy an example of introduction in a research paper word-for-word?
No. You can copy the structure and the moves—broad context, problem, gap, purpose—but the wording, data, and organization should be your own. Using someone else’s sentences is plagiarism, even if you change a few words.

Q4. What’s the simplest formula to remember from all these examples?
Think: Topic trend → Specific problem → What’s missing → What I’m doing. If your introduction clearly walks through those four pieces, you’re already close to the best examples you see in published work.

Q5. Are there different expectations for introductions in lab reports vs. full research papers?
Yes, but the core idea is the same. Lab reports (especially in biology, chemistry, or psychology) often have shorter, more technical introductions that focus quickly on prior studies and hypotheses. Full research papers may offer more background and real-world context. Still, if you compare examples of both types, you’ll see the same basic pattern.

If you keep a handful of these examples of examples of example of introduction in a research paper nearby while you write, you’ll have a practical template to guide you. Read a paragraph from an example, then write your own version for your topic using the same moves. With a bit of practice, the structure starts to feel natural—and that’s when writing introductions stops feeling so intimidating.