How to write the Introduction for a paper

Writing an excellent Introduction is a difficult scientific writing task. I go over the main goals of an introduction, and how to make this work, emphasizing a balanced and well-done literature review and logical flow. #writing #scientificwriting #writingtips
0:00 Goals of the Introduction section of a paper: the V-shape
1:58 Where do you start: consider your target audience
3:33 Reviewing the literature: many points to consider to achieve a balanced review!
10:12 The logical structure of 'V' funnel shape and how to achieve it
12:50 How to finish the Introduction: state what you did to fill the gap in knowledge
14:22 Wrap-up: this is difficult but gets easier with practice!
#academia #academicsuccess #phdlife #phd #academic #publishing #manuscript #publication #scientist
Matthias Rillig, professor of ecology at Freie Universität Berlin, chats about life in academia.
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[@jhonnymassante7640]

It was 15 minutes of wisdom! Thanks for sharing!

[@mrillig]

Thanks so much, I'm glad you found it useful! :)

[@MA-nv6kc]

I have a question if you allow me. Regarding the order of writing the journal paper, I have heard that it is better to start writing the methodology, the results and discussion before you move to the introduction and then conclusions and abstract. Is this the right order or someone could start with the introduction and methodology before writing the results.

[@mrillig]

Thanks for the question! I think you can write these bits really in any order you like. In practice, people will often start with the Methods and will need to get the display items and stats sorted out to make sure what the "story" of the paper is going to be, and you need that before you can write an Introduction that fits. But it's not necessary. Before you do an experiment, you will ideally know the literature, so you know why you are doing this particular study in the first place, and distilling these thoughts into words, that is your Introduction!
So, whatever works for you is fine. You can take notes on all parts of the manuscript whenever you work on it.