Introduction

The Introduction provides the rationale for your study and prepares the reader for your method section.

1. Provide a concise history and background of your topic using citations from past studies.
2. Define all important psychological terms.
3. provide information on the current status of your topic using citations from past research.
4. Let this information lead you to the research question.
5. Let the research question lead you to your hypothesis.

When preparing your introduction, ask yourself:

• What is the purpose of this study?
• What terms need to be defined?
• How does my study build on or derive from other studies?
• What is my working hypothesis or expectation?

Tips

• Use short, straightforward sentences.
• When describing past studies, use past tense.
• When defining terms, use present tense.
• Every citation in your introduction whould have a corresponding reference on the reference page.
• Every reference on the reference page should have a corresponding citation.
• Use Ariel or Times New Roman; 10-12 pt.
• Double space everything. Do not triple space anything.
• Do not use bold, italic, or other fancy type.
• Use links on the Research Page of my website to get specifics on how to use APA stype for citations and references.

Your introduction will include the following:

1. Title Page (5 points)
2. Literature Review (35 points)
3. Reference Page (10 points)