Why it happens
Long introductions usually happen because the writer isn’t sure what the Introduction is supposed to do. So they include everything.
What the Introduction should include
A good introduction should convince the reviewer why this research is important.
Broader context and problem
Establishes the problem that needs solving (societal/scientific significance).
- Societal significance often addresses an issues in society.
- Scientific significance addresses an ‘issue’ in science: there is a major knowledge gap.
Current state of knowledge & knowledge gaps
Describes what is currently known about the broader problem (i.e. current state of knowledge), and what important information is currently missing but essential to address the broader problem.
The knowledge gaps should justify the aims and scope of the study. In other words, it should be obvious to a reviewer that information is missing (we know x and y but not z), and why that information is important to obtain.
Study aims & scope
States clear, specific research question(s) that directly address the knowledge gap, and explains what exactly will and will not be answered (i.e. scope).
The study aims and scope create a ‘contract’ with the reviewer: you promise to answer those questions.
Fixing your Introduction
If a sentence doesn’t help the reader understand why your study exists, it doesn’t belong here.
- Check if the information listed above is included in your introduction
- Remove all sentences that don’t contribute to that information.
Need more help drafting the Introduction?
See Drafting the Introduction for a workflow on brainstorming and structuring the content of your introduction.