APA Introduction

The APA offers the following hints for writing the Introduction section:

(1)  Introduce the problem, incorporating the following points:

·    Why is this problem important? Give a big-picture view describing why the answer to this question matters to the field of psychology.

·     What is the purpose and rationale (theoretical justification) of the study?

·     What are the theoretical implications of the study, and how does the study relate to previous work in the area?

(2)  Develop the background—provide a scholarly review of earlier work from general to specific.  Remember the "funnel effect."

(3) Provide a brief preview of your proposed study (in future tense).

(4) State the hypothesis (prediction). Describe the theoretical implications if the hypothesis is (a) supported and (b) not supported.  Use an if ________, then________ statement. 

(5) If there's doubt as to whether to cite a source, error on the conservative side and cite it.

(6)  Double-check--Every in-text citation must be represented in the Reference section at the end of the paper.