Introduction of The Scientific Journal

The introduction section of a scientific journal contains the background for conducting the research, the problem to be addressed, the research methodology employed, and the findings obtained from the study. This section should provide the rationale behind why the research is being conducted. It should also explain the issues arising from previous studies conducted in the field. To reinforce these points, the introduction should ideally contain numerous citations as the foundation for the upcoming research.

Fig 1. Formula of Introduction Section

The introduction is divided into 4 sections, as illustrated in Figure 1.

1. General Background. This section discusses the broad scope of the area. Typically, it addresses major issues that are currently trending and widely discussed globally. By elaborating on topics within this broad scope, it is hoped that it will facilitate the identification of more specific topics related to it.
2. Specific Background. This section digs into several topics derived from the general background. From these various topics, we aim to select one specific topic to be discussed in greater detail.
3. Knowledge Gap. This section provides a deeper discussion of the selected topic from the specific background. It contains our background in selecting a theme, usually in the form of a gap or problem between the ideal condition and the actual condition. Through research on the chosen theme, it is hoped that this gap can be filled or the existing problem can be addressed.
4. Here We Show. This section outlines the plan to address the identified gap. In a research study, we must determine the methods to be used. The determination of research methods is usually preceded by a literature review relevant to the chosen theme. From the literature review, there are typically several studies that have been conducted to address the chosen problem. It is hoped that from this literature review, we will not simply copy existing problem-solving methods but seek novelty in the methods we choose. This section should not be too detailed but should contain something intriguing that encourages our readers to dig deeper into the discussion section of the journal we are creating.

In its writing, the introduction section has several ideal criteria. These can serve as guidelines to facilitate our writing of the introduction. Ideally, the introduction should consist of one journal page with a word count of 400 words. The introduction can be composed of one to four paragraphs, but ideally three paragraphs, and should include 5–10 cited references.

When should we write the introduction? The introduction should ideally be written at the very end, just before writing the abstract, after we have completed the methods, discussion, and results sections of the research. By writing it last, it is hoped that our introduction can effectively summarize our entire study. Writing it last also helps us create engaging content that entices readers to dig deeper into our journal.