JMP Introduction Writing- Claudia Sahm
Here is my excerpt of the Structure of Introduction:
1) Motivation (1 paragraph): motivate your research question
2) Research question (1 paragraph)
Lead with YOUR question.
THEN set YOUR question within most relevant literature.
My favorite is an actual question: “My paper answers the question …”
Popular and acceptable: “My paper [studies/quantifies/evaluates/etc] …”
3) Main contribution (2-3 paragraphs, one for each contribution)
YOUR main contribution:
MUST be about new economic knowledge.
Lead with YOUR work, then how it extends the literature.
New model, new data, new method, etc.:
Can be second or third contribution.
Tools are important, not most important.
Each paragraph begins with a sentence stating one of YOUR contributions.
THEN follow with three or four sentences setting YOUR contribution in literature.
Most important should be first (preferred) or last (sometimes most logical).
YOUR contributions are very important. Make them clear, compelling, and correct.
4) Method (1-2 paragraphs, one for each method)
Each paragraph begins with a sentence or two summarizing one of YOUR methods.
Lead with YOUR most important model, identification, or empirical method.
THEN follow with a few sentences that sets YOUR method in literature.
Save technical points, model assumptions for the model section.
5) Findings (2 to 3 paragraphs, one for each main finding)
Each paragraph begins with a sentence or two summarizing one of YOUR findings.
Most important should be first (preferred) or last (sometimes most logical).
THEN follow with three or four sentences setting YOUR finding in literature.
YOUR findings are very important. Make them clear, compelling, and correct.
5) Robustness Check (optional 1 paragraph)
Choose robustness check that best supports YOUR most important finding.
6) Roadmap of paper (1 paragraph)
One sentence for each section of YOUR paper.
Be specific to YOUR paper, if possible.