In academic research writing, which of the following is an effective and ethical way to get ideas for writing the introduction section of a dissertation?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Reviewing key journal articles and recent literature on the research topic

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question has been recovered and reframed to test practical knowledge of academic writing rather than leaving it as an incomplete phrase. It now focuses on how students can generate ideas for the introduction of a dissertation. The introduction is one of the most important sections of any research work, because it sets the context, explains the problem and justifies why the study matters.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The aim is to get ideas for writing a dissertation introduction.
  • The method must be effective, meaning that it really helps to frame the topic and research problem.
  • The method must also be ethical, meaning that it does not involve plagiarism or misrepresentation.
  • We have to choose the best practice from the given options.


Concept / Approach:
A strong dissertation introduction usually grows from a clear understanding of the existing body of research. This is why reviewing key journal articles, books and recent studies is central to academic writing. By studying what other researchers have done, you can identify gaps, debates and questions, and then introduce your own work as a contribution to that discussion. Any approach that copies text, uses unrelated material or ignores the literature is poor academic practice and often unethical.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Remember the typical components of a dissertation introduction, such as background, research problem, objectives and significance. Step 2: Ask which activity best supports these components in a serious research project. Step 3: Option A suggests reviewing key journal articles and recent literature, which helps you understand context and identify research gaps. Step 4: Option B proposes copying text directly from other dissertations, which is plagiarism and academically unacceptable. Step 5: Option C mentions writing only personal opinions without sources, which weakens credibility and does not meet research standards. Step 6: Option D advises ignoring background research, which makes it impossible to justify why the dissertation is needed. Step 7: Option E brings in unrelated advertising content, which clearly does not help in a scholarly introduction. Step 8: Therefore Option A is the only effective and ethical method to develop introduction ideas.


Verification / Alternative check:
Academic writing guides consistently recommend conducting a thorough literature review as the foundation for both the introduction and later chapters. This process helps to define the research problem, refine questions and show how the study fits into current knowledge. In contrast, copying or using unrelated material is treated as misconduct. This agreement between standard guidelines and Option A confirms that it is the correct choice.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Copying introductory paragraphs from other dissertations is a direct form of plagiarism and violates academic integrity rules. Writing only personal opinions without references fails to show engagement with existing research and leads to a weak, subjective introduction. Ignoring background research and starting with the conclusion removes the logical flow and makes the work appear unsupported. Using unrelated advertising content is not scholarly and does not contribute to a clear, focused research introduction.


Common Pitfalls:
Students under time pressure sometimes search for shortcuts, such as copying text or relying on random internet material. These approaches seem quick but lead to serious problems, including poor grades and possible disciplinary action. The safer and more powerful strategy is to invest time in reading quality sources and taking notes that can later be shaped into an original introduction in your own words.


Final Answer:
The best way to get ideas for a dissertation introduction is reviewing key journal articles and recent literature on the research topic.

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion