1. Writing Introductions

2. Components of an Introduction
Explanation of why the topic is worth studying
The purpose statement
(Research questions)
The significance of doing the study
Definitions of terms

3. Deductive Logic These have a form: They are called syllogisms
Premise: If A then B
Premise: A
Conclusion: Therefore B
They are called syllogisms

4. Testing Syllogisms
If the premises are true then the conclusion must be true.
If the conclusion follows from the premises then it is a valid argument.
It follows the correct form of a syllogism
If it follows the form and the premises are, in fact, true then it is a sound argument.

5. Two Examples
Anyone driving over 80 mph on public roads in Oregon is breaking the law Bob is driving at 83 mph on a public road in Oregon Bob is breaking the law A drug is marketable if it has no side-effects This drug has no side-effects This drug is marketable

6. Two More Examples
People with an IQ over 150 are geniuses Bob has an IQ of 157 Bob is a genius A report written with which I disagree is fake news I disagree with Bob’s report Bob’s report is fake news

7. Deductive Logic
In deductive logic if the argument follows the correct form and the premises are true then the conclusion must be true.
The trick is showing that the premises are true.
In studies using deductive logic the argument (syllogism) is established and then the data (usually quantitative) are gathered and analyzed.

8. Inductive Logic These have a form:
Premise: A
Premise: B
Premise: C
Conclusion is likely to be true
Think of these as arguments based on the preponderance of evidence.

9. Testing Inductive Logic
If the premises are true then the conclusion are likely to be true.
If the conclusion is very likely true from the premises then it is a strong argument.
If it is a strong argument and the premises are, in fact, true then it is a cogent argument.

10. Testing Inductive Logic
In studies using inductive logic, arguments become cogent based on the strength of the evidence.
Qualitative researchers keep gathering data until the argument is cogent

11. Quantitative (inferential) researchers use deductive logic
Qualitative researchers use inductive logic

12. Using Logic to Write Introductions
Introductions are written as a series of logical arguments which can be either inductive or deductive.
The conclusion of an earlier argument becomes the premise of the next argument.
Eshleman calls these compound arguments.
Doublets are a simplified version of this.

13. Doublets or Word Ladders
Change MORE into LESS one letter at a time using recognizable English words.
MORE
LESS

14. Doublets or Word Ladders
Change MORE into LESS one letter at a time.
MORE
 LORE
 LOSE
 LOSS
LESS
Each solution becomes the starting point for the next solution.

15. Eshleman’s Compound Arguments
Conclusions may serve as premises for an additional argument
Premise 1
Conclusion 1/Premise 2
Conclusion 2/Premise 3
Conclusion 3/Premise 4
Conclusion 4

16. Compound Arguments
Statement of a position.
Statement of a new position based on the previous statement.
And so on …
Leading to the conclusion
In an introduction the conclusion is that the problem stated needs to be studied—the purpose statement.

17. Sequential Arguments
Society is becoming more diverse. The percentage of the American population represented by non-English speakers increases yearly. The largest group within non-English speakers is Hispanic. Most of the Hispanic immigrants are arriving from Central and South America. A substantial impact on American diversity is represented by individuals who have arrived from Central or South America.

18. Sequential Arguments (Word Ladder)
Societal diversity
Diversity–Non-English speakers
Diversity–Non-English–Hispanic
Diversity–Non-English—Hispanic–Immigrants
Diversity–Non-English—Hispanic–Immigrants–From Central and South America

19. Creswell (hook and eye)
Read Creswell on Writing

20. Creswell (hook and eye)
Society is becoming more diverse.
The percentage of the American population represented by non-English speakers increases yearly.
The largest group within non-English speakers is Hispanic.
Most of the Hispanic immigrants are arriving from Central and South America
A substantial impact on American diversity is represented by individuals who have arrived from Central or South America.

21. Writing an Introduction

22. Writing an Introduction
Develop a purpose statement
Follow the rules for purpose statements
Discuss this with a mentor before you go very far
Develop a logical argument that leads to the purpose statement
This should have as many steps as you need but it is seldom less than 4 or 5.
Defining the problem is often the largest section of an introduction of a dissertation.

23. For instance, if the purpose statement was…
The purpose of the present study is to examine the impact of reading circles on story comprehension.
You would need to explain why this is an important study to do.
Readers will want to see a strong, logical argument to make this case.

24. Logical Argument
Notice that this is a single, straight-forward argument that is designed to make it apparent that the research question is a logical one to ask.
Much effort is being focused nationally on the improvement of reading skills of all learners.
The federal government has promoted direct instruction reading programs.
Although many programs focus on direct instruction of reading skills, considerable evidence exists that students can improve their understanding of what they read by discussing it with peers.
Formalizing the integration of this activity into direct instruction reading programs may improve reading comprehension.
Reading circles are a promising strategy to this end.
Therefore the purpose of the present study is to examine the impact of reading circles on story comprehension in direct instruction reading programs.

25. What to Write Then expand each point into readable prose.
Often you will include a reference to the theoretical construct on which the work will be based.
This may be the only part of the introduction which includes any citations although citations may appear elsewhere if appropriate.
Do not be tempted to do the literature review in the introduction.

26. This is how you do this … Write down your purpose statement.
Start thinking about why this is a good question to ask.
Make an outline of an argument that you think would convince a reader that you are asking a good question.
Take your outline and expand on each bullet point.