The introduction of your master's thesis
The introduction of your master's thesis lays the foundation for the entire course of your work. It introduces the topic, sparks interest, and provides a clear orientation about the scientific questions, goals, and methods.
Why is the introduction crucial?
In the introduction of your master's thesis, you introduce the reader to your topic and provide an overview of the scientific significance of your research approach. At the same time, you clarify the relevance of your work and create a clear basis for the further structure.
- Thematic introduction: Explain the topic precisely and excitingly.
- Goals & Relevance:Describe why the topic is scientifically important and what goal you are pursuing.
- Scientific motivation: Show what prompted you to choose this specific topic.
Structure and content of the introduction
A well-structured introduction should guide the reader through the various aspects of your master's thesis. Here are the central points that you should consider:
- Topic introductionBegin with a captivating description of the topic and the initial situation.
- Relevance and research context: Show the current state of research and explain why your topic is relevant.
- Problem statement and delimitation: Define the central problem of your research and delimit the topic.
- Research objectivesClearly formulate the specific goals you are pursuing with your work.
- Methodological approach:Give a brief explanation of the methods you use in your research.
- Overview of the structure: Offer a preview of the structure of your master's thesis and the common thread.
Key Components of an Introduction
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Topic introduction | Introduce the topic and the initial situation with an appealing introduction. |
| Research context & Relevance | Explain the current state of research and clarify why your topic is important. |
| Problem statement & Delimitation | Describe the central problem and delimit the topic in terms of content. |
| Research objectives | Explain the specific goals you are pursuing in your master's thesis. |
| Methods | Briefly explain which methodological approaches you are using to answer your research questions. |
| Structure of the work | Give an overview of the structure of the work and the course of the research. |
Tips for a convincing introduction
A well-written introduction forms the basis for a successful master's thesis. Here are some tips on how to design your introduction:
- Write the introduction at the end: Since the introduction should summarize the entire research process, it makes sense to write it only after completing the main part.
- Start with a strong argument: A provocative introduction or a relevant question can arouse the interest of your readers.
- Be concise:An introduction should be precise and clearly structured. Avoid mentioning too many details.
- Do not anticipate results: Do not present any research results in the introduction. These belong in the main body and the conclusion.
To consider
For the creation of the introduction of your master's thesis, you should keep these aspects in mind:
- Scope:The introduction should make up about 5-10% of the total length of the master's thesis.
- Tense:Write the introduction mainly in the present tense. The simple past or present perfect is suitable for past events or historical contexts.
- Structure & Clarity:Pay attention to a clear structure and that all important points of the work are addressed.