What should the introduction of a paper present?

The introduction of a paper plays a critical role in establishing a foundation for the research presented. Its purpose is to provide a balanced overview of the findings that will be discussed in the paper, setting the stage for the reader. This means that the introduction should outline the context of the research, highlight the significance of the topic, and present the main objectives or hypotheses of the study.

By summarizing existing knowledge and research gaps, the introduction prepares the reader for the specific findings and arguments that will follow. It ensures that readers understand not only what the research is about but also why it is important, which can influence their interest and comprehension as they dive deeper into the paper.

Other options may serve various purposes in academic writing, but they do not align with the primary role of the introduction. A detailed statistical analysis is typically included in the methods or results sections, while a list of author qualifications is usually reserved for footnotes or a separate section in the submission. An extended literature review may be part of the background but should not dominate the introduction, as it can detract from the primary focus of presenting the study's aims and significance directly to the reader.