Introduction: Structure and Editorial Expectations

                                                                                                                                           Last revised: 12 January 2026

The Introduction should follow a clear and coherent progression, moving from a broad contextual framing of the research area to a focused articulation of the research gap and the study’s objectives. Each part of the Introduction should build logically on the previous one, guiding the reader from established knowledge toward the specific purpose of the study. Disruptions in flow, abrupt thematic shifts, or inconsistencies between sections may weaken the clarity of the argument and affect editorial evaluation.(Broad context → State of the art → Research gap → Aim and contribution)

Editorial assessment places particular emphasis on:

• Logical coherence of the argument
• Consistency across the Introduction and the manuscript as a whole
• Alignment between sections, including the Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion

Recommended writing workflow when preparing the manuscript
Figures / Tables → Methods → Results → Discussion → Conclusion → Introduction (current section) →Title / Abstract / Keywords

1. Structure and Content of the Introduction

Broad Context and Relevance

The Introduction serves to position the manuscript within a clearly defined scholarly field and to establish the relevance of the research topic. Authors should frame the study in a focused and purposeful manner, demonstrating its alignment with the scope of the journal and its significance for ongoing academic or professional discussions.

Authors are expected to:

• Clearly define the research field and problem area
• Explain the academic, professional, and/or societal relevance of the topic
• Situate the study within current debates or challenges in the field
• Ensure clear alignment with the aims and scope of the journal
• Avoid overly broad, generic, or textbook-style openings

Engagement with the State of the Art

The Introduction should demonstrate the author’s familiarity with relevant scholarly literature and the current state of knowledge. The purpose is to position the study within existing research and to provide a critical foundation for identifying the research problem.

Authors are expected to:

• Engage primarily with peer-reviewed literature
• Include both seminal works and recent high-quality studies
• Synthesize literature thematically or conceptually, rather than author by author
• Highlight key theoretical perspectives, findings, or debates
• Use sources critically, accurately, and ethically, in line with COPE principles

Identification of the Research Gap

A clearly articulated research gap is a central requirement of the Introduction. Authors must explain what remains insufficiently addressed in the literature and why this matters.

Authors are expected to:

• Identify aspects that are underexplored, contested, or methodologically limited
• Demonstrate how existing research is incomplete or inconclusive
• Justify the significance of the gap for theory, research, practice, or policy
• Base claims of limitation or novelty on evidence from the literature
• Avoid exaggerated or unsupported claims of originality

Aim, Research Questions, and Contribution

The Introduction should conclude with a clear statement of the study’s purpose and its expected contribution to the field.

Authors are expected to:

• Clearly state the overall aim of the study
• Formulate research question(s) or hypotheses, where appropriate
• Specify the main contribution of the study (theoretical, empirical, methodological, and/or practical)
• Ensure consistency between the stated aim and the methods, results, and discussion
• Where relevant, briefly indicate the research approach or data

The structural guidance (section above) supports authors in drafting a clear Introduction, while the editorial expectations (section below) outline the criteria applied during editorial screening and peer review.

2. Editorial Expectations for the Introduction

During editorial screening and peer review, the Introduction is assessed based on the following key expectations:

• Clear positioning of the study within a defined research field and within the scope of the journal
• Analytical engagement with relevant literature, demonstrating awareness of both foundational and recent research
• Explicit and well-substantiated identification of a research gap, emerging logically from the reviewed literature
• Clearly formulated aim and research question(s) that directly address the identified gap
• Articulated contribution to the field, indicating theoretical, empirical, methodological, or practical relevance
• Logical coherence and consistency between the Introduction and the subsequent sections of the manuscript
• Ethical and accurate use of sources, in accordance with established publication ethics and COPE principles

Introductions that lack a clear research focus, rely on descriptive summaries of literature, or fail to demonstrate a meaningful contribution to existing knowledge may be subject to editorial rejection.

3. Additional Considerations When Developing the Introduction

The following considerations complement the structural guidance and editorial expectations by addressing common issues related to clarity, originality, and scholarly expression.

When developing the Introduction, authors are encouraged to pay attention to the following aspects:

• Claims of novelty and contribution – Statements regarding originality or novelty should be formulated with precision and supported by relevant literature.
• Use of citations – Citations should be used analytically to support argumentation, contextualization, and gap identification.
• Academic wording and tone – Clear, precise, and objective academic language should be employed.
• Conceptual clarity – Key concepts should be introduced consistently and used coherently throughout the Introduction.
• Proportionality and focus – The Introduction should remain proportionate to the scope of the study.
• Consistency with the manuscript – Terminology and objectives should align with the Methods, Results, and Discussion sections.

Guide: Writing the Introduction Section