The Introduction section of the research proposal should provide the reader with an overview of your research. You want to take the time to briefly explain why you selected your topic and why it is important to your field. You will then want to express what your research adds to the field and why it is important. It is helpful for the reader and yourself to use the section to define terms and/or concepts that will be important to your proposal and overall research. The introduction should conclude with your research question(s) or hypothesis(es) and what you aim to learn or achieve by completing this research. Many find it helpful to make the Introduction the last section that they complete. By doing this, you will have a clearer understanding of your overall research strategy and research question.
Your Introduction should do the following:
Explain the problem being investigated and related issues
Explain the purpose of investigating the problem
Provide relevant background or historical information
Explain research trends and relevant theories for the field
Define key terms and theories
Set parameters and aims for the study
State the proposals research question(s) or hypothesis(es)