What is primarily found in the introduction of a research article?

The introduction of a research article primarily sets the stage for the study by outlining the research objectives and providing necessary background information. In this section, authors typically explain the context of their work, including the rationale behind the study, the specific research questions or hypotheses they aim to address, and the significance of the study within the broader field. This framework helps readers understand the motivation for the research and how it fits into existing knowledge.

While citations of previous work are involved in establishing the background, the introduction's primary focus is to articulate the research objectives clearly and provide the necessary context for understanding what the study aims to achieve and why it is important. This helps readers grasp the relevance of the study and its contributions to the field.