Can a research paper start with a story?
Definitely. Beginning a research paper with a story can humanize the research. Let's say the research is on new medical treatments. You could start with a patient's story, their struggle with the illness and their hopes for a cure. This immediately creates an emotional connection with the reader. Moreover, it can set the stage for the research by highlighting the real - life implications of the study. It gives the research a more practical and relevant feel from the very start, rather than just jumping into dry facts and figures.
Sure. A story at the beginning of a research paper can serve as a hook. For instance, if the research is about the impact of climate change on a certain species, you could start with a story about a researcher's encounter with that species in the wild and how its habitat seemed to be changing. This not only grabs the reader's attention but also helps to introduce the problem in a more vivid and accessible way. By starting with a story, you can draw the reader into the research journey and make them more likely to keep reading to find out how the story relates to the scientific findings and conclusions.
