Which section of a quantitative research report is typically the first to introduce the research problem?

The introduction section of a quantitative research report is designed to present the research problem, offering context and background that helps readers understand the importance and relevance of the study. In this section, researchers typically outline the existing literature, highlight gaps in knowledge, and clearly state the research questions or hypotheses that will be addressed in the study. This foundational element sets the stage for the entire report, as it helps readers grasp what the study aims to investigate and why it matters.

Other sections like the results and discussion focus more on presenting findings and interpreting their significance, after the research problem has already been established. The abstract provides a concise summary of the entire report, including research problems, methods, and outcomes, but it is not the primary section dedicated to introducing the research problem in detail. Therefore, the introduction is clearly identified as the starting point for articulating the research issue at hand.