An academic journal reviewer wants to assess whether the authors have provided a sound theoretical basis for their study. Which section would the reviewer examine most closely?

The theoretical basis of a study is set out in the Introduction, which frames the problem and reviews the guiding theory.

The Results section reports findings and data, not the theoretical grounding.

The Discussion interprets results against the literature but does not first establish the theory.

The References list sources without arguing the theoretical framework.

A strong introduction states the research gap and the concepts underpinning the study.

Many papers place the literature review and theoretical framework within or just after the introduction.