Rationale for Research: Writing Tips & Examples

The rationale for research justifies the need for a study and its potential contributions. It highlights gaps in existing knowledge and aims to fill those gaps. A well-crafted rationale increases the chances of publication success and funding approval. The rationale typically follows a logical sequence from literature review to research objectives. Its length varies based on the type of research document, ranging from a few sentences to several pages .

how to make rationale in thesis

📘 Guidelines for Writing the Rationale for Research

📏 length.

  • Scope : The length of the rationale can vary depending on the overall length of the research proposal or paper .
  • Detail : Typically, the rationale should be concise and focused, ranging from a few sentences to a page or two(typically 4-10 sentences ).
  • Purpose : Aim to provide enough detail to justify the importance and relevance of the study without being overly lengthy or repetitive.

📍 Position

  • Placement : The rationale is usually positioned early in the research proposal or paper, often following the introduction or background section.
  • Sequence : It should come after the research question or hypothesis has been clearly stated, as the rationale aims to justify why the research question is important and worth investigating.
  • Integration : In some cases, the rationale may be integrated into the introduction or background section, rather than being a separate section.

🔗 Transition Words

  • Function : Transition words help to connect ideas and create a logical flow in the rationale.
  • Contrast/Gaps : “However,” “Despite,” “While,” “Although”
  • Logical Connection : “Therefore,” “Thus,” “Consequently,” “As a result”
  • Addition of Points : “Moreover,” “Furthermore,” “In addition”
  • Purposeful Action : “To address this gap,” “To fill this need,” “To bridge this gap”

📝 Example of a Well-Drafted Rationale

  • “Despite the growing prevalence of obesity among children, current interventions have shown limited long-term effectiveness. [Transition: However,] recent studies suggest that family-based interventions targeting both diet and physical activity may be more promising. [Transition: Therefore,] the proposed study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a novel family-based intervention program for treating childhood obesity, which combines nutrition education, physical activity promotion, and parent-child bonding activities. [Transition: Moreover,] the study will assess the long-term maintenance of weight loss and lifestyle changes, which has been a major challenge in previous interventions. [Transition: To address this gap,] the findings of this study could inform the development of more effective and sustainable interventions for childhood obesity, ultimately improving the health and well-being of children and their families.”

In this example, the rationale is concise (one paragraph), positioned after the background information on childhood obesity, and uses transition words ( however, therefore, moreover, to address this gap ) to create a logical flow and connection between ideas.

Rationale for Research Practices: Good vs. Bad

Rationale for research-good research practices across disciplines.

Let’s go deeper into writing a good research rationale. You’ll learn the structure, important parts, and ways to make a strong point. This guide helps both seasoned researchers and beginners. You’ll learn to make your research matter and interest your readers with its significance .

What is a Rationale for Research?

knowledge gap the study wants to fill and its possible contribution to literature .

Overview of the Research Rationale

A solid research rationale starts with careful literature review analysis. This step identifies areas where the knowledge base is incomplete. It makes sure the new research does something novel. 1 The rationale sums up key points from previous studies. It talks about what we’re still not sure about or which results are mixed. It shows how the new study will add to what’s already known.

Significance and Novelty of Research

The research rationale underlines the study’s significance and novelty . It should explain the practical and theoretical benefits the study offers. 2 Take, for example, Cataldo et al.’s (2021) research on social media and teens. This study might discuss its real-world impacts and its input to theories about teen and tech use. 2

Rationales can also show a study’s practical benefits .Like, Burhan et al. (2021) could explain how their study on apathy aids with new elderly care interventions .

When is the Rationale for Research Written?

The rationale for research is key at different times in research. It’s crucial early on or after a study ends. At each point, it has a specific role.

Before the Research: Research Proposal

Before starting a research project, the rationale for research is vital. It’s a big part of the research proposal . Here, the rationale lays out the study’s plan, goals, and significance .

After the Research: Research Paper or Dissertation

After the study is over, the rationale for research goes in the final research paper or dissertation . It explains why the research focused on certain aims and how the results fit the bigger picture.

It doesn’t matter if it’s early or late, the rationale for research is crucial. It shows why the study matters, making readers see its worth for the field.

Basis for Writing the Research Rationale

Creating a strong research rationale starts with a detailed literature review . This means deeply looking into past studies. It helps you spot where there’s not enough information in the current knowledge about your topic.By carefully checking what’s already known, a literature review ensures your study will add something new. It won’t just repeat what others have done before. 1

Literature Review

A thorough literature review is key to solid research reasoning. It lets you pull together the main points from studies that have gone before. This way, you really understand what is known about your study area. 1 This stop you from covering old ground but also shows what needs more looking into. This sets up your research to bring a fresh perspective. 3

Identifying Gaps in Knowledge

Finding where there is still knowledge to be found is one big goal of the literature review . These gaps might be due to different or unclear findings, study restrictions, or lack of research for certain groups. 1 By recognizing these knowledge gaps , your study becomes important. It tries to answer key questions and push the field forward. 3

Avoiding Duplication

Another goal is to make sure you’re not just repeating what’s already known. The literature review is crucial in this. It shows you what’s been done already and lets you check your approach to be unique. 1 This step helps avoid doing work that’s already been covered. It opens the door for new ideas, building on existing knowledge.

Length of the Research Rationale

The length of the research rationale in a research proposal or article is typically a few sentences 1 . But for a thesis or dissertation , it could be a couple of paragraphs.

How long the research rationale length is can change. It depends on the field or how new and unusual the idea is 1 . A very new idea might need more explaining than something continuing existing research 2 .

The prestigious journal Nature specifies that articles should ideally be no more than 6 to 8 pages long, with the introduction being around 200 words including a brief account of the background and rationale of the study.

In some cases like a thesis or a lengthy book study, the research rationale can be quite long. It might even be more than ten pages, depending on the details.

The length of the research rationale is often set by the journal or sponsor’s rules 2 .

Basic Elements of the Research Rationale

A well-crafted research rationale sets the stage for a successful study. It justifies the investigation with solid reasons. This reason should show the importance and originality of the work you want to do.

Literature Review Conclusions

It’s critical to summarize what’s already known in your field. This summary helps put your study in context. It also helps you see what needs to be researched further, known as research gaps and knowledge gaps .

Knowledge Gaps

Looking at past studies should show where we need more information. These areas without enough data give a good reason to continue researching. By finding and talking about these knowledge gaps , you can make sure your study brings something new.

Controversial or Inconclusive Findings

Sometimes, past research doesn’t give clear answers. It might even have different or uncertain results. In these cases, your study could help by clarifying or solving these issues.

Building on Previous Research

Your research should aim to add to what we already know. It can be about any new questions, updating old ideas, or using new technology for more insights. This approach shows the value in your work.

By combining these essential elements, your research’s foundation becomes strong. It makes a clear case for the study’s unique contribution and importance .

Example of a Research Rationale

Abc xyz is a new microalgae species found in fish tanks. It’s getting attention for lots of carotenoids and a special carotenoid profile . Although Abc xyz algae have worried fish farmers, some studies show they could help aquaculture .

Carotenoid profiling of microalgae species

In this genus, only a few microalgal species have been studied for carotenoid content . So far, they haven’t found great sources of these healthy compounds. 4 Studying Abc xyz’s carotenoid profile will help us find new and useful carotenoids. They could be a great natural source for aquaculture . 4

Every research rationale should mention previous findings, gaps in knowledge, and new research questions. This is to update what we know and make it better.

A research rationale can be over ten pages in a thesis . It depends on the topic’s depth. 2 Dissertations might have even longer explanations, maybe a few paragraphs.

  • Preliminary data from a literature review helps make the study’s reasons clear. It also stops us from repeating things we already know.
  • Research that brings together different fields can be very powerful. It makes the work more trustworthy and important.
  • Working with well-known partners makes our studies more reliable. It also helps show why our research is needed.

Importance of Describing the Research Rationale

Explaining why you are doing research is key. It shows the big picture and new ideas of your project. When you tell people why you’re studying something, it makes them see how important and needed your work is. It’s important to share your research’s purpose clearly.

Why you are researching something is really important, especially in a research proposal . But, keep it short, a few sentences are enough. However, for a thesis or dissertation , you might get to talk more about it. You could use a couple of paragraphs to explain in more detail.

To build a strong research rationale , start with a deep look at the literature. Studying what’s already out there helps you find where new studies are needed. This way, your research can truly add something new and not just repeat what others have done.

A solid research rationale should talk about key findings from the literature, points not yet looked into, and areas where old studies don’t agree. It should also explain why more research in this area is needed.

Showing the need for your research makes it more important and valuable. By clearly explaining why your work is needed, you increase its chance of getting recognized by researchers.

Writing a Clear and Concise Rationale

To explain your research’s purpose and what it means, crafting a clear and short rationale is key. The problem-solution-rationale model is a good way to do this. First, point out the problem or issue. Then, suggest a solution. Finally, show why that solution is the right one.

Problem-Solution-Rationale Model

The model makes your ideas clear and logical. Start by clearly stating the problem or gap in knowledge. Then, talk about your solution. This could be a new approach or method. At the end, explain why your choice is the best to solve the problem.

Language for Signaling Rationale

Using certain phrases can show your rationale clearly. Phrases like “in order to,” “for the following reasons,” and “the reason this was done” work well. They make your argument stronger and easier to follow.

A good rationale for research is brief but persuasive. It highlights why your work matters. Using the problem-solution-rationale model and clear language can make your rationale effective. This is important for starting off your research on the right foot. 3

Justifying the Rationale

Showing a strong rationale justification is vital for your research to make an impact. It proves why your study matters and what it can offer the world. By explaining your study’s purpose clearly, you can highlight its big role in advancing what we know.

Showing Importance and Significance

To make your research’s rationale stand out, talk about its importance using phrases like “This was important because…” This shows how your study led to important results or met specific needs, making your work more valuable.

Say something like, “This was significant because it explored a topic not studied enough, which is key for moving our understanding forward. Or, “The importance was in challenging common beliefs, giving a new view on the issue we looked into.”

how to make rationale in thesis

Linking your reasons to real results or filling knowledge gaps strengthens your work’s significance . It shows your study matters and adds real value to your field.

A well-explained rationale not just makes your research more trusted. It also opens doors for more discoveries, pushing knowledge forward.

A strong and clear rationale can help you gain support, be noticed, and create real impact in your area of study and even outside of it.

Tips for Effective Rationale Writing

Writing a good research rationale is key for academics. It helps you talk about your study’s rationale writing tips . You can show why your work matters and how it helps the field. Make sure you explain the “why” of your study clearly. This way, your rationale will catch your audience’s interest.

Getting help from academic writing pros is smart. They offer focused advice and tips on how to show your rationale well. This makes your writing more effective.

Every research rationale should include an overview of conclusions from a literature review , gaps in current knowledge, inconclusive or controversial findings from previous studies, and the need to build on previous research.

When writing your rationale, these rationale writing tips are important to remember:

  • Clearly state the gaps in current knowledge that your study will fill.
  • Show why your study’s results are crucial and how they can make a difference.
  • Talk about how your research adds to what was already known in the field.
  • Be clear and convincing to make your study’s importance clear to readers.

The rationale part should be easy to understand and to the point. It should explain the problem, your solution, and why your research matters. Using resources like guides for writing rationales can make your writing stronger.

Use these rationale writing tips and get advice from those with experience. This way, you can create a strong rationale. It will clearly show why your study is important.

Use services of www.editverse.com to write effective Rationale

Editverse.com offers top-notch academic editing services . They help researchers and scholars globally. 5 Their experts work on the rationale section of your papers, making sure it’s clear, coherent, and persuasive.

Making a strong rationale is tough, whether you’re new or experienced. Editverse.com has professional editing just for this. They help you show why your research is important in a clear and impactful way.

Editverse.com’s expert editors will closely look at your rationale. They make sure it: Clearly identifies gaps in existing knowledge Highlights the potential contributions of your study Persuasively justifies the need for your research

Using Editverse.com’s rationale editing makes your research rationale stand out. It boosts the quality of your work, ensuring it grabs your readers’ attention.

Editverse.com’s know-how helps you craft a rationale that shines. It clearly shows your research’s worth and importance.

The rationale for research is key in showing why a study is important. It explains the research’s goal, finds knowledge gaps , and shows its potential. This makes the study stand out for its innovation and value. 1

A strong, well-thought rationale can make your work more likely to be published. It needs to address what’s already known, any debates, and what’s next. By doing this, your research gains more credibility and impact.

No matter if it’s for a proposal, article, or thesis, a powerful rationale is vital. It sets the groundwork for your work’s significance and context. Spending time on this part can greatly enhance your work’s success and recognition in the academic world.

What is the rationale for research?

When is the research rationale written, what is the basis for writing the research rationale, how long should the research rationale be, what are the basic elements of the research rationale, why is it important to describe the research rationale, how can i write a clear and concise rationale, how can i justify the rationale, what are some tips for effective rationale writing, can professional editing services help with writing the research rationale, source links.

  • https://editverse.com/write-clinical-case-report-step-by-step-guide/
  • https://editverse.com/consort-guidelines-simplified-for-trial-reporting/
  • ← How Do I Do a Review of Related Literature | Guides
  • How to Write a Rebuttal Letter After Paper Rejection – Examples and Tips →

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How do you Write the Rationale for Research?

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  • October 21, 2020

Rationale for Research

What is the Rationale of Research?

The term rationale of research means the reason for performing the research study in question. In writing your rational you should able to convey why there was a need for your study to be carried out. It’s an important part of your research paper that should explain how your research was novel and explain why it was significant; this helps the reader understand why your research question needed to be addressed in your research paper, term paper or other research report.

The rationale for research is also sometimes referred to as the justification for the study. When writing your rational, first begin by introducing and explaining what other researchers have published on within your research field.

Having explained the work of previous literature and prior research, include discussion about where the gaps in knowledge are in your field. Use these to define potential research questions that need answering and explain the importance of addressing these unanswered questions.

The rationale conveys to the reader of your publication exactly why your research topic was needed and why it was significant . Having defined your research rationale, you would then go on to define your hypothesis and your research objectives.

Final Comments

Defining the rationale research, is a key part of the research process and academic writing in any research project. You use this in your research paper to firstly explain the research problem within your dissertation topic. This gives you the research justification you need to define your research question and what the expected outcomes may be.

Unit of Analysis

The unit of analysis refers to the main parameter that you’re investigating in your research project or study.

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What is a Research Instrument?

The term research instrument refers to any tool that you may use to collect, measure and analyse research data.

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How to Write a Study Rationale

Last Updated: October 30, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Jake Adams and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 61,197 times.

A study rationale explains the reason for a study and the importance of its findings for a particular field. Commonly, you'll need to write a study rationale as part of a university course of study, although you may also need to write one as a professional researcher to apply for funding or other support. As a student, your study rationale also justifies how it fulfills the requirements for your degree program or course of study. Do research before you write your study rationale so that you can discuss the previous work your study builds on and explain its significance to your field. Thorough research is also important in the professional context because your rationale will likely become part of the contract if funding or support is approved. [1] X Research source

Describing What You Hope to Accomplish

Step 1 Define the problem that your study will address.

  • For example, suppose you want to study how working the night shift affects the academic performance of college students who are taking classes during the day. A narrow question would measure a specific impact based on a specific amount of hours worked.

Step 2 Discuss the methodology for your study.

  • Justify the methodology you're using. If there's another methodology that might accomplish the same result, describe it and explain why your methodology is superior — perhaps because it's more efficient, takes less time, or uses fewer resources. For example, you might get more information out of personal interviews, but creating an online questionnaire is more cost-effective.
  • Particularly if you're seeking funding or support, this section of your rationale will also include details about the cost of your study and the facilities or resources you'll need. [3] X Research source

Tip: A methodology that is more complex, difficult, or expensive requires more justification than one that is straightforward and simple.

Step 3 Predict the results of your study.

  • For example, if you're studying the effect of working the night shift on academic performance, you might hypothesize that working 4 or more nights a week lowers students' grade point averages by more than 1 point.

Step 4 Explain what you hope your study will accomplish.

  • Use action words, such as "quantify" or "establish," when writing your goals. For example, you might write that one goal of your study is to "quantify the degree to which working at night inhibits the academic performance of college students."
  • If you are a professional researcher, your objectives may need to be more specific and concrete. The organization you submit your rationale to will have details about the requirements to apply for funding and other support. [4] X Research source

Explaining Your Study's Significance

Step 1 Discuss the previous work that your study will build on.

  • Going into extensive detail usually isn't necessary. Instead, highlight the findings of the most significant work in the field that addressed a similar question.
  • Provide references so that your readers can examine the previous studies for themselves and compare them to your proposed study.

Step 2 Describe the shortcomings of the previous work.

  • Methodological limitations: Previous studies failed to measure the variables appropriately or used a research design that had problems or biases
  • Contextual limitations: Previous studies aren't relevant because circumstances have changed regarding the variables measured
  • Conceptual limitations: Previous studies are too tied up in a specific ideology or framework

Step 3 Identify the ways your study will correct those shortcomings.

  • For example, if a previous study had been conducted to support a university's policy that full-time students were not permitted to work, you might argue that it was too tied up in that specific ideology and that this biased the results. You could then point out that your study is not intended to advance any particular policy.

Tip: If you have to defend or present your rationale to an advisor or team, try to anticipate the questions they might ask you and include the answers to as many of those questions as possible.

Including Academic Proposal Information

Step 1 Provide your credentials or experience as a student or researcher.

  • As a student, you might emphasize your major and specific classes you've taken that give you particular knowledge about the subject of your study. If you've served as a research assistant on a study with a similar methodology or covering a similar research question, you might mention that as well.
  • If you're a professional researcher, focus on the experience you have in a particular field as well as the studies you've done in the past. If you have done studies with a similar methodology that were important in your field, you might mention those as well.

Tip: If you don't have any particular credentials or experience that are relevant to your study, tell the readers of your rationale what drew you to this particular topic and how you became interested in it.

Step 2 State any guidelines required by your degree program or field.

  • For example, if you are planning to conduct the study as fulfillment of the research requirement for your degree program, you might discuss any specific guidelines for that research requirement and list how your study meets those criteria.

Step 3 List the credits you intend your study to fulfill.

  • In most programs, there will be specific wording for you to include in your rationale if you're submitting it for a certain number of credits. Your instructor or advisor can help make sure you've worded this appropriately.

Study Rationale Outline and Example

how to make rationale in thesis

Expert Q&A

  • This article presents an overview of how to write a study rationale. Check with your instructor or advisor for any specific requirements that apply to your particular project. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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  • ↑ https://research.com/research/how-to-write-research-methodology
  • ↑ https://ris.leeds.ac.uk/applying-for-funding/developing-your-proposal/resources-and-tips/key-questions-for-researchers/
  • ↑ https://www.cwauthors.com/article/how-to-write-the-rationale-for-your-research
  • ↑ https://www.niaid.nih.gov/grants-contracts/write-research-plan
  • ↑ https://www.esc.edu/degree-planning-academic-review/degree-program/student-degree-planning-guide/rationale-essay-writing/writing-tips/

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