UNIVERSITY OF GONDAR

Institute of Technology
Department of Civil Engineering
Technical Report Writing and Research
Methodology for Engineers
(CEng-4251)
Lecture-3
By: Amsalu A.
 CHAPTER 3
RATIONALE OF A RESEARCH REPORT
What is the Rationale of a Research?
 A rationale is a kind of sub-proposal within a proposal.
 The term rationale of a research means the reason for performing the research
study in question. It proffers a problem with pertinent solutions.
 In writing your rational you should able to convey why there was a need for your study
to be carried out.
 It’s a vital portion of your research paper that should explain how your research was
novel and explain why it was significant; this helps the reader to understand why your
research question needed to be addressed in your research paper, term paper or other
research report.
 It justifies the idea behind the research and is also called justification of the study.
 The rationale is formed around the background of the study.
 All prior data present on the topic is presented to identify the gaps in the literature.
 Rationale sets the tone and ideas of the study. Ideally, a research should be structured
as observation, rationale, hypothesis, objectives, methods, results & conclusions.
 How to Write the Rationale for a Research?
 The rationale for research is also sometimes referred to as the justification for the study.
 When writing your rationale, 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.
 How to Write the Rationale for a Research?
 A rationale for research is a set of reasons offered by a researcher for conducting more
research into a particular subject -- either library research, descriptive research, or
experimental research.
 If a library research ( literature review) was conducted, you are now ready to propose to
your Honors Advisor that s/he authorize you to conduct further study and write a Thesis
on your subject.
Your rationale should cover the following "sub-arguments“:
1. Your objectives in conducting further research -- What do you hope to find out?
2. Significance of the subject in your field -- Why is this subject important?
3. Reasons why more or better research is needed -- a summary of your conclusions from
your literature review -- the gaps in our knowledge, flawed prior research, etc.) -- What
was wrong or incomplete about prior efforts and what is needed to address these
problems?
4. your proposed research method -- Will you want to do qualitative (descriptive) or
quantitative (experimental) research?
 Why to Write the Rationale for a Research?
 A rationale needs to be particular and precise. Writing the rationale should be related to
the following factors.
1. Elimination of gap in the literature
 It is of utmost importance that the research should aid in eliminating the gaps present in
the current literature. Moreover, it is compulsory to fill the voids present in the current
pool of literature and revamp the present studies.
 But this does not mean that something totally new has to be invented in the field or the
questions in the discussion.
 The idea is to provide fresh perspectives and angles which have not been discussed
before.
2. Solving a specific problem
 Research is conducted to solve the current problem. It can lay down a base for the
implication of the specific problem and also highlight the benefits of solving such a
problem with a specific solution.
 It should also be noted that at the time of conducting research it is not obligatory for
research to be associated with a specific solution.
 The disquisition can be pure theory based in nature.
 Why to Write the Rationale for a Research?
3. Aiding a business
 Research acts as a vantage point in identifying specific problems in a business structure.
 Research can aid in solving such problems and give a good advantage over competitors.
 Many businesses based on agriculture, engineering, utility services thrive on innovation
and needs constant jolts of novelty to keep floating.
 Many businesses conduct researches to make consumer goods better and efficient.
 Solving such problems can curb out any hindrances which have been identified in the
study or implementing new solutions offered in the study to boost profitability.
4. Knowledge creation
• By identifying the gaps in the literature, providing solutions and discussing the precise
problem in intricate detail expands the current pool of the literature.
• By analyzing the current methods and utilizing them to find new paths aids in the
expansion of perspective.
• The disquisition can also act as a precursor for many new ideas and study cases.
• New or current opportunities can be gauged, seized and ultimately cashed on by research.
 Why to Write the Rationale for a Research?
5. Development of relevant skills
• Research helps in nourishing critical thinking, indoctrinates creativity and time efficiency
to enhance analytical skills.
• Conducting a study is mentally stimulating which is better for efficiency. Such a gamut of
skills has long-lasting implications.
• Research helps in disclosing the truth and separating fabricated and underlying lies, the
skills developed are essential for aspired career paths.
• The jolts of the invention enhance intelligence quotient (IQ). These skills help in bringing
revolution and helps to make technological advancement a reality.
6. Professional development
• Research lays down the rudimental base for researcher’s career aspiration in the long term.
• Choosing an apt topic that is aligned with the study interest and career aspiration is vital.
• Research answers in-depth knowledge on a particular topic contributes to increasing the
chances of opportunities in a chosen career path.
• Research is a great vacant point to identify a niche in the industry and gain ample and
precise information regarding the subject and various aspects of the chosen industry.
 Steps to follow While Writing the Rationale of the Study
1. In the first few lines provide the background of the topic in such a way
that it tingles the curiosity of the reader. Also, introduce the problem that
has to be discussed.
2. Briefly explain the problem that has to be addressed and what the
research outcomes are. The detailed synopsis of the problem and what
the study would tackle.
3. Use bibliographic citations to strengthen the reasoning for conducting the
research, also highlight the intended audience which will scrutinize the
research or use it for further studies.
4. The purpose of the work and how it will be utilized further.
5. Writing should be as concise as possible, it should be written in such a
way that it avoids pretentious writing and could be readily understood by
the intended audience.
 Steps to follow While Writing the Rationale of the Study

6. Avoid using specialized complex jargon or technical terms lingering

around the problem. Describe the problem thoroughly and keep the
information specific.
7. In a few lines also discuss the impact of the intended research and its
implications and impact in the real world.
8. Also, highlight the additional references and methodology utilized for the
research. Do not assimilate them too much in the writing. Focus on
providing concise information and arguments foremost.
 Rationale holds great importance as it sets the tone of the research and also
intrigues a reader’s curiosity to dive into the work.
 It is necessary to formulate a robust rationale for any dissertation to
enhance dissertations’ impact factor.
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THANK YOU!!
END OF CHAPTER-3