How To Write An Introduction For Your Research Manuscript – THE RATIONALE

If you are following my blog, you might notice that it’s been a while since the last time I wrote something relevant to my niche. I was so swamped with other tasks and trying to change my life healthily.

Yes, I am starting to work out.

Well, this post is not about THAT.

TODAY, I will be giving you tips on writing the INTRODUCTION part of your research manuscript, specifically the RATIONALE.

Btw, I hope you have already read my post on how to write a concept paper because that should be the first thing you need to accomplish before writing this part of your manuscript.

Let’s start with the RATIONALE.

In some research formats, INTRODUCTION is Chapter 1 of a research manuscript. It is usually comprised of these elements:

• Rationale
• Purpose of the Study
• Research Questions
• Theoretical Lens
• Significance of the Study
• Definition of Terms
• Limitation and Delimitation
• Organization of the Study

In writing your Rationale, consider the research design of your paper – if it is utilizing Quantitative or Qualitative research design or MIXED METHODS.

There is NO general rule for this, but to guide you in starting your paper, I will share what I know, what I used, and what I think can help you also in doing this task.

How to Write the Introduction – RATIONALE (Quantitative)

Again, this is not the best way to write the introduction, but some options you may consider to get started.

First Part (Paragraph) – Discuss your Dependent Variable (DV)

If it is a one-variable study utilizing the IPO (Input, Process, Output) framework, discuss the Output. In starting with these elements, you can give your readers an overview of the problem of the study and the weight of your research endeavor.

Do not forget to highlight the results of various studies related to your topic. This gives your problem a solid foundation and thus sets the urgency in conducting your study.

Second Part (Paragraph) – Discuss your Independent Variable (IV)

Provide supporting statements about why you have chosen this variable to be tested with your DV. Again, highlight the results of related studies in different contexts and settings. If you are using two or more IVs, make sure to discuss each.

Third Part (Paragraph) – Discuss your DV and IV.

Here, you should provide links (related studies or strong support statements) to your IV and DV. Cite articles and authors who claimed that there is or there is no significant relationship between the two.

The nature of a research work is REPLICABILITY.

Therefore, if you have found a study that claims there is a significant relationship between your variables, you may state in your RATIONALE that you attempt to test whether the same results could reflect in your setting.

Fourth Part (Paragraph) – Emphasize the Research Gap (Both Quantitative and Qualitative Research Designs)

This is the most important part of the Rationale. Well, every part is essential, but this one builds the pieces of evidence on why there is a need for the panel to approve your RESEARCH PROPOSAL.

Or, if it is already a final draft, then this is where your reader grasps the value of your paper in contributing to the growing body of knowledge on your chosen topic.

In writing your research gap, cite studies conducted that yield results relevant to your research problem at hand, yet not completely the same. This means that a research gap is making your study the MISSING PIECE that completes the puzzle of that broad investigation of a certain topic.

You may state that:

“After checking the archives, (mention a study) yet, it did not explore (your variables) thus, poked the intention of the researcher to pursue the conduct of this research…

How to Write the Introduction – RATIONALE (Qualitative)

In writing, the Rationale for Qualitative Research Design is less technical but demands a lot of creativity.

Yes, very challenging, but EXCITING!

Some research formats allow you to decide freely on how you should organize your Rationale, especially if it’s for a Qualitative Research Design. However, to guide you through making your draft, you may consider these tips:

Start by Presenting the Global Context

This means that you should present relevant studies related to your research problem on how other researchers from other countries have conducted and generated results. Like presenting the dependent variable in a Quantitative Research Design, you may elaborate in your first paragraph on the issues in other countries related to your research topic.

Support it with the National Context

Look for relevant studies that were conducted in your country. There might be some incidents or relevant cases that happened before in other parts of your nation, which can be sources of insights into the study you are working on.

Describe the Local Context

This is where you will highlight your research problem by discussing your intentions of conducting a phenomenological inquiry or documenting case studies.

Write the Research Gap

Here, you may utilize the tips I gave in the Quantitative Research Design.

Important Note: In writing your Rationale, if you are using Qualitative Research Design, you can be very creative with your work, but make sure there will be related studies that will be highlighted, or it might look like an editorial column with all your opinions on it or worse a novel / personal diary.

Some researchers opt to use a VIGNETTE – a brief literary description as an opening statement for their RATIONALE.

Do not overwhelm your readers with a very long Rationale. Consider other elements and parts of your manuscript. Do not put everything in this section.

There you have it!

I hope I did not bore you with these tips.

Just writing them all makes me want to give a lecture with my class again with a face-to-face set-up. I miss those days!

By the way, I would like to introduce you to my bitmoji.

Her name is VAFFY.

You will see more of her in my next posts.

I will be writing more about the other elements of HOW TO WRITE THE INTRODUCTION of your Research manuscript!

Let’s keep on learning.

Have a nice day!