Justification vs Rationale of the study explained
1. Justification of the Study
The justification explains why the research is important. It should convince the reader that the study addresses a significant problem or gap in knowledge.
Identify a gap: Start by explaining what is currently known and highlight the gap or issue that your research will address. This could be a lack of data, unresolved questions, or unstudied populations.
Relevance: Explain why this gap needs to be filled. Consider societal, academic, or practical implications. For example, the study might solve a problem, inform policy, or enhance scientific understanding.
Contribution to the field: Highlight how your study will add new knowledge or perspectives to the topic. You could mention how it complements, challenges, or builds on existing research.
Practical impact: If applicable, discuss how the study will be beneficial outside of academia (e.g., for businesses, policymakers, or communities).
2. Rationale of the Study
The rationale explains the reasoning behind the choice of your research focus and methods. It should explain why your specific approach is the best way to address the identified gap.
Research question: Explain the main research question or hypothesis of the study and why it is important to answer it.
Theoretical foundation: Describe any theories or frameworks that support your research approach. This will demonstrate that your study is grounded in established academic work.
Methodology: Explain why you chose your specific research design (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods) and why it's suitable for answering your research question.
Feasibility: Discuss the practicality of your study in terms of available resources, time, and expertise. This shows that the study can be successfully completed.
Example:
Justification:
@zionresearch"The impact of social media on adolescent mental health has been widely discussed, but there is a lack of empirical research that focuses on rural populations. Addressing this gap is crucial, as rural adolescents face different social and environmental influences compared to their urban counterparts. Understanding their unique challenges will contribute to more inclusive mental health interventions."
Rationale:
@zionresesrch"This study aims to explore the relationship between social media usage and mental health among rural adolescents. A mixed-methods approach will be used to capture both statistical trends and personal experiences, as previous research has shown that combining quantitative and qualitative data provides a more comprehensive understanding of complex social issues."
@zionresearch
