Examples

Research Locale

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how do you write a research locale example

A research locale refers to the specific geographical area or location where a study or research is conducted. This locale is carefully chosen based on the study’s objectives, the population of interest, and the relevance of the location to the research questions. Selecting an appropriate research locale is crucial as it impacts the validity and generalizability of the study’s findings. The locale provides the context within which data is collected, analyzed, and interpreted, making it a fundamental aspect of the research action plan . In studies focusing on environmental or biological aspects, understanding the endemic species within the research locale is essential, as these species are native to the area and can significantly influence the research outcomes.

What is Research Locale?

Research locale refers to the specific geographical location or setting where a study is conducted. This area is chosen based on the objectives and requirements of the research, as it provides the necessary context and environment for gathering relevant data. The research locale can range from a small community or institution to a larger region or multiple sites, depending on the scope of the study.

Examples of Research Locale

Examples of Research Locale

  • Schools: Conducting a study on the effectiveness of a new teaching method in elementary, middle, or high schools.
  • Universities: Researching student behaviors, learning outcomes, or the impact of specific academic programs in higher education settings.
  • Hospitals: Investigating patient recovery rates or the efficacy of new treatments in a hospital setting.
  • Clinics: Studying the accessibility and quality of healthcare services in local clinics.
  • Urban Areas: Examining the effects of urbanization on residents’ quality of life, health, or social interactions.
  • Rural Areas: Researching agricultural practices, rural healthcare accessibility, or educational challenges in rural settings.
  • Corporations: Studying employee satisfaction, productivity, or the impact of corporate policies in large companies.
  • Small Businesses: Investigating the challenges and successes of small business operations in local communities.
  • Parks: Researching the usage patterns and benefits of public parks for community health and well-being.
  • Libraries: Examining the role of public libraries in community education and engagement.
  • Countries: Conducting cross-national studies on economic development, public health, or educational systems.
  • Regions: Researching environmental impacts, cultural practices, or regional policies in specific areas such as the Midwest, the Himalayas, or the Amazon Basin.
  • Social Media Platforms: Studying user behavior, misinformation spread, or social interactions on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
  • Virtual Communities: Investigating the dynamics of online forums, gaming communities, or e-learning environments.

Research Locale Examples in School

  • Classroom Dynamics: Investigating how seating arrangements affect student interaction and participation in a third-grade classroom.
  • Reading Programs: Assessing the impact of a new phonics-based reading program on literacy rates among first graders.
  • Bullying Prevention: Studying the effectiveness of anti-bullying programs and policies in reducing incidents of bullying among sixth to eighth graders.
  • STEM Education: Evaluating the success of extracurricular STEM clubs in improving students’ interest and performance in science and math subjects.
  • College Preparation: Analyzing how different college preparatory programs influence the readiness and success of students applying to universities.
  • Sports Participation: Researching the correlation between participation in high school sports and academic performance, self-esteem, and social skills.
  • Inclusive Practices: Investigating the effectiveness of inclusive education practices on the social integration and academic achievements of students with special needs.
  • Assistive Technologies: Evaluating the impact of various assistive technologies on the learning outcomes of students with disabilities.
  • Curriculum Impact: Assessing the impact of specialized curricula (e.g., arts, sciences, or technology-focused) on student engagement and academic performance.
  • Student Diversity: Studying the effects of a diverse student body on cultural awareness and interpersonal skills among students.
  • Innovative Teaching Methods: Examining the outcomes of innovative teaching methods and curricula implemented in charter schools compared to traditional public schools.
  • Parental Involvement: Researching how parental involvement in charter schools affects student motivation and achievement.
  • Residential Life: Investigating the effects of boarding school environments on student independence, social development, and academic performance.
  • Extracurricular Activities: Studying the role of extracurricular activities in shaping the overall development and well-being of boarding school students.
  • Multicultural Education: Examining the impact of multicultural education programs on students’ global awareness and acceptance of cultural diversity.
  • Language Acquisition: Researching the effectiveness of bilingual education programs in international schools on students’ proficiency in multiple languages.

Examples of Research Locale Quantitative

  • Measuring the effect of a new math curriculum on standardized test scores among fourth-grade students.
  • Analyzing the relationship between breakfast programs and student attendance rates.
  • Quantifying the impact of restorative justice practices on the frequency of disciplinary actions.
  • Assessing the correlation between educational technology use in classrooms and student achievement in science.
  • Investigating factors influencing graduation rates, including socio-economic status and teacher-student ratios.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of college preparatory programs by comparing college admission rates of participants versus non-participants.
  • Measuring the progress of students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) in academic performance and behavioral improvements.
  • Quantifying the impact of different assistive technologies on academic success.
  • Comparing academic performance data between students in magnet schools and traditional public schools.
  • Analyzing enrollment data to determine the diversity of student populations and its impact on academic outcomes.
  • Assessing academic outcomes by comparing standardized test scores between charter school students and traditional public school students.
  • Measuring teacher retention rates in charter schools versus public schools.
  • Quantifying academic performance by analyzing GPA and standardized test scores of boarding school students.
  • Conducting surveys to collect quantitative data on student well-being and correlating it with academic success.
  • Measuring language proficiency levels in bilingual programs using standardized language tests.
  • Using surveys to quantify students’ cultural competence and its relationship with academic performance.

Examples of Research Locale Qualitative

  • Classroom Interaction: Observing and documenting student-teacher interactions to understand the dynamics of effective teaching strategies.
  • Playground Behavior: Conducting interviews and focus groups with students to explore their social interactions and conflict resolution methods during recess.
  • Peer Relationships: Exploring the nature of peer relationships and their impact on students’ emotional well-being through in-depth interviews.
  • Curriculum Implementation: Gathering teacher narratives on the challenges and successes of implementing a new curriculum.
  • Extracurricular Activities: Investigating students’ experiences and perceptions of participating in extracurricular activities through case studies and interviews.
  • Career Aspirations: Conducting focus groups to understand how students’ backgrounds and school experiences shape their career aspirations.
  • Parent Perspectives: Interviewing parents of students with special needs to gather insights into their experiences and satisfaction with the educational services provided.
  • Teacher Experiences: Collecting narratives from special education teachers about their experiences, challenges, and strategies in teaching students with diverse needs.
  • Student Motivation: Exploring the factors that motivate students to attend and succeed in magnet schools through in-depth interviews.
  • Cultural Integration: Studying how students from diverse backgrounds integrate and interact within the specialized environment of magnet schools.
  • Teacher Retention: Investigating the reasons behind teacher retention and turnover in charter schools through qualitative interviews with current and former teachers.
  • Parent Involvement: Conducting case studies to understand the role and impact of parent involvement in charter school communities.
  • Residential Life: Exploring students’ experiences of residential life, focusing on their personal growth and social development through narrative inquiry.
  • Alumni Perspectives: Interviewing alumni to gather insights on how their boarding school experience has influenced their post-graduation life.
  • Cultural Adaptation: Examining the experiences of expatriate students adapting to new cultural environments through ethnographic studies.
  • Multilingual Education: Conducting interviews with teachers and students to explore the challenges and benefits of multilingual education in international schools.

Research locale Sample Paragraph

This study was conducted in three public high schools located in the urban district of Greenville, North Carolina. The selected schools—Greenville High School, Central High School, and Riverside High School—were chosen for their diverse student populations and varying levels of technological integration in the classroom. Each school enrolls approximately 1,200 students, offering a mix of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, vocational training, and special education programs. Greenville High School recently implemented a 1:1 laptop initiative, providing each student with a personal device for educational use. Central High School utilizes a blended learning model with shared computer labs and mobile tablet carts, while Riverside High School maintains a more traditional approach with limited use of digital tools. This study focuses on 11th-grade students enrolled in English and Mathematics courses, examining how different levels of technology integration impact student engagement and academic performance. Data was collected through a combination of student surveys, standardized test scores, classroom observations, and interviews with teachers and administrators, aiming to provide comprehensive insights into the effectiveness of technology-enhanced learning environments.

How to write Research Locale?

The research locale section of your study provides a detailed description of the location where the research will be conducted. This section is crucial for contextualizing your research and helping readers understand the setting and its potential influence on your study. Here are the steps to write an effective research locale:

1. Introduction to the Locale

  • Name and Description : Start by naming the locale and providing a brief description. Include geographic, demographic, and cultural aspects.
  • Relevance : Explain why this locale is suitable for your study.

2. Geographic Details

  • Location : Provide precise details about the location, including the city, state, country, and any specific areas within these larger regions.
  • Map and Boundaries : If possible, include a map to illustrate the locale and its boundaries.

3. Demographic Information

  • Population : Describe the population size, density, and composition. Include information on age, gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic status.
  • Community Characteristics : Mention any unique characteristics of the community that are relevant to your study.

4. Socio-Economic and Cultural Context

  • Economic Activities : Outline the primary economic activities and employment sectors in the locale.
  • Cultural Practices : Highlight cultural practices, traditions, and values that might influence the study.

5. Educational and Institutional Context

  • Schools and Institutions : If relevant, describe the educational institutions, such as schools or universities, and their role in the community.
  • Other Institutions : Mention any other institutions (e.g., healthcare, religious) that might be relevant.

6. Accessibility and Infrastructure

  • Transportation : Explain the transportation infrastructure, including roads, public transit, and accessibility.
  • Facilities : Mention key facilities like hospitals, libraries, and recreational centers.

7. Environmental Factors

  • Climate and Geography : Describe the climate and any geographic features that could impact your research.
  • Environmental Conditions : Note any environmental conditions, such as pollution or natural resources, relevant to your study.

FAQ’s

Why is the research locale important.

The research locale is crucial because it influences the study’s context, data collection, and findings’ applicability.

How do you select a research locale?

Selection involves considering relevance to the research question, accessibility, availability of data, and potential impact on results.

What factors influence the choice of a research locale?

Factors include geographical location, demographic characteristics, cultural context, and logistical feasibility.

Can a study have multiple research locales?

Yes, studies can include multiple locales to compare different environments or enhance the study’s generalizability.

How does the research locale affect data collection?

The locale can determine the methods used, participant availability, and types of data collected.

What is the difference between research locale and research setting?

The research locale is the broader geographical area, while the research setting refers to the specific place within that locale.

How do you describe a research locale in a study?

Include geographical details, demographic information, cultural characteristics, and any relevant historical or social context.

Why might a researcher choose an urban research locale?

Urban locales offer diverse populations, accessible resources, and varied social dynamics.

Why might a researcher choose a rural research locale?

Rural locales provide unique insights into less-studied populations, community dynamics, and environmental factors.

What role does the research locale play in qualitative research?

In qualitative research, the locale is integral to understanding participants’ lived experiences and contextual factors.

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Chapter III METHODOLOGY Research Locale

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New York City Neighborhood Research: Locale

  • How To Site See
  • Local History
  • Building Research
  • Demographic
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  • What Changed?
  • Patterns, Connections, Associations

In approaching a locale for research, there are a number of questions to ask first, as triggers, to get yourself situated, and to inhabit the modes and thinking of a researcher.   Each tab in this section covers the types of questions it will help to ask in getting started. 

Location scouting photo, aerial (Bridge)

What is there? Make a list of notable locales in the area: monuments, parks, department stores, factories, museums, bars, schools, office buildings, diners. These things are what give a neighborhood its physical, behavioral, and historical character.

how do you write a research locale example

What does it look like? What did it look like? At the reference desk, images are one of the most sought after resources in neighborhood research. Photographs might communicate extra dimensions of an area that are not conveyed through nonvisual materials. They also provide a vivid sense of immediacy to the past, as if crossing through the wormhole.  Images of the built environment and street life enable a more intimate and possibly more profound understanding of a place.

T'Fort Nieuw Amsterdam op de Manhatans

At the other end of the spectrum - take a look at what is still there, even after all those years. The Bridge Cafe at 279 Water Street is sadly no longer in operation, but the  building itself supposedly dates to 1794 , and still appears as if behind the upstairs windows live oystermen and sailmakers. Or, sure, Times Square has been the entertainment district for over 100 years, but the changes in the neighborhood surpass the size of crowds on New Years Eve.

Egyptian Patterns.

Also, the tour was simply the narrative form: this idea applies to whatever form your research ultimately takes (article, book, exhibit, etc.).   

Another pattern might be statues - the statues themselves are the pattern, the art form and mode of representation - which then serves the opportunity to note connections or associations between whatever they may represent. 

Patterns, connections, and associations are there.  Find them.

Rip Van Winkle

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Scope and Delimitations in Research

Delimitations are the boundaries that the researcher sets in a research study, deciding what to include and what to exclude. They help to narrow down the study and make it more manageable and relevant to the research goal.

Updated on October 19, 2022

Scope and Delimitations in Research

All scientific research has boundaries, whether or not the authors clearly explain them. Your study's scope and delimitations are the sections where you define the broader parameters and boundaries of your research.

The scope details what your study will explore, such as the target population, extent, or study duration. Delimitations are factors and variables not included in the study.

Scope and delimitations are not methodological shortcomings; they're always under your control. Discussing these is essential because doing so shows that your project is manageable and scientifically sound.

This article covers:

  • What's meant by “scope” and “delimitations”
  • Why these are integral components of every study
  • How and where to actually write about scope and delimitations in your manuscript
  • Examples of scope and delimitations from published studies

What is the scope in a research paper?

Simply put, the scope is the domain of your research. It describes the extent to which the research question will be explored in your study.

Articulating your study's scope early on helps you make your research question focused and realistic.

It also helps decide what data you need to collect (and, therefore, what data collection tools you need to design). Getting this right is vital for both academic articles and funding applications.

What are delimitations in a research paper?

Delimitations are those factors or aspects of the research area that you'll exclude from your research. The scope and delimitations of the study are intimately linked.

Essentially, delimitations form a more detailed and narrowed-down formulation of the scope in terms of exclusion. The delimitations explain what was (intentionally) not considered within the given piece of research.

Scope and delimitations examples

Use the following examples provided by our expert PhD editors as a reference when coming up with your own scope and delimitations.

Scope example

Your research question is, “What is the impact of bullying on the mental health of adolescents?” This topic, on its own, doesn't say much about what's being investigated.

The scope, for example, could encompass:

  • Variables: “bullying” (dependent variable), “mental health” (independent variable), and ways of defining or measuring them
  • Bullying type: Both face-to-face and cyberbullying
  • Target population: Adolescents aged 12–17
  • Geographical coverage: France or only one specific town in France

Delimitations example

Look back at the previous example.

Exploring the adverse effects of bullying on adolescents' mental health is a preliminary delimitation. This one was chosen from among many possible research questions (e.g., the impact of bullying on suicide rates, or children or adults).

Delimiting factors could include:

  • Research design : Mixed-methods research, including thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews and statistical analysis of a survey
  • Timeframe : Data collection to run for 3 months
  • Population size : 100 survey participants; 15 interviewees
  • Recruitment of participants : Quota sampling (aiming for specific portions of men, women, ethnic minority students etc.)

We can see that every choice you make in planning and conducting your research inevitably excludes other possible options.

What's the difference between limitations and delimitations?

Delimitations and limitations are entirely different, although they often get mixed up. These are the main differences:

how do you write a research locale example

This chart explains the difference between delimitations and limitations. Delimitations are the boundaries of the study while the limitations are the characteristics of the research design or methodology.

Delimitations encompass the elements outside of the boundaries you've set and depends on your decision of what yo include and exclude. On the flip side, limitations are the elements outside of your control, such as:

  • limited financial resources
  • unplanned work or expenses
  • unexpected events (for example, the COVID-19 pandemic)
  • time constraints
  • lack of technology/instruments
  • unavailable evidence or previous research on the topic

Delimitations involve narrowing your study to make it more manageable and relevant to what you're trying to prove. Limitations influence the validity and reliability of your research findings. Limitations are seen as potential weaknesses in your research.

Example of the differences

To clarify these differences, go back to the limitations of the earlier example.

Limitations could comprise:

  • Sample size : Not large enough to provide generalizable conclusions.
  • Sampling approach : Non-probability sampling has increased bias risk. For instance, the researchers might not manage to capture the experiences of ethnic minority students.
  • Methodological pitfalls : Research participants from an urban area (Paris) are likely to be more advantaged than students in rural areas. A study exploring the latter's experiences will probably yield very different findings.

Where do you write the scope and delimitations, and why?

It can be surprisingly empowering to realize you're restricted when conducting scholarly research. But this realization also makes writing up your research easier to grasp and makes it easier to see its limits and the expectations placed on it. Properly revealing this information serves your field and the greater scientific community.

Openly (but briefly) acknowledge the scope and delimitations of your study early on. The Abstract and Introduction sections are good places to set the parameters of your paper.

Next, discuss the scope and delimitations in greater detail in the Methods section. You'll need to do this to justify your methodological approach and data collection instruments, as well as analyses

At this point, spell out why these delimitations were set. What alternative options did you consider? Why did you reject alternatives? What could your study not address?

Let's say you're gathering data that can be derived from different but related experiments. You must convince the reader that the one you selected best suits your research question.

Finally, a solid paper will return to the scope and delimitations in the Findings or Discussion section. Doing so helps readers contextualize and interpret findings because the study's scope and methods influence the results.

For instance, agricultural field experiments carried out under irrigated conditions yield different results from experiments carried out without irrigation.

Being transparent about the scope and any outstanding issues increases your research's credibility and objectivity. It helps other researchers replicate your study and advance scientific understanding of the same topic (e.g., by adopting a different approach).

How do you write the scope and delimitations?

Define the scope and delimitations of your study before collecting data. This is critical. This step should be part of your research project planning.

Answering the following questions will help you address your scope and delimitations clearly and convincingly.

  • What are your study's aims and objectives?
  • Why did you carry out the study?
  • What was the exact topic under investigation?
  • Which factors and variables were included? And state why specific variables were omitted from the research scope.
  • Who or what did the study explore? What was the target population?
  • What was the study's location (geographical area) or setting (e.g., laboratory)?
  • What was the timeframe within which you collected your data ?
  • Consider a study exploring the differences between identical twins who were raised together versus identical twins who weren't. The data collection might span 5, 10, or more years.
  • A study exploring a new immigration policy will cover the period since the policy came into effect and the present moment.
  • How was the research conducted (research design)?
  • Experimental research, qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research, literature review, etc.
  • What data collection tools and analysis techniques were used? e.g., If you chose quantitative methods, which statistical analysis techniques and software did you use?
  • What did you find?
  • What did you conclude?

Useful vocabulary for scope and delimitations

how do you write a research locale example

When explaining both the scope and delimitations, it's important to use the proper language to clearly state each.

For the scope , use the following language:

  • This study focuses on/considers/investigates/covers the following:
  • This study aims to . . . / Here, we aim to show . . . / In this study, we . . .
  • The overall objective of the research is . . . / Our objective is to . . .

When stating the delimitations, use the following language:

  • This [ . . . ] will not be the focus, for it has been frequently and exhaustively discusses in earlier studies.
  • To review the [ . . . ] is a task that lies outside the scope of this study.
  • The following [ . . . ] has been excluded from this study . . .
  • This study does not provide a complete literature review of [ . . . ]. Instead, it draws on selected pertinent studies [ . . . ]

Analysis of a published scope

In one example, Simione and Gnagnarella (2020) compared the psychological and behavioral impact of COVID-19 on Italy's health workers and general population.

Here's a breakdown of the study's scope into smaller chunks and discussion of what works and why.

Also notable is that this study's delimitations include references to:

  • Recruitment of participants: Convenience sampling
  • Demographic characteristics of study participants: Age, sex, etc.
  • Measurements methods: E.g., the death anxiety scale of the Existential Concerns Questionnaire (ECQ; van Bruggen et al., 2017) etc.
  • Data analysis tool: The statistical software R

Analysis of published scope and delimitations

Scope of the study : Johnsson et al. (2019) explored the effect of in-hospital physiotherapy on postoperative physical capacity, physical activity, and lung function in patients who underwent lung cancer surgery.

The delimitations narrowed down the scope as follows:

Refine your scope, delimitations, and scientific English

English ability shouldn't limit how clear and impactful your research can be. Expert AJE editors are available to assess your science and polish your academic writing. See AJE services here .

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How to Write the Rationale of the Study in Research (Examples)

how do you write a research locale example

What is the Rationale of the Study?

The rationale of the study is the justification for taking on a given study. It explains the reason the study was conducted or should be conducted. This means the study rationale should explain to the reader or examiner why the study is/was necessary. It is also sometimes called the “purpose” or “justification” of a study. While this is not difficult to grasp in itself, you might wonder how the rationale of the study is different from your research question or from the statement of the problem of your study, and how it fits into the rest of your thesis or research paper. 

The rationale of the study links the background of the study to your specific research question and justifies the need for the latter on the basis of the former. In brief, you first provide and discuss existing data on the topic, and then you tell the reader, based on the background evidence you just presented, where you identified gaps or issues and why you think it is important to address those. The problem statement, lastly, is the formulation of the specific research question you choose to investigate, following logically from your rationale, and the approach you are planning to use to do that.

Table of Contents:

How to write a rationale for a research paper , how do you justify the need for a research study.

  • Study Rationale Example: Where Does It Go In Your Paper?

The basis for writing a research rationale is preliminary data or a clear description of an observation. If you are doing basic/theoretical research, then a literature review will help you identify gaps in current knowledge. In applied/practical research, you base your rationale on an existing issue with a certain process (e.g., vaccine proof registration) or practice (e.g., patient treatment) that is well documented and needs to be addressed. By presenting the reader with earlier evidence or observations, you can (and have to) convince them that you are not just repeating what other people have already done or said and that your ideas are not coming out of thin air. 

Once you have explained where you are coming from, you should justify the need for doing additional research–this is essentially the rationale of your study. Finally, when you have convinced the reader of the purpose of your work, you can end your introduction section with the statement of the problem of your research that contains clear aims and objectives and also briefly describes (and justifies) your methodological approach. 

When is the Rationale for Research Written?

The author can present the study rationale both before and after the research is conducted. 

  • Before conducting research : The study rationale is a central component of the research proposal . It represents the plan of your work, constructed before the study is actually executed.
  • Once research has been conducted : After the study is completed, the rationale is presented in a research article or  PhD dissertation  to explain why you focused on this specific research question. When writing the study rationale for this purpose, the author should link the rationale of the research to the aims and outcomes of the study.

What to Include in the Study Rationale

Although every study rationale is different and discusses different specific elements of a study’s method or approach, there are some elements that should be included to write a good rationale. Make sure to touch on the following:

  • A summary of conclusions from your review of the relevant literature
  • What is currently unknown (gaps in knowledge)
  • Inconclusive or contested results  from previous studies on the same or similar topic
  • The necessity to improve or build on previous research, such as to improve methodology or utilize newer techniques and/or technologies

There are different types of limitations that you can use to justify the need for your study. In applied/practical research, the justification for investigating something is always that an existing process/practice has a problem or is not satisfactory. Let’s say, for example, that people in a certain country/city/community commonly complain about hospital care on weekends (not enough staff, not enough attention, no decisions being made), but you looked into it and realized that nobody ever investigated whether these perceived problems are actually based on objective shortages/non-availabilities of care or whether the lower numbers of patients who are treated during weekends are commensurate with the provided services.

In this case, “lack of data” is your justification for digging deeper into the problem. Or, if it is obvious that there is a shortage of staff and provided services on weekends, you could decide to investigate which of the usual procedures are skipped during weekends as a result and what the negative consequences are. 

In basic/theoretical research, lack of knowledge is of course a common and accepted justification for additional research—but make sure that it is not your only motivation. “Nobody has ever done this” is only a convincing reason for a study if you explain to the reader why you think we should know more about this specific phenomenon. If there is earlier research but you think it has limitations, then those can usually be classified into “methodological”, “contextual”, and “conceptual” limitations. To identify such limitations, you can ask specific questions and let those questions guide you when you explain to the reader why your study was necessary:

Methodological limitations

  • Did earlier studies try but failed to measure/identify a specific phenomenon?
  • Was earlier research based on incorrect conceptualizations of variables?
  • Were earlier studies based on questionable operationalizations of key concepts?
  • Did earlier studies use questionable or inappropriate research designs?

Contextual limitations

  • Have recent changes in the studied problem made previous studies irrelevant?
  • Are you studying a new/particular context that previous findings do not apply to?

Conceptual limitations

  • Do previous findings only make sense within a specific framework or ideology?

Study Rationale Examples

Let’s look at an example from one of our earlier articles on the statement of the problem to clarify how your rationale fits into your introduction section. This is a very short introduction for a practical research study on the challenges of online learning. Your introduction might be much longer (especially the context/background section), and this example does not contain any sources (which you will have to provide for all claims you make and all earlier studies you cite)—but please pay attention to how the background presentation , rationale, and problem statement blend into each other in a logical way so that the reader can follow and has no reason to question your motivation or the foundation of your research.

Background presentation

Since the beginning of the Covid pandemic, most educational institutions around the world have transitioned to a fully online study model, at least during peak times of infections and social distancing measures. This transition has not been easy and even two years into the pandemic, problems with online teaching and studying persist (reference needed) . 

While the increasing gap between those with access to technology and equipment and those without access has been determined to be one of the main challenges (reference needed) , others claim that online learning offers more opportunities for many students by breaking down barriers of location and distance (reference needed) .  

Rationale of the study

Since teachers and students cannot wait for circumstances to go back to normal, the measures that schools and universities have implemented during the last two years, their advantages and disadvantages, and the impact of those measures on students’ progress, satisfaction, and well-being need to be understood so that improvements can be made and demographics that have been left behind can receive the support they need as soon as possible.

Statement of the problem

To identify what changes in the learning environment were considered the most challenging and how those changes relate to a variety of student outcome measures, we conducted surveys and interviews among teachers and students at ten institutions of higher education in four different major cities, two in the US (New York and Chicago), one in South Korea (Seoul), and one in the UK (London). Responses were analyzed with a focus on different student demographics and how they might have been affected differently by the current situation.

How long is a study rationale?

In a research article bound for journal publication, your rationale should not be longer than a few sentences (no longer than one brief paragraph). A  dissertation or thesis  usually allows for a longer description; depending on the length and nature of your document, this could be up to a couple of paragraphs in length. A completely novel or unconventional approach might warrant a longer and more detailed justification than an approach that slightly deviates from well-established methods and approaches.

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Now that you know how to write the rationale of the study for a research proposal or paper, you should make use of Wordvice AI’s free AI Grammar Checker , or receive professional academic proofreading services from Wordvice, including research paper editing services and manuscript editing services to polish your submitted research documents.

You can also find many more articles, for example on writing the other parts of your research paper , on choosing a title , or on making sure you understand and adhere to the author instructions before you submit to a journal, on the Wordvice academic resources pages.

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Scope and Delimitations – Explained & Example

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  • October 2, 2020

Scope and Delimitation

What Is Scope and Delimitation in Research?

The scope and delimitations of a thesis, dissertation or research paper define the topic and boundaries of the research problem to be investigated.

The scope details how in-depth your study is to explore the research question and the parameters in which it will operate in relation to the population and timeframe.

The delimitations of a study are the factors and variables not to be included in the investigation. In other words, they are the boundaries the researcher sets in terms of study duration, population size and type of participants, etc.

Difference Between Delimitations and Limitations

Delimitations refer to the boundaries of the research study, based on the researcher’s decision of what to include and what to exclude. They narrow your study to make it more manageable and relevant to what you are trying to prove.

Limitations relate to the validity and reliability of the study. They are characteristics of the research design or methodology that are out of your control but influence your research findings. Because of this, they determine the internal and external validity of your study and are considered potential weaknesses.

In other words, limitations are what the researcher cannot do (elements outside of their control) and delimitations are what the researcher will not do (elements outside of the boundaries they have set). Both are important because they help to put the research findings into context, and although they explain how the study is limited, they increase the credibility and validity of a research project.

Guidelines on How to Write a Scope

A good scope statement will answer the following six questions:

Delimitation Scope for Thesis Statement

  • Why – the general aims and objectives (purpose) of the research.
  • What – the subject to be investigated, and the included variables.
  • Where – the location or setting of the study, i.e. where the data will be gathered and to which entity the data will belong.
  • When – the timeframe within which the data is to be collected.
  • Who – the subject matter of the study and the population from which they will be selected. This population needs to be large enough to be able to make generalisations.
  • How – how the research is to be conducted, including a description of the research design (e.g. whether it is experimental research, qualitative research or a case study), methodology, research tools and analysis techniques.

To make things as clear as possible, you should also state why specific variables were omitted from the research scope, and whether this was because it was a delimitation or a limitation. You should also explain why they could not be overcome with standard research methods backed up by scientific evidence.

How to Start Writing Your Study Scope

Use the below prompts as an effective way to start writing your scope:

  • This study is to focus on…
  • This study covers the…
  • This study aims to…

Guidelines on How to Write Delimitations

Since the delimitation parameters are within the researcher’s control, readers need to know why they were set, what alternative options were available, and why these alternatives were rejected. For example, if you are collecting data that can be derived from three different but similar experiments, the reader needs to understand how and why you decided to select the one you have.

Your reasons should always be linked back to your research question, as all delimitations should result from trying to make your study more relevant to your scope. Therefore, the scope and delimitations are usually considered together when writing a paper.

How to Start Writing Your Study Delimitations

Use the below prompts as an effective way to start writing your study delimitations:

  • This study does not cover…
  • This study is limited to…
  • The following has been excluded from this study…

Examples of Delimitation in Research

Examples of delimitations include:

  • research objectives,
  • research questions,
  • research variables,
  • target populations,
  • statistical analysis techniques .

Examples of Limitations in Research

Examples of limitations include:

  • Issues with sample and selection,
  • Insufficient sample size, population traits or specific participants for statistical significance,
  • Lack of previous research studies on the topic which has allowed for further analysis,
  • Limitations in the technology/instruments used to collect your data,
  • Limited financial resources and/or funding constraints.

Types of Research Design

There are various types of research that are classified by objective, depth of study, analysed data and the time required to study the phenomenon etc.

Multistage Sampling explained with Multistage Sample

Multistage sampling is a more complex form of cluster sampling for obtaining sample populations. Learn their pros and cons and how to undertake them.

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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  • Research paper

How to Write a Research Paper | A Beginner's Guide

A research paper is a piece of academic writing that provides analysis, interpretation, and argument based on in-depth independent research.

Research papers are similar to academic essays , but they are usually longer and more detailed assignments, designed to assess not only your writing skills but also your skills in scholarly research. Writing a research paper requires you to demonstrate a strong knowledge of your topic, engage with a variety of sources, and make an original contribution to the debate.

This step-by-step guide takes you through the entire writing process, from understanding your assignment to proofreading your final draft.

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Table of contents

Understand the assignment, choose a research paper topic, conduct preliminary research, develop a thesis statement, create a research paper outline, write a first draft of the research paper, write the introduction, write a compelling body of text, write the conclusion, the second draft, the revision process, research paper checklist, free lecture slides.

Completing a research paper successfully means accomplishing the specific tasks set out for you. Before you start, make sure you thoroughly understanding the assignment task sheet:

  • Read it carefully, looking for anything confusing you might need to clarify with your professor.
  • Identify the assignment goal, deadline, length specifications, formatting, and submission method.
  • Make a bulleted list of the key points, then go back and cross completed items off as you’re writing.

Carefully consider your timeframe and word limit: be realistic, and plan enough time to research, write, and edit.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

There are many ways to generate an idea for a research paper, from brainstorming with pen and paper to talking it through with a fellow student or professor.

You can try free writing, which involves taking a broad topic and writing continuously for two or three minutes to identify absolutely anything relevant that could be interesting.

You can also gain inspiration from other research. The discussion or recommendations sections of research papers often include ideas for other specific topics that require further examination.

Once you have a broad subject area, narrow it down to choose a topic that interests you, m eets the criteria of your assignment, and i s possible to research. Aim for ideas that are both original and specific:

  • A paper following the chronology of World War II would not be original or specific enough.
  • A paper on the experience of Danish citizens living close to the German border during World War II would be specific and could be original enough.

Note any discussions that seem important to the topic, and try to find an issue that you can focus your paper around. Use a variety of sources , including journals, books, and reliable websites, to ensure you do not miss anything glaring.

Do not only verify the ideas you have in mind, but look for sources that contradict your point of view.

  • Is there anything people seem to overlook in the sources you research?
  • Are there any heated debates you can address?
  • Do you have a unique take on your topic?
  • Have there been some recent developments that build on the extant research?

In this stage, you might find it helpful to formulate some research questions to help guide you. To write research questions, try to finish the following sentence: “I want to know how/what/why…”

A thesis statement is a statement of your central argument — it establishes the purpose and position of your paper. If you started with a research question, the thesis statement should answer it. It should also show what evidence and reasoning you’ll use to support that answer.

The thesis statement should be concise, contentious, and coherent. That means it should briefly summarize your argument in a sentence or two, make a claim that requires further evidence or analysis, and make a coherent point that relates to every part of the paper.

You will probably revise and refine the thesis statement as you do more research, but it can serve as a guide throughout the writing process. Every paragraph should aim to support and develop this central claim.

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A research paper outline is essentially a list of the key topics, arguments, and evidence you want to include, divided into sections with headings so that you know roughly what the paper will look like before you start writing.

A structure outline can help make the writing process much more efficient, so it’s worth dedicating some time to create one.

Your first draft won’t be perfect — you can polish later on. Your priorities at this stage are as follows:

  • Maintaining forward momentum — write now, perfect later.
  • Paying attention to clear organization and logical ordering of paragraphs and sentences, which will help when you come to the second draft.
  • Expressing your ideas as clearly as possible, so you know what you were trying to say when you come back to the text.

You do not need to start by writing the introduction. Begin where it feels most natural for you — some prefer to finish the most difficult sections first, while others choose to start with the easiest part. If you created an outline, use it as a map while you work.

Do not delete large sections of text. If you begin to dislike something you have written or find it doesn’t quite fit, move it to a different document, but don’t lose it completely — you never know if it might come in useful later.

Paragraph structure

Paragraphs are the basic building blocks of research papers. Each one should focus on a single claim or idea that helps to establish the overall argument or purpose of the paper.

Example paragraph

George Orwell’s 1946 essay “Politics and the English Language” has had an enduring impact on thought about the relationship between politics and language. This impact is particularly obvious in light of the various critical review articles that have recently referenced the essay. For example, consider Mark Falcoff’s 2009 article in The National Review Online, “The Perversion of Language; or, Orwell Revisited,” in which he analyzes several common words (“activist,” “civil-rights leader,” “diversity,” and more). Falcoff’s close analysis of the ambiguity built into political language intentionally mirrors Orwell’s own point-by-point analysis of the political language of his day. Even 63 years after its publication, Orwell’s essay is emulated by contemporary thinkers.

Citing sources

It’s also important to keep track of citations at this stage to avoid accidental plagiarism . Each time you use a source, make sure to take note of where the information came from.

You can use our free citation generators to automatically create citations and save your reference list as you go.

APA Citation Generator MLA Citation Generator

The research paper introduction should address three questions: What, why, and how? After finishing the introduction, the reader should know what the paper is about, why it is worth reading, and how you’ll build your arguments.

What? Be specific about the topic of the paper, introduce the background, and define key terms or concepts.

Why? This is the most important, but also the most difficult, part of the introduction. Try to provide brief answers to the following questions: What new material or insight are you offering? What important issues does your essay help define or answer?

How? To let the reader know what to expect from the rest of the paper, the introduction should include a “map” of what will be discussed, briefly presenting the key elements of the paper in chronological order.

The major struggle faced by most writers is how to organize the information presented in the paper, which is one reason an outline is so useful. However, remember that the outline is only a guide and, when writing, you can be flexible with the order in which the information and arguments are presented.

One way to stay on track is to use your thesis statement and topic sentences . Check:

  • topic sentences against the thesis statement;
  • topic sentences against each other, for similarities and logical ordering;
  • and each sentence against the topic sentence of that paragraph.

Be aware of paragraphs that seem to cover the same things. If two paragraphs discuss something similar, they must approach that topic in different ways. Aim to create smooth transitions between sentences, paragraphs, and sections.

The research paper conclusion is designed to help your reader out of the paper’s argument, giving them a sense of finality.

Trace the course of the paper, emphasizing how it all comes together to prove your thesis statement. Give the paper a sense of finality by making sure the reader understands how you’ve settled the issues raised in the introduction.

You might also discuss the more general consequences of the argument, outline what the paper offers to future students of the topic, and suggest any questions the paper’s argument raises but cannot or does not try to answer.

You should not :

  • Offer new arguments or essential information
  • Take up any more space than necessary
  • Begin with stock phrases that signal you are ending the paper (e.g. “In conclusion”)

There are four main considerations when it comes to the second draft.

  • Check how your vision of the paper lines up with the first draft and, more importantly, that your paper still answers the assignment.
  • Identify any assumptions that might require (more substantial) justification, keeping your reader’s perspective foremost in mind. Remove these points if you cannot substantiate them further.
  • Be open to rearranging your ideas. Check whether any sections feel out of place and whether your ideas could be better organized.
  • If you find that old ideas do not fit as well as you anticipated, you should cut them out or condense them. You might also find that new and well-suited ideas occurred to you during the writing of the first draft — now is the time to make them part of the paper.

The goal during the revision and proofreading process is to ensure you have completed all the necessary tasks and that the paper is as well-articulated as possible. You can speed up the proofreading process by using the AI proofreader .

Global concerns

  • Confirm that your paper completes every task specified in your assignment sheet.
  • Check for logical organization and flow of paragraphs.
  • Check paragraphs against the introduction and thesis statement.

Fine-grained details

Check the content of each paragraph, making sure that:

  • each sentence helps support the topic sentence.
  • no unnecessary or irrelevant information is present.
  • all technical terms your audience might not know are identified.

Next, think about sentence structure , grammatical errors, and formatting . Check that you have correctly used transition words and phrases to show the connections between your ideas. Look for typos, cut unnecessary words, and check for consistency in aspects such as heading formatting and spellings .

Finally, you need to make sure your paper is correctly formatted according to the rules of the citation style you are using. For example, you might need to include an MLA heading  or create an APA title page .

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Checklist: Research paper

I have followed all instructions in the assignment sheet.

My introduction presents my topic in an engaging way and provides necessary background information.

My introduction presents a clear, focused research problem and/or thesis statement .

My paper is logically organized using paragraphs and (if relevant) section headings .

Each paragraph is clearly focused on one central idea, expressed in a clear topic sentence .

Each paragraph is relevant to my research problem or thesis statement.

I have used appropriate transitions  to clarify the connections between sections, paragraphs, and sentences.

My conclusion provides a concise answer to the research question or emphasizes how the thesis has been supported.

My conclusion shows how my research has contributed to knowledge or understanding of my topic.

My conclusion does not present any new points or information essential to my argument.

I have provided an in-text citation every time I refer to ideas or information from a source.

I have included a reference list at the end of my paper, consistently formatted according to a specific citation style .

I have thoroughly revised my paper and addressed any feedback from my professor or supervisor.

I have followed all formatting guidelines (page numbers, headers, spacing, etc.).

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Q: can you provide a sample of the justification of the research for my topic.

My topic is the effect of stress on memory.

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Firstly, your topic sounds both interesting and relevant. Now, the justification or the rationale explains why the research is needed – what gaps it aims to fill in existing literature, how it aims to add to the existing body of knowledge, or what solutions it aims to provide. In the research paper, it is meant to set the context for the research, and is therefore, written in the introduction section. In a research proposal, it assumes greater importance, as the decision to sponsor or fund the research is made, among other factors, on the need for the research.

You will find a sample rationale in this resource: Can you give an example of the "rationale of a study"?

You may also look up the following resources for more information:

  • How to write the rationale or justification of a study?
  • How do you write a rationale for research?

Answered by Editage Insights 3 Mar, 2020

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Thinking About the Context: Setting (Where?) and Participants (Who?)

  • First Online: 28 March 2017

Cite this chapter

how do you write a research locale example

  • Kenan Dikilitaş 3 &
  • Carol Griffiths 4  

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In recent years, context has come to be recognized as a key element which influences the outcomes of research studies and impacts on their significance. Two important aspects of context are the setting (where the study is taking place) and the participants (who is included in the study). It is critical that both of these aspects are adequately considered and explained so that meaningful conclusions can be drawn from the data. The role of the action-researcher as an active participant in the context also needs thought and explanation.

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Dikilitaş, K., Griffiths, C. (2017). Thinking About the Context: Setting (Where?) and Participants (Who?). In: Developing Language Teacher Autonomy through Action Research. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-50739-2_4

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COMMENTS

  1. Research Locale

    This section is crucial for contextualizing your research and helping readers understand the setting and its potential influence on your study. Here are the steps to write an effective research locale: 1. Introduction to the Locale. Name and Description: Start by naming the locale and providing a brief description.

  2. Chapter III Methodology Research Locale

    Example of Methodology Research Locale 17 chapter methodology research locale the study was conducted at marinduque national high school, deped managed. ... Boac, Marinduque (Latitude: 13°26'43", Longitude: 121°50'22") and the write up was done at Pili, Boac, Marinduque. Source: Google Maps and Nona Figure 2. Map of the Municipality of Boac ...

  3. Chapter III METHODOLOGY Research Locale

    This article describes methodological issues of the "Sportello Salute Giovani" project ("Youth Health Information Desk"), a multicenter study aimed at assessing the health status and attitudes and behaviours of university students in Italy. The questionnaire used to carry out the study was adapted from the Italian health behaviours in school ...

  4. PDF University Research Coordination Office

    This discusses the research locale, research design, population sampling or respondents of the study, research instrument, and the statistical treatment of data. 3.1 Research Locale 3.1.1 This discusses the place or setting of the study. It describes in brief the place where the study is conducted. Only important features which have the bearing

  5. Sample Thesis Chapter 3 Research Locale

    Sample Thesis Chapter 3 Research Locale - Free download as PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. The document discusses navigating the complexities of writing Chapter 3 of a thesis. Chapter 3 establishes the contextual background for the research findings and demands meticulous attention to detail. Selecting the appropriate research location requires a thorough ...

  6. What is research locale?

    Research locale refers to the specific geographical area or location where research is conducted [4]. It involves studying and analyzing the social, economic, or environmental conditions of a particular place or region [1] [4]. Researchers may focus on understanding the local dynamics, processes, and relationships within that specific locale [4].

  7. New York City Neighborhood Research: Locale

    In approaching a locale for research, there are a number of questions to ask first, as triggers, to get yourself situated, and to inhabit the modes and thinking of a researcher. Each tab in this section covers the types of questions it will help to ask in getting started.

  8. Q: What is meant by the setting of the study?

    Simply put, research setting is the physical, social, or experimental context within which research is conducted. In a research paper, describing this setting accurately is crucial since the results and their interpretation may depend heavily on it. For example, in a paper that describes the social behavior of chimpanzees, the authors may need ...

  9. Importance of describing the setting of a study in your ...

    The setting of a research study refers to the physical, social, or experimental context in which the research is conducted. This includes the location, time period, population, and environmental factors. Most of these details need to be reported in the Methods section and sometimes in the study abstract too. The below infographic explains why ...

  10. (PDF) Chapter 3 Research Design and Methodology

    Research Design and Methodology. Chapter 3 consists of three parts: (1) Purpose of the. study and research design, (2) Methods, and (3) Statistical. Data analysis procedure. Part one, Purpose of ...

  11. Tips How to Write/Craft Research Locale in A Quantitative Research

    For educational purposes only...

  12. Scope and Delimitations in Research

    Your study's scope and delimitations are the sections where you define the broader parameters and boundaries of your research. The scope details what your study will explore, such as the target population, extent, or study duration. Delimitations are factors and variables not included in the study. Scope and delimitations are not methodological ...

  13. How to Write the "Research Locale" Part of Quantitative Research

    About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright ...

  14. A Beginner's Guide to Starting the Research Process

    Step 4: Create a research design. The research design is a practical framework for answering your research questions. It involves making decisions about the type of data you need, the methods you'll use to collect and analyze it, and the location and timescale of your research. There are often many possible paths you can take to answering ...

  15. How to Write the Rationale of the Study in Research (Examples)

    The rationale of the study is the justification for taking on a given study. It explains the reason the study was conducted or should be conducted. This means the study rationale should explain to the reader or examiner why the study is/was necessary. It is also sometimes called the "purpose" or "justification" of a study.

  16. Scope and Delimitations

    Why - the general aims and objectives (purpose) of the research.; What - the subject to be investigated, and the included variables.; Where - the location or setting of the study, i.e. where the data will be gathered and to which entity the data will belong.; When - the timeframe within which the data is to be collected.; Who - the subject matter of the study and the population from ...

  17. Sample Locale of the Study in Chapter 3 (Thesis Writing)

    Locale of the Study. The study covers two groups of freshmen students of The Sto. Niño Formation and Science School chosen based from their GPA average of the previous academic year and grade in Communication Arts Subjects (English and Filipino). They will be divided into experimental and control groups to identify the significant difference ...

  18. How to Write a Research Paper

    Develop a thesis statement. Create a research paper outline. Write a first draft of the research paper. Write the introduction. Write a compelling body of text. Write the conclusion. The second draft. The revision process. Research paper checklist.

  19. Research Locale

    Research Locale - Free download as Word Doc (.doc / .docx), PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. This study uses a qualitative grounded theory design to understand how the Senior High School Program affects college freshmen's decision making. It will interview college freshmen from Legacy College of Compostela, which offers a variety of degree programs.

  20. PDF CHAPTER 2: SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

    The present study followed a qualitative research design based on ethnographic. methods. This approach was chosen given that the purpose of the research was to. describe and analyze part of the culture of a specific community, specifically "by. identifying and describing the participants' practices and beliefs" (Gay & Airasian, 2002).

  21. Can you provide a sample of the justification of the research for my

    Answer: Firstly, your topic sounds both interesting and relevant. Now, the justification or the rationale explains why the research is needed - what gaps it aims to fill in existing literature, how it aims to add to the existing body of knowledge, or what solutions it aims to provide. In the research paper, it is meant to set the context for ...

  22. Thinking About the Context: Setting (Where?) and Participants (Who?)

    Abstract. In recent years, context has come to be recognized as a key element which influences the outcomes of research studies and impacts on their significance. Two important aspects of context are the setting (where the study is taking place) and the participants (who is included in the study). It is critical that both of these aspects are ...