The rationale for research is an explanation of why the research is being conducted. It includes information on how the research will impact the existing research base and information related to why the research is necessary. The researcher is charged with making it clear how conducting a particular investigation serves a greater purpose than just contributing to the list of published works on his curriculum vitae.
An indication of the type of methods (qualitative, quantitative or a combination of the two) is a common element in a research rubric. Some research may be better suited to one method or to a combination of methods. Information about the sample and sample size are a part of consideration in the research methods section of the rubric. This indication includes an in-depth explanation of the data-collection instrument, data source and analysis procedures.
Research papers are usually formatted in American Psychological Association style. An APA guide is used to assure consistency in writing and reporting. The APA style guide provides information on grammar usage, punctuation, use of headings and abbreviations, capitalization and spelling, quotations, table and figure formatting and reporting of statistical results. The rubric includes a section for APA alignment.
The literature review section of the rubric rates the research piece on the comprehensiveness of the literature review. This is especially important since research is supposed to add to the existing research base, not replicate it. Therefore, it is very important that a complete literature review be conducted prior to research.
The finding and limitations section is also a major part of the rubric. This is included to ascertain if the reported findings and inferences align with hypotheses and/or research questions. Limitations are included so that it is clear what limitations might have impacted the findings. It is also not uncommon to note on the rubric if implications for future research on the topics have been properly identified.