What is a rationale?

A rationale is a systematic explanation or justification for a decision or action. It is essentially the reasoning behind why something was done or chosen. A rationale can be based on empirical evidence, logical reasoning, moral or ethical principles, or a combination of these. Rationales are commonly used in a variety of contexts, including business, education, healthcare, and public policy. In academic research, a rationale is often included in the introduction or methods section of a study to explain the purpose and significance of the research question or hypothesis being studied.