wikiHow Study Rationale Example I. Introduction A. Background: Increasing popularity of online learning B. Problem statement: Limited understanding of the impact of online learning on student academic performance C. Purpose: To examine the relationship between online learning and student academic performance D. Research objectives and questions: 1. Determine the extent to which online learning affects student academic performance 2. Identify factors that mediate or moderate the relationship between online learning and academic performance II. Literature Review A. Review of relevant theories, such as social presence theory and cognitive load theory B. Examination of previous studies on the impact of online learning on student academic performance C. Identification of gaps: Limited research focusing on specific student populations or subject areas, inconsistent findings, lack of exploration of mediating/moderating factors D. Theoretical framework: Blended learning model as a conceptual framework III. Significance of the Study A. Importance: Rapid growth of online learning and its potential implications for educational outcomes B. Contributions: 1. Enhancing understanding of the relationship between online learning and academic performance 2. Informing educational institutions and policymakers about effective implementation of online learning C. Benefits: Improving instructional design, student support services, and learning outcomes for online learners IV. Methodology A. Research design: Quasi-experimental design with a control group B. Data collection methods: Surveys, student records, and performance assessments C. Sampling strategy: Random selection of students from diverse educational institutions D. Variables and measures: Online learning exposure, academic performance (e.g., GPA, test scores), self-regulated learning, perceived social presence E. Data analysis techniques: Descriptive statistics, regression analysis, mediation/moderation analysis V. Ethical Considerations A. Protection of human subjects: Informed consent, voluntary participation, confidentiality B. Data confidentiality and privacy: Safeguarding participant information C. Potential risks and benefits: Minimal risks, benefits of contributing to knowledge and improving online learning practices VI. Feasibility A. Available resources: Research funding, access to educational institutions and student data B. Timeframe: Data collection over one academic year, analysis within six months C. Potential challenges: Participant recruitment, data availability, response rates D. Mitigation strategies: Collaborating with educational institutions, maintaining open communication with participants VII. Expected Results and Potential Limitations A. Anticipated findings: Positive correlation between online learning exposure and academic performance, potential mediating/moderating factors B. Limitations: Self-report measures, potential confounding variables, generalizability to specific contexts VIII. Conclusion A. Recap: Addressing the research gap on the impact of online learning on academic performance B. Importance: Informing educational institutions and policymakers for evidence-based decision-making C. Implications: Improving online learning practices, enhancing student support services, and optimizing learning outcomes Remember, this example is tailored specifically to the topic of online learning and student academic performance. Your study rationale outline should be adjusted based on the specific research topic and objectives of your study. Page