Which section of a research paper typically contains the purpose and rationale of the study?

The section of a research paper that typically contains the purpose and rationale of the study is the introduction. This part serves to provide readers with context, including an overview of the research topic, its significance, and the specific objectives the study aims to achieve. By outlining the purpose, the researchers clarify what they hope to accomplish and why the study is important to the field. This sets the stage for the rest of the paper, guiding the reader through the methodology and results that will support their claims later on.

In contrast, other sections serve different functions: the conclusion summarizes the findings and implications, the literature review discusses existing research to highlight gaps in knowledge or justify the study, and the results focus solely on presenting the data collected during the research. Thus, the introduction is essential for framing the study's intentions and justifying the research conducted.