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What Is A Research Gap? (With Tips + Examples)

A research gap is a specific area within a field of study that remains unexplored or under-explored. Identifying a research gap involves recognizing where existing research is lacking or where there are unanswered questions that could provide opportunities for further investigation. Understanding research gaps is crucial for advancing knowledge, as it helps scholars and researchers focus their efforts on areas that can contribute significantly to their field.

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What Is A Research Gap?

It is actually a question or any issue that needs to be solved by any pre-existing work or research in your area of study. A research gap can also exist where some new idea still needs to be studied.

Tips on Identifying Research Gap

Research always plays an essential role in acquiring more knowledge and addressing the gaps in different fields. When you are identifying a research gap, you are taking a very important step in the whole research process. This aids the researchers in contributing meaningful insights and triggers the knowledge boundaries.

Understanding the Literature You Are Studying: In order to identify any research gap, it is essential to have an excellent advertising of the preexisting literature in your study field.

Here, you need to conduct a review of many books, scholarly articles, conferences, and other relevant sources. In this way, you can get a good foundation as well as insights into any present state of in-depth knowledge in your own study area.

Defining Your Own Research Question: After getting a good knowledge of the pre-existing literature, you need to define a concise and clear idea of the research question. This research question needs to be very specific, attainable, measurable, time-bound and relevant. An acronym for this entire thing is known as SMART. This also needs to address any significant issue that still needs to be fully solved or adequately answered.

Identifying Your Study Objectives: Here, you need to identify the major objectives of your research paper. All these objectives need to be aligned with the identified research gap. These objectives always guide the researcher and aid you in determining the direction and scope of your research study.

Analyze the Existing Studies: Here, you need to analyze very carefully all the existing studies that are related to your research question. Here, it would help if you looked at the most common recurring findings, themes, and patterns of the discussed literature. Here, you also need to pay a lot of attention to the conflicted areas with the results, unanswered questions, and contradictory theories. These areas show the research gaps that can be explored later.

Consider The Practical Relevance: You always need to evaluate the very practical relevance of the research question as well as its potential impact on society. Here, it would help if you always considered the importance of addressing your own research gap as you identified it.

Here, you also need to assess whether your findings can contribute to the original theoretical framework and offer all the practical solutions for leading to the policy recommendations. These practical ads are relevant to the research paper and trigger its impact.

Consulting With the Experts and Peers: You always need to engage you’re discussing with your mentors, peers, and experts in your own field of study. Here, you always need to seek their opinions and perspectives on the research question to identify potential research gaps.

These can provide valuable insights into assumption challenges, and this helps you refine your research work. Your peers and experts can give you a new idea and help you identify the errors in your thinking.

Conducting Your Pilot Study: You need to conduct it to test the viability and feasibility of the research question. This pilot study provides you with feedback and data on the research design, approach and methodology.

This also helps you identify the potential limitations or challenges that need to be solved before conducting the full research studies.

Reflecting and Refining: You need to vividly reflect on the research progress to refine your research preferences. You need to add the objectives. As you go deeper into your research process, additional research gaps may be uncovered to refine your own research needs.

If you follow this process, you can adapt your own approach to ensure the research gaps.

As per the example of the research gap, identifying your research gap allows your research to contribute to gaining more knowledge to address the pre-existing limitations.

This way, you will understand the existing literature to define a crystal clear research statement. You can identify the research gaps by analyzing the existing studies to consider their relevance. According to the research gap finder, if you consult with your peers, doing all the pilot studies reflects on your research process progress.

If you follow the guide mentioned above, you can always embark on meaningful research studies to trigger your knowledge in your subject area and make a prominent contribution to your field.

Also Read: Struggling with Research Paper Writing?

Different Types of Research Gaps

Identifying research gaps is essential for advancing knowledge in any field. Research gaps are areas where more information is available or existing research needs to be more consistent or conclusive. Here are different types of research gaps:

• Evidence Gap

This gap occurs when no empirical evidence supports certain theories, practices, or interventions. It can also refer to areas where existing studies need to sufficiently cover the topic or lack rigorous methodological approaches.

Example: A need for randomized controlled trials on the effectiveness of a new drug.

• Knowledge Gap

This gap refers to areas where there is a deficiency in understanding or awareness about a particular topic. It can be due to outdated information, incomplete research, or the absence of research on emerging issues.

Example: Limited knowledge about the long-term effects of exposure to new environmental pollutants.

• Theoretical Gap

Theoretical gaps arise when existing theories do not fully explain certain phenomena or when there is a lack of theoretical frameworks to guide research in a particular area.

Example: More theoretical models need to be developed to explain the psychological impacts of social media usage on teenagers.

• Methodological Gap

Methodological gaps exist when current research methods are inadequate for addressing certain research questions or when there is a need for new or improved methodologies.

Example: More robust qualitative methods are needed to study the experiences of marginalized communities.

• Population Gap

This type of gap occurs when certain populations are underrepresented in research. It can involve demographics like age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or geographic location.

Example: Lack of research on the mental health of older adults living in rural areas.

Geographical Gap

Geographical gaps refer to areas or regions that are under-researched. These gaps highlight the need for studies in different geographic contexts to understand local issues better.

Example: Limited studies on the effects of climate change in the Arctic regions.

Strategies to Identify Research Gaps:

• Literature Reviews: Comprehensive reviews can help identify where current research is lacking or inconsistent.
• Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: These methods provide a structured approach to synthesize existing research and identify gaps.
• Expert Consultations: Discussions with experts in the field can uncover areas that require further investigation.
• Research Databases: Utilizing databases and citation analysis tools to track research trends and identify under-researched areas.
• Interdisciplinary Approaches: Engaging with multiple disciplines can reveal gaps that are not apparent within a single field.

Understanding and addressing these gaps is crucial for advancing research and knowledge across various domains.

Read More: How To Get A+ Grade In Research Paper?

What is a Research Gap Example?

A Research Paper Example gives you a very clear idea of how to find your research gaps and examples in textual forms. A few examples are given below:

• Context Healthcare: Although there have been enough researchers on the management of diabetes, there has been a research gap in understanding the impact of digital health interventions in the rural areas of Europe.
• Content environmental science: In a wealth of research regarding the huge environmental pollution caused by the use of plastics, there are fewer findings of how the plastic material really accumulates in certain areas like lakes, rivers, etc. and why these materials are never biodegradable.
• Context Education: The empirical research surrounding the online mode has become tremendously popular over the past few years. However, there needs to be more solid studies regarding the impact of the online learning process on the students who need special education. In each of these examples, you can see that the writer begins by acknowledging the preexisting reach results and then explains thoroughly the present area where the research gap really exists.

Also Read: Why Research Is Essential For Students? 20 Common Reasons!

How to Find a Research Gap?

After getting a very clear idea of various types of research gaps, the vet’s next question comes to mind is how to find a research gap. There is a basic 2 step strategy to find the research gap.

In the beginning, you need to find a lot of literature reviews, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews covering your research area of interest. Moreover, it would help if you dug into the very recent journals for wrapping your head in your own knowledge area.

Here, you can also study the current theses and dissertations, especially those in the doctoral degree courses. A number of dissertation databases, such as Open Access, EBSCO, Pro-Quest, etc., are very useful in this regard. Here. You also need to ensure that you are always looking for the most recent sources.

After gathering a good collection of these resources, you need to focus on further research opportunities. In this section, you need to state explicitly where more studies are needed. It would help if you also looked at the present research study’s limitation areas and where the research gaps might exist.

Following this procedure will help you become oriented to the present research area. This can serve as a foundation for finding the potential research gaps. Then, you need to shortlist the main ideas and evaluate them as per the given topic. It would help if you also looked only for the recent articles here.

Also Read:  Expert Literature Review Writing Services

How to Deal with Literature Gap?

In any project, a literature review is always very important. It helps you in identifying your excusing knowledge, methods and theories in your own field. However, conducting a literature review has its own challenges.

• Defiling your research question: The very first step is to define your own research question very clearly and briefly. It will help you narrow your scope and focus on the crucial sources. It would help if you used less information here. Your research must always be very specific, answerable, and original. The research project always needs to have real objectives and a purpose.
• Searching and selecting the sources: Your next step is to search and select the sources. That is very much reliable and relevant to your research field. There are a number of databases, like keywords, search engines, etc., related to your study field. However, there are also a lot of limitations to these tools, like currency, coverage, and quality of the sources. Here, certain criteria have to be applied to filter the sources, such as relevance, authority, timeline, and accuracy of the information.
• Analyzing and synthesizing the literature: This is the third step, where you need to analyze and synthesize the literature you selected. Here, you need to summarize the sources and compare, contrast and critique them. In this section, you also need to look for the similarities and differences, the strengths and weaknesses, and the gaps and inconsistencies of the literature review paper. The writers can also identify the major trends, themes, and debates in the discussed field. These should also be related to your research question.
• Fill in the gaps after identifying them: This is the 4th step to filling the literature review research paper. This gap needs to be addressed or is under the researched area and is to be addressed by you with the help of your knowledge. These gaps can be filled by looking for the limitations, contradictions or controversies in the review. You can also do this by asking new questions or proposing new ideas. The gaps can also be filled by providing the newest evidence, arguments or even insights related to your field of study.
• Organizing and structuring the literature review: This is the 5th step of your review, where you need to organize and structure the whole paper in a compact and logical manner. Here, you always need to follow certain guidelines as given by your institute and use the best style and font. Proper headings, subheading citations, and traditions should also be used here. This will help your readers follow your arguments and understand what you want to say. A very clear introduction should also be written, along with a good conclusion and summary to highlight your writing.
• Refining and Revising: The literature review is the final step of writing your literature review. Here, you need to ensure that your review is quite accurate, concise and clear. You must check your literature review thoroughly to make it free from errors, gaps, or inconsistencies in language, content, or presentation. Here, you can also seek feedback from your peers, experts or supervisors in your own field. Their suggestions will help you in performing well. The whore literature review should be thoroughly proofread and edited before the final submission.

Last but not least, never copy from any source; it will be considered plagiarism, and your paper will be cancelled then and there. Thus, write only from your own creativity and not from the writing and articles of other writers.

Read More: Dissertation Literature Review For Masters & PhD

Final Words

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Research Gaps: How to Identify, Types, and Examples Explained

• November 21, 2024

Dr. Marvin L. Smith

Every academic study starts with a question. But what makes a question worth investigating? 

In this article, I’ll explore the concept of a research gap and its role in driving meaningful research.

What is a research gap?

A research gap is a specific area in a field of study where there’s a lack of up-to-date research, inconclusive findings, or a need for further investigation. 

It’s the gap between what we already know and what we still need to discover. 

Think of it as a puzzle with missing pieces — the research gap is the blank space that needs to be filled with new knowledge, evidence, or insights.

How to identify research gaps?

Identifying a research gap requires a systematic and thoughtful approach to analyzing existing literature and recognizing areas that remain unexplored. 

This process not only involves a comprehensive review of current research but also demands a critical perspective to uncover what is missing. 

Here are key strategies to effectively identify research gaps:

• Conduct a Thorough Literature Review Begin by immersing yourself in the latest research papers , academic journals, and books in your area of interest. This helps establish a solid understanding of what has already been studied and where knowledge remains incomplete.
• Look for Inconsistencies and Contradictions While reviewing the literature, pay close attention to any inconsistencies, debates, or contradictions among researchers. These often signal areas where additional research can provide clarity or resolution.
• Identify Areas with Limited Research Focus on topics or subtopics that have received little attention or have been overlooked. Such areas often hold great potential for groundbreaking research that can address these gaps.
• Analyze Current Events and Trends Stay informed about the latest developments, trends, and issues in your field. These real-world changes can highlight emerging challenges or opportunities that require immediate academic attention.
• Engage with Experts and Stakeholders Seek insights from experts, practitioners, and stakeholders in the field. Their practical experiences and perspectives can often point to pressing research needs or areas that remain underexplored.

Types of research gaps

There are many types of research gaps based on the nature of the problem, the type of data needed, and the goals of the research.

Let’s break them down:

1. Knowledge Gap: 

A knowledge gap occurs when there’s a lack of information or understanding about a specific topic or issue. It’s a fundamental gap that needs to be filled with new research to advance our knowledge.

2. Conceptual Gap: 

A conceptual gap arises when there’s a need to clarify or redefine existing concepts, theories, or frameworks. This type of gap requires researchers to think critically and creatively to develop new ideas and perspectives.

3. Theoretical Gap: 

A theoretical gap exists when there’s a need to develop or refine a theory or framework to explain a particular phenomenon. This type of gap is all about building a stronger theoretical foundation for future research.

4. Methodological Gap: 

A methodological gap occurs when there’s a need to develop or improve research methods , tools, or techniques. This type of gap is all about finding better ways to collect, analyze, and interpret data.

5. Empirical Gap: 

An empirical gap arises when there’s a lack of empirical evidence to support or refute a particular theory or hypothesis. This type of gap requires researchers to design and conduct studies to gather more data.

6. Evidence Gap: 

An evidence gap exists when there’s a need to gather more evidence to inform policy, practice, or decision-making. This type of gap is all about providing actionable insights to stakeholders.

7. Practical Gap: 

A practical gap occurs when there’s a need to translate research findings into practical applications or solutions. This type of gap is all about making research more relevant and useful to real-world problems.

8. Data Gap: 

A data gap arises when there’s a lack of reliable, accurate, or up-to-date data to support research or decision-making. This type of gap requires researchers to collect, analyze, and interpret new data.

9. Population Gap: 

A population gap exists when there’s a need to study a specific population or subgroup that has been neglected or underrepresented in previous research. This type of gap is all about giving voice to marginalized or underrepresented groups.

Example of a research gap

The identification of research gaps is crucial in advancing academic knowledge and practical applications in any field. 

The article “ The Impact of Positive Emotional Experiences on eWOM Generation and Loyalty “ by Serra-Cantallops, Ramon-Cardona, and Salvi (2018) offers an insightful example of how research gaps can be recognized within a study. 

This research, while contributing significantly to understanding the role of positive emotional experiences in enhancing eWOM and loyalty in the hospitality industry, highlights several areas where further exploration is necessary.

One limitation of the study is its focus on upscale hotels and an older demographic, with most respondents being over the age of 50. This narrow scope limits the applicability of the findings to other types of accommodations, such as budget or boutique hotels, and to younger or more diverse traveler groups. Broadening the demographic and service range could yield insights into how positive emotional experiences impact loyalty and eWOM in varied contexts.

Additionally, while the study emphasizes the importance of positive emotional experiences, it does not examine the interplay between emotional experiences and other critical factors like service quality. Integrating such constructs could provide a more comprehensive understanding of their collective impact on customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Another significant finding of the study is the relatively weak link between eWOM generation and customer loyalty. This suggests the need for further investigation into mediating variables such as trust, brand advocacy, or customer engagement, which may bridge the gap between these constructs.

Moreover, the study treats eWOM as a generalized construct without distinguishing between the platforms where it occurs, such as social media, review websites, or travel booking platforms. Given the rapid evolution of digital communication, understanding how different platforms influence the generation and impact of eWOM is an important area for future research.

Finally, the research is confined to two European markets: the UK and Germany. Although these markets are significant, extending the analysis to include other cultural contexts would provide a deeper understanding of how cultural differences influence emotional experiences, eWOM generation, and loyalty.

These research gaps underscore the need for broader, more inclusive studies that explore diverse contexts, integrate additional constructs, and delve into platform-specific dynamics. By addressing these gaps, future research can contribute to a more nuanced and actionable understanding of customer behavior in the hospitality industry.

Serra-Cantallops, A., Ramon-Cardona, J., & Salvi, F. (2018). The impact of positive emotional experiences on eWOM generation and loyalty. Spanish Journal of Marketing – ESIC, 22 (2), 142–162. https://doi.org/10.1108/SJME-03-2018-0009

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