Thanks to visit codestin.com
Credit goes to www.scribd.com

Scribd
Upload
89 views9 pages

Identifying Research Gaps

The document outlines the importance of identifying research gaps in academic fields, emphasizing its role in originality, funding opportunities, and publication success. It provides a structured approach to finding these gaps through literature reviews, mapping research trends, examining limitations, engaging in discussions, and utilizing AI tools. Finally, it advises on how to clearly define and justify the identified research gap for effective proposal development.

Uploaded by

Simon lunda
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
89 views9 pages

Identifying Research Gaps

The document outlines the importance of identifying research gaps in academic fields, emphasizing its role in originality, funding opportunities, and publication success. It provides a structured approach to finding these gaps through literature reviews, mapping research trends, examining limitations, engaging in discussions, and utilizing AI tools. Finally, it advises on how to clearly define and justify the identified research gap for effective proposal development.

Uploaded by

Simon lunda
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 9

PHASE 1

RESEARCH PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT

Identifying the Research Gap

Why It Matters and How to Find It

Dr. Laraib Abbas


Why Identifying a Research Gap Matters

A research gap is the missing or unexplored


aspect of existing knowledge in a field. This step
is crucial for:

e lty & Academi


No v c
in ality Contribu
Orig tion

Fundi
ng
Oppo lication
rtunit Pub
ies
Success
How to Identify a Research Gap

1 Reviewing Existing Literature

Read Recent Research Papers – Focus on the


last 5-10 years in top-tier journals (IEEE,
Elsevier, Springer, etc.).

Analyze Review Articles – These summarize


progress and highlight open questions.

Identify Contradictions – Look for conflicting


findings that need further exploration.
How to Identify a Research Gap

2 Mapping Research Trends

📊 Use Citation Analysis – Tools like Google


Scholar and Scopus help track frequently
cited papers and emerging themes.

📈 Observe Unexplored Areas – What aspects


of a topic remain untouched? Are there
methodological limitations in past studies?
How to Identify a Research Gap

3 Examining Research Limitations

Look at the “Future Work” Section – Many


studies explicitly mention gaps and directions
for further research.

Check Methodological or Contextual Gaps –


Are there weaknesses in study design or gaps
in applying research to specific populations or
industries?
How to Identify a Research Gap

4 Engaging in Discussions

Attend Conferences & Webinars – Leading


researchers often discuss current challenges.

Join Academic Communities – Platforms like


ResearchGate, LinkedIn groups, and Twitter
discussions highlight active debates.
How to Identify a Research Gap

4 Using AI & Research Tools

Leverage AI-powered Literature Review Tools


– Tools like ChatGPT, Scite, Elicit, and
Connected Papers help identify gaps faster.

Systematic Literature Review (SLR) – A


structured way to analyze multiple studies
and find underexplored areas.
Finalizing Your Research Gap

Once you've gathered evidence, define your


research gap with clarity:

✅ State the Problem – What is missing in


current knowledge?

✅ Justify the Importance – Why does


addressing this gap matter?

✅ Propose a Solution – How does your


research aim to fill this gap?
Dr. Laraib Abbas

Follow me for more insights


/in/dr-laraib-abbas/

You might also like