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What is a Research Gap?

What a research gap is, why it matters, and how to find one through a systematic literature review and critical analysis of existing studies.

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What is a Research Gap?

Research gaps are unanswered questions or unexplored areas within existing literature. Identifying them helps researchers contribute new knowledge to their fields.

Why Research Gaps Matter

  • Define the originality and purpose of a study.
  • Help researchers justify their research focus.
  • Advance the academic conversation in meaningful ways.

How to Identify Research Gaps

  • Conduct a comprehensive literature review.
  • Look for conflicting results or untested assumptions.
  • Analyse current trends and emerging technologies.

Examples of Research Gaps

  • Lack of studies on a specific population or context.
  • Insufficient long-term or comparative research.
  • Absence of interdisciplinary approaches.

Final Tips

Finding a meaningful research gap ensures your study adds value to the field. Always connect your gap to clear objectives and research questions.

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