How to Identify a Research Gap?

Summary

This lecture explains the concept of a research gap and how to identify it, particularly for master's and doctoral students. A research gap refers to unanswered questions or problems within a field of study, highlighting the importance of original research. The lecture provides three key strategies for identifying research gaps: focusing on a passionate topic, reviewing current trends and debates in the field, and conducting a thorough literature review. These techniques help ensure that the research is timely, necessary, and contributes to the academic conversation.

Takeaways

• 📘 A research gap is a problem or question that hasn't been addressed in the current state of knowledge.
• 🧠 Identifying a research gap is essential for establishing the importance and necessity of a proposed research project.
• 🔑 The research gap differs from the research aim; the gap highlights what is missing, while the aim defines what the research seeks to accomplish.
• 📝 Master’s and doctoral students often struggle with identifying research gaps, which is why it's crucial to understand this process for thesis and dissertation success.
• 💡 A clear research gap ensures originality and uniqueness in research, preventing duplication of past work.
• 📊 Techniques to identify a research gap include choosing a topic you're passionate about, reviewing recent literature, and understanding major trends and debates in your field.
• 🕵️‍♀️ Determining megatrends or recent debates helps ensure your research is timely and addresses important issues.
• 🔍 Conducting a literature review allows you to see what has been done in your field and identify gaps that you can fill.
• 🎯 Passion in your chosen topic motivates and sustains you through the research process, turning hard work into enjoyment.
• 📚 The process of identifying research gaps is applicable across all disciplines, from social sciences to engineering.

Q & A

What is a research gap?

A research gap is the problem or question that has not been addressed in the current state of knowledge within a specific field. It is what is missing and what researchers aim to fill with their proposed research project.

Why is identifying a research gap important?

Identifying a research gap is crucial because it establishes the need and importance of a proposed research project. Without a clearly articulated research gap, a thesis or dissertation is unlikely to be accepted, as it may be seen as duplicating previous studies.

How does a research gap differ from a research aim?

A research gap is what is missing in the current knowledge, while a research aim describes the specific focus of the research project. The research aim stems from the research gap, but the two are not the same.

What happens if a thesis or dissertation does not clearly articulate a research gap?

If a thesis or dissertation does not clearly articulate a research gap, it is likely to be rejected by reviewers or thesis defense panel members. The student may then need to start their research again from scratch.

What common mistake do inexperienced researchers make when identifying a research gap?

Inexperienced researchers often mistake the research aim for the research gap, thinking that simply stating what the research aims to do is enough. They may also copy or pattern their thesis on previous research without identifying what is truly missing.

What is the first technique suggested for identifying a research gap?

The first technique is to start with a topic that the researcher is passionate about. Being passionate about a topic helps researchers stay motivated and work harder, turning difficult tasks into enjoyable ones.

What is the second technique suggested for identifying a research gap?

The second technique is to determine the mega trends or recent debates in the chosen field of specialization. This helps ensure that the research is timely and addresses a significant problem.

What role does a literature review play in identifying a research gap?

A literature review is essential for identifying what has already been done in the field. By reviewing recent literature, researchers can pinpoint gaps or unresolved issues that their research can address.

Can you give an example of identifying a research gap in anthropology?

In anthropology, if several scholars have published on the marginalization of the Dayak indigenous peoples in Borneo, but none have researched how they resist marginalization, then the gap could be to study the Dayak people's struggle for recognition of their ancestral rights.

How can identifying a research gap make a research project more publishable?

If a research gap is clearly identified and articulated, reviewers will recognize that the project is unique and original. This makes the research more likely to be accepted for publication because it fills a gap rather than duplicating existing studies.