Video summary

RESEARCH GAP: What is a research gap and types of research gaps? How do we find the research gap?

Main summary

Key takeaways

Educational

Main ideas / lessons conveyed

What a research gap is

A research gap is an area where information is missing, insufficient, unanswered, unresolved, or contradictory, preventing researchers from making solid conclusions about a question.

It can be:

  • A topic/area with missing or incomplete information, or
  • An unresolved problem / unanswered question due to lack of existing research.

When research gaps exist

Research gaps arise when there is:

  • Lack of sufficient evidence or information on a topic, or
  • Existing research that produces contradictory or inconsistent results, making firm conclusions difficult.

Example of a research gap

If a study aims to find the most effective online learning strategy for students with learning disabilities:

  • even if both small- and large-scale studies exist,
  • if their findings are divergent and conflicting,
  • then that inconsistency becomes a research gap.

Why identifying a research gap matters

Identifying the gap from a systematic review is described as essential for evidence-based research practice.

The video also highlights that research teachers often search for the research gap because it is crucial for shaping a strong research direction.

How to find a research gap

The video presents “simple steps” to locate a research gap based on:

  • the student’s topic, and
  • the relevant literature.

Research gap finding methodology (detailed steps)

  1. Identify the key issue / motive / research question / area of interest
  2. Review the literature related to your area of interest or key issue
  3. Determine what is not addressed by the literature
    • Specifically, identify what articles do not say or fail to cover

Types of research gaps (four common types)

  • Knowledge gaps

    • Where understanding is incomplete and more research is needed to fill missing details or expand existing findings.

  • Conceptual gaps

    • Where there is lack of clarity or insufficient development in frameworks and concepts.
    • Requires further research to define or integrate theoretical models.

  • Methodological gaps

    • Where current research methods have limitations.
    • Suggests a need for new approaches or techniques to study the question effectively.

  • Data gaps

    • Where available data is insufficient for research needs.
    • Indicates a need for new data collection or improved measurement techniques.

Embedded assignment / question to viewers

  • The presenter asks: “What is a perceived gap?”
  • Viewers are invited to comment with answers for the presenter to read.

Speakers / sources mentioned

  • Ana PH (channel/presenter referenced in the subtitles)
  • Robinson and others (2013) (cited for the importance of identifying gaps from systematic reviews)

Original video