The research gap is the area of the study
which has insufficient information. This is the problem that has not been
answered properly in previous studies. The research gap is very important in a
study because it is in the gap where a researcher is compelled to write. The gap
in literature will set your study in the right direction. Oftentimes, it is
even difficult to find the gap in research unless you have read a large number
of studies, therefore, having the gap shows that you have a deeper
understanding of your research.
Why is the research
gap important?
1. It sets the
starting point of your research because your current study aims to fill in the
gap in the literature.
2. This makes
your study original and it prevents you from duplication studies.
3. This makes
your study more credible and substantial because having read a large number of
studies, you have gained a deeper understanding of your research.
4. This gives
your paper a higher opportunity for publication.
How do we
find the gap in research?
In writing a thesis or dissertation, it is
often difficult to look for the gap. Sometimes, you don’t even know what you
are looking for. The key is to read a large number of studies related to your
research and look more closely at the objectives, results, and limitations or
recommendations. You may place them on a table and evaluate and cross-reference
on what has been done and what we're not done and see how you can start your
research. Another approach is to look for systematic reviews or meta-analysis
studies because these papers delve deep into the literature and examine the
trends and changes of a specific study.
What are
several ways to write the research gap?
Below are some examples of how to write the research gap:
1.
Understudied
research
A recent meta-analysis of public perceptions of nuclear energy found that most studies
were conducted in North America and Europe, while limited studies were
conducted in Southeast Asian nations (Ho et al., 2018). As such, this study
seeks to address the research gap by exploring public perceptions in SEA
countries, particularly, Singapore. Additionally, this study contributes to the
literature by exploring an under-studied cultural context, which differs from
North America, Europe, and East Asia in terms of culture, language, and
religion (Vinayak et al., 2014).
An excerpt from Ho, S., Looi, J., Chuah, A.,
Leong, A., Pang, N. (2018) “I can live with nuclear energy if…”: Exploring
public perceptions of nuclear energy in Singapore
2.
Combination
of two-studies
While
Psychometric Model perceives control overexposure to risk, it may need a
dimension reflecting the probability of harm to provide a better fit with risk
takings (Slovic, 1982). Moreover, the Simplified Conjoint Expected Risk (CER)
Model may not be robust to the source of model-variable information. This
study aims to address the gap of the previous theories and provide a new
version of risk perception in the modern era…..
3.
Evaluating opposing
or contradicting studies
Several
researchers (San Miguel, 2009; Choney 2010; & Enriquez,
2010) stated that students’ use of social media sites revealed a negative effect on the use of social
media sites on students’ academic performance. The American Educational
Research Association conducted research and declared at its annual conference
in San Diego California (2009), that social media users study less and generate
lower grades (Abaleta et al, 2014). However, studies
of Harrath and Alobaidy (2016) revealed that there is
a positive impact of this technology at their
academic level through the useful and optimal use of social networking sites. Besides,
social networks have helped students to join educational networks, interact
with colleagues and access e-learning resources (Kaplan & Haenlein,
2010 & Zabarath, 2017). With the contradicting results, this
study seeks to address the gap in the impact of the use of social media
sites on academic performance.