Early in my doctoral program, faculty members stressed the importance of “finding a gap” in the literature. A gap exposes an opportunity to design and publish a meaningful study. Publications are conversations. Each book, article, and conference proceeding adds breadth and depth to an ongoing discussion, sometimes spanning millennia. I listened to a long-running conversation through reading, following the twists and turns leading to my field’s current understandings and questions. If I wanted to join the discussion, I had to reflect on what was missing and what would allow me to add a novel idea.
As I looked for a gap, I was lost. I wasn’t an expert but a student learning from experts. How would I recognize missing information? In some cases, authors suggest future directions, but those might not be relevant to my interests or fit within my study’s constraints. I needed a way to find gaps.
I found a compass by enumerating gaps one might find in research. Once I had a list, it helped me brainstorm how these gaps might manifest in my field and refine literature searches to verify or refute that such a gap existed. This approach led me to the focus of my dissertation, building upon the existing conversation and adding new insights.
Below, I describe six gaps I considered, briefly explaining each. If you are working to identify or refine your dissertation topic or generate an idea for a new research project, considering the existing knowledge in your field from these perspectives might help.
Knowledge Gap: The Lack of Essential Information
Knowledge gaps emerge when essential information or data is lacking to understand a particular phenomenon. These gaps can arise due to incomplete or outdated research, inadequate funding, or a lack of resources. For instance, a study investigating the impact of climate change on local ecosystems might identify a knowledge gap in the availability of reliable, long-term data on temperature and precipitation patterns.
Theoretical Gap: Incoherent or Incomplete Theories
Theoretical gaps occur when our current understanding of a phenomenon is incomplete, inconsistent, or contradictory. These gaps can stem from underlying assumptions, flawed methodologies, or the absence of a unifying framework. For example, studying social behavior might reveal a theoretical gap in understanding the complex interplay between individual and societal factors that influence decision-making. I considered this gap because the framework I used, Brofenbrenner’s (1975) Ecological Systems Model, predated the existence of online environments, which were familiar to my study participants.
Evidence Gap: Inadequate or Insufficient Research
Evidence gaps arise when research needs more data, a reliable methodology, or generalizability. These gaps can hinder our ability to draw conclusive inferences or make informed decisions. For instance, a study investigating the effectiveness of a new medical treatment might identify an evidence gap in the need for more rigorous, long-term trials to establish its safety and efficacy.
Methodology Gap: Inefficient or Biased Approaches
Methodology gaps occur when research methods are flawed, biased, or incomplete. These gaps can compromise the findings’ validity, reliability, or generalizability. For example, a study examining the impact of social media on mental health might identify a methodology gap in the reliance on self-reported data, failing to account for external factors or individual differences.
Empirical Gap: Limited or No Data Available
Empirical gaps emerge when reliable, comparable data or longitudinal studies are absent. These gaps can hinder our understanding of trends, patterns, or relationships. For instance, a study investigating the economic impact of global trade agreements might identify an empirical gap in the availability of reliable, comparable data on international trade flows and their economic effects. This was another gap I considered for my dissertation, following women through a CS program, but as my advisor noted, I would have time for more extended studies once I graduated.
Population Gap: Limited Generalizability
Population gaps occur when research findings do not represent the broader population or need to account for individual differences. These gaps can limit the applicability of research results and the ability to draw informed conclusions. For example, a study examining the effectiveness of a new vaccine might identify a population gap in the lack of representation from diverse age groups, geographic locations, or socioeconomic backgrounds. This gap drove my dissertation’s study design, allowing me to bring new voices into the discussion.
Conclusion
Gaps in the literature are opportunities for new studies to extend the knowledge base of our fields. Identifying a meaningful focus for your dissertation leads to a goal that informs your study’s design. A goal based on filling a knowledge gap is an excellent motivator for completing your dissertation, knowing it represents a milestone in your educational journey and extends the ongoing conversation in your field. When addressing knowledge gaps, we ensure that our research will be relevant and impactful, advancing our field and impacting the world.
What are some of the most significant research gaps in your area of expertise? What are techniques you use to generate or refine ideas for your research? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Bronfenbrenner, U. (1975). Reality and Research in the Ecology of Human Development. Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, 119(6), 439–469.