What are gaps in the literature in literature review
The gaps in the literature refer to areas or aspects that have not been adequately explored or addressed in previous research studies. These gaps highlight opportunities for further investigation and contribute to the justification of conducting new research. Here are some common types of gaps that may be identified:
1. Theoretical gaps: These occur when there is a lack of research or limited theoretical frameworks available to explain a particular phenomenon or topic.
2. Methodological gaps: These gaps arise when there is a lack of appropriate or effective research methods to study a specific research question or when existing methods have limitations.
3. Empirical gaps: These gaps occur when there is a lack of empirical evidence or data available to support or refute a particular hypothesis or research question.
4. Contextual or cultural gaps: These occur when research is lacking in a specific geographical or cultural context, limiting the generalizability of findings to other contexts.
5. Interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary gaps: These gaps arise when research in a specific discipline does not sufficiently draw upon or integrate insights from other relevant disciplines.
6. Population or demographic gaps: These gaps refer to a lack of research on specific populations, such as individuals with specific characteristics, marginalized groups, or specific age groups.
7. Timeframe gaps: These occur when there is a limited scope of research available or a lack of recent studies on a particular topic.
Identifying and addressing these gaps in the literature is crucial for advancing knowledge, filling knowledge voids, and informing future research initiatives.