Research Gap.pptx

This PPT aims to provide knowledge and understanding about Research Gap, Types of Research Gap, What is Theoretical Gap, What is Empirical Gap, What is Methodological Gap, What is Practical Gap, What is Literature Gap, What is Historical Gap, What is Cultural Gap, What is
Conceptual Gap and Steps involved in Finding Each Research Gap and So on.

1. RESEARCH GAP AND ITS TYPES By Monojit Gope Research Scholar

2. RESEARCH GAP A research gap refers to a missing or insufficient area of knowledge or understanding in a particular field of research or study. It is a discrepancy or a need for further investigation that is identified through an analysis of existing literature or empirical evidence. Research gaps can occur due to limitations in previous research, changes in the field, or emerging trends that have not yet been explored. Identifying research gaps is an essential step in conducting research as it helps researchers to focus their efforts and contribute to the existing body of knowledge. Addressing research gaps may involve designing new studies, developing new theories or frameworks, or re-evaluating existing research. By addressing research gaps, researchers can make meaningful contributions to their field and improve the quality of their research.

3. VARIOUS TYPES OF RESEARCH GAP Here are some common types of research gaps: Theoretical Gap. Empirical Gap. Methodological Gap. Practical Gap. Literature Gap. Historical Gap. Cultural Gap. Conceptual Gap.

4. THEORETICAL GAP Theoretical gap refers to a gap in the theoretical knowledge or understanding of a particular research area or topic. It occurs when there is a lack of theoretical explanations or frameworks to explain a particular phenomenon or when there are inconsistencies or contradictions in existing theories. Theoretical gaps can occur due to various reasons such as limited research in a particular area, changes in the social or economic environment, or the emergence of new phenomena that require new theoretical frameworks. Identifying and addressing theoretical gaps is essential to advance knowledge in the field and to develop a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of the phenomenon under study.

5. EXAMPLE OF THEORETICAL GAP Let's say a researcher wants to study the relationship between personality traits and job satisfaction. While there is existing literature on both personality traits and job satisfaction, there may be a theoretical gap in the understanding of how these two concepts are related. In other words, there may not be a theoretical model that fully explains the relationship between personality traits and job satisfaction.

6. STEPS INVOLVED IN FINDING THEORETICAL GAP

7. EMPIRICAL GAP Empirical gap refers to a gap in the empirical evidence or research findings on a particular research area or topic. It occurs when there is a lack of sufficient or reliable empirical data to support or refute a particular hypothesis or research question. Empirical gaps can occur due to various reasons such as limited data availability, lack of research in a particular area, methodological limitations, or inconsistencies in research findings. Identifying and addressing empirical gaps is essential to advance knowledge in the field and to develop a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of the phenomenon under study.

8. EXAMPLES OF EMPIRICAL GAP An empirical gap may exist when there is a lack of empirical evidence or data to support a particular claim or hypothesis. Here are some examples of empirical gaps: Lack of data: A researcher may want to investigate the effects of a new medication on a specific health condition, but there is a lack of empirical data on the medication's effectiveness. To address this gap, the researcher may need to conduct a clinical trial or collect data from patient records.

9. EXAMPLES OF EMPIRICAL GAP Inconsistent results: A researcher may find conflicting results in the existing literature on the relationship between exercise and mental health. Some studies may suggest that exercise has a positive effect on mental health, while others may show no significant effect. To address this gap, the researcher may need to conduct a meta-analysis of the existing studies or design a new study that controls for other factors that may influence the relationship between exercise and mental health. Limited scope: A researcher may want to investigate the effects of a particular teaching method on student learning outcomes. However, existing studies may only focus on a narrow range of learning outcomes, such as test scores, and may not consider other important factors, such as student motivation or engagement.

10. STEPS INVOLVED IN FINDING EMPIRICAL GAP

11. METHODOLOGICAL GAP Methodological gap refers to a gap in the research methodology used in a particular research area or topic. It occurs when there are limitations or flaws in the research methods used to collect, analyze or interpret data, resulting in incomplete or inaccurate findings. Methodological gaps can occur due to various reasons such as limitations in the available research methods, inappropriate or inadequate sample sizes, inadequate control of extraneous variables, and biases in data collection or interpretation. Identifying and addressing methodological gaps is essential to advance knowledge in the field and to develop a more accurate understanding of the phenomenon under study.

12. EXAMPLES OF METHODOLOGICAL GAP A methodological gap may exist when there is a lack of appropriate research methods or techniques to adequately address a particular research question or hypothesis. Here are some examples of methodological gaps: Lack of appropriate measurement tools: A researcher may want to investigate the effects of a particular intervention on cognitive functioning in older adults. However, there may not be appropriate measurement tools to assess cognitive functioning in this population. To address this gap, the researcher may need to develop or adapt measurement tools that are appropriate for older adults.

13. EXAMPLES OF METHODOLOGICAL GAP Inadequate sampling methods: A researcher may want to investigate the experiences of individuals with a particular health condition. However, the existing research may have relied on convenience sampling methods, which may not be representative of the population of interest. To address this gap, the researcher may need to use more rigorous sampling methods, such as random sampling, to ensure that the sample is representative of the population of interest. Insufficient statistical methods: A researcher may want to investigate the relationship between two variables, but the existing statistical methods may not be appropriate for the type of data or the research question. For example, the researcher may have non-normal data or may need to control for other factors that may influence the relationship. To address this gap, the researcher may need to use more advanced statistical methods, such as non-parametric tests or regression analysis with covariates.

14. STEPS INVOLVED IN FINDING METHODOLOGICAL GAP

15. PRACTICAL GAP Practical gap refers to a gap between theoretical or empirical findings and their application in practice. It occurs when the knowledge generated by research is not effectively translated or applied in real-world settings, resulting in a gap between research findings and practical outcomes. Practical gaps can occur due to various reasons such as a lack of awareness or understanding of research findings, insufficient resources or funding to implement research-based interventions, organizational or cultural barriers, or inadequate dissemination of research findings to relevant stakeholders.

16. EXAMPLES OF PRACTICAL GAP A practical gap may exist when there is a lack of implementation or application of existing knowledge or research findings in real-world settings. Here are some examples of practical gaps: Implementation challenges: A researcher may have developed a new intervention that has been shown to be effective in improving patient outcomes in a clinical trial setting. However, there may be practical challenges in implementing the intervention in real-world clinical settings, such as lack of resources, staff training, or patient acceptance. To address this gap, the researcher may need to work with stakeholders to develop a plan for implementing the intervention and addressing these practical challenges.

17. EXAMPLES OF PRACTICAL GAP Limited dissemination: A researcher may have conducted a study that has important implications for policy or practice. However, the study findings may not have been disseminated widely enough to reach the policymakers or practitioners who could use the information to make decisions. To address this gap, the researcher may need to work with stakeholders to develop a dissemination plan that targets the relevant audience. Lack of collaboration: A researcher may have developed a new technology or innovation that has the potential to improve outcomes in a particular industry. However, there may be a lack of collaboration between the academic and industry sectors, which may hinder the translation of the innovation into practical applications. To address this gap, the researcher may need to establish partnerships or collaborations with industry stakeholders to facilitate the translation of the innovation into practice.

18. STEPS INVOLVED IN FINDING PRACTICAL GAP

19. LITERATURE GAP Literature gap refers to a gap in the existing literature or previous research on a particular research area or topic. It occurs when there is a lack of research or limited research on a particular aspect of a phenomenon, resulting in an incomplete or inadequate understanding of the phenomenon. Literature gaps can occur due to various reasons such as limited research in a particular area, changes in the social or economic environment, or the emergence of new phenomena that require new research. Identifying and addressing literature gaps is essential to advance knowledge in the field and to develop a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of the phenomenon under study.

20. EXAMPLES OF LITERATURE GAP A literature gap exists when there is a lack of research on a particular topic or a research question that has not been adequately addressed in the existing literature. Here are some examples of literature gaps: Limited research on a specific population: There may be a lack of research on a particular population, such as individuals with a specific health condition, minority groups, or individuals living in a particular geographic area. This gap may result in limited understanding of the needs and experiences of these populations, and may hinder the development of effective interventions or policies that are tailored to their needs.

21. EXAMPLES OF LITERATURE GAP Inadequate attention to a particular aspect of a topic: There may be a lack of research on a particular aspect of a topic, such as the long-term effects of a treatment, the social determinants of health, or the ethical implications of a particular practice. This gap may result in a limited understanding of the broader implications of the topic, and may hinder the development of comprehensive policies or interventions. Insufficient attention to emerging issues: There may be a lack of research on emerging issues, such as new technologies, new health threats, or changes in social or economic conditions. This gap may result in limited understanding of the implications of these emerging issues, and may hinder the development of effective strategies to address them.

22. STEPS INVOLVED IN FINDING LITERATURE GAP

23. HISTORICAL GAP A historical gap refers to a gap in knowledge or understanding of a specific event, period, or phenomenon in history due to a lack of available information, biased sources, or limited perspectives. Historical gaps can occur when information is lost or destroyed over time, or when dominant narratives exclude or marginalize certain perspectives. For example, historical gaps may exist in our understanding of the experiences of marginalized communities or the impact of certain events on different groups. These gaps can limit our understanding of history and may perpetuate historical injustices or stereotypes.

24. EXAMPLES OF HISTORICAL GAP A historical gap exists when there is a lack of information or understanding about a particular period, event, or phenomenon in history. Here are some examples of historical gaps: Limited information about the daily lives of marginalized groups: Many historical records focus on the experiences of dominant groups, such as wealthy or powerful individuals, while providing little information about the daily lives of marginalized groups, such as women, people of color , or the working class. Incomplete records of important events: Historical records may be incomplete or biased, leading to gaps in our understanding of important events or phenomena. For example, records of colonialism or slavery may not accurately reflect the experiences of the colonized or enslaved populations.

25. STEPS INVOLVES IN FINDING HISTORICAL GAP

26. CULTURAL GAP Cultural gap refers to a gap in understanding between individuals or groups from different cultural backgrounds. It occurs when there is a lack of knowledge or awareness of the cultural norms, values, beliefs, and practices of another group, leading to miscommunication, misunderstandings, and cultural clashes. Cultural gaps can occur due to various reasons such as differences in language, social norms, religion, ethnicity, race, and gender. Identifying and addressing cultural gaps is essential to promote mutual understanding and respect between different cultural groups and to reduce conflicts and misunderstandings.

27. EXAMPLES OF CULTURAL GAP A cultural gap exists when there is a lack of understanding or knowledge about a particular culture or cultural practices. Here are some examples of cultural gaps: Misunderstanding of cultural values and beliefs : A cultural gap may arise when individuals from different cultures have different values and beliefs that are not well understood or appreciated. For example, some cultures may place a higher value on collectivism rather than individualism, which can lead to misunderstandings or conflicts in cross-cultural interactions. Lack of knowledge about cultural practices: Cultural gaps may also arise when individuals lack knowledge about cultural practices or customs. For example, visitors to a foreign country may not be aware of appropriate dress codes or greeting customs, which can lead to misunderstandings or offense.

28. EXAMPLES OF CULTURAL GAP Underrepresentation of cultural perspectives: Cultural gaps can also arise when certain cultural perspectives are underrepresented or marginalized in society. For example, the experiences and perspectives of indigenous communities may be overlooked or undervalued in mainstream society. Stereotyping and prejudice: Stereotyping and prejudice based on cultural differences can also contribute to cultural gaps. For example, assuming that all members of a particular culture share the same values or behaviors can lead to misunderstandings and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

29. STEPS INVOLVED IN FINDING CULTURAL GAP

30. CONCEPTUAL GAP A conceptual gap refers to a lack of understanding or agreement about the fundamental concepts, theories, or ideas that are relevant to a particular research area or topic. It occurs when there is confusion or disagreement about the meaning or application of key concepts, leading to a lack of coherence or consistency in research findings. Conceptual gaps can arise due to various reasons such as differing definitions of concepts, conflicting theoretical perspectives, or lack of clarity in the research design or methodology. It is important to identify and address conceptual gaps in research to ensure that research findings are meaningful, relevant, and contribute to the development of knowledge in the field.

31. EXAMPLES OF CONCEPTUAL GAP Here are some examples of conceptual gaps that can occur in research: Lack of agreement on the definition of a key concept: In a study on leadership, for example, there may be disagreement among researchers on the definition of "leadership." Some may view leadership as a trait or characteristic of an individual, while others may view it as a process or behavior . Conflicting theoretical perspectives: Different theoretical perspectives may provide conflicting explanations for a phenomenon, resulting in a conceptual gap. For example, in a study on motivation, one theory may emphasize the importance of extrinsic rewards, while another theory may focus on intrinsic motivation.

32. EXAMPLES OF CONCEPTUAL GAP Ambiguity in research design or methodology: A conceptual gap can also arise when there is ambiguity in the research design or methodology. For example, in a study on the effectiveness of a new teaching method, the research design may not clearly define the criteria for measuring effectiveness, leading to inconsistent or unclear results. Lack of clarity in research objectives: If the research objectives are unclear or ambiguous, it can lead to a conceptual gap in the research. For example, if the research objective is to explore the impact of social media on mental health, it may be unclear what specific aspects of social media are being examined and how they relate to mental health.

33. STEPS INVOLVED IN FINDING CONCEPTUAL GAP

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