The document presents various types of research gaps that arise during literature reviews, including theoretical, empirical, methodological, practical, conceptual, and knowledge gaps. It emphasizes the importance of identifying these gaps to motivate further research and improve knowledge in a specific field. Additionally, it describes the services offered by Tutors India, including guidance in writing literature reviews and providing editing services.

1. WHAT ARE THE
DIFFERENT TYPES OF
RESEARCH GAPS IN THE
LITERATURE REVIEW?
An Academic presentation by
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2. WHAT IS THE RESEARCH GAP IN LITERATURE REVIEW?
• The purpose of a literature review is not only to examine the past available literature but
also identifying gaps in the literature.
• According to Robinson et al., a research gap arises ‘when the capability of the reviewer
to draw conclusions from existing studies is limited.’ A research gap forms a starting
point for conducting further research.
• While a research gap in literature review can be considered an ‘output’ of a literature
review, it can also be considered an ‘input’ that motivates further research (Bloch, 2015).
Contd...

3. TYPES OF RESEARCH GAP
Research gaps can also arise due to contradictory findings, changing trends and
unanswered questions.
• A gap in existing theories and models in the field that has not been
effectively addressed is known as a theoretical gap or theory
application void gap.
• It can be identified through a literature review, where the
researcher examines the existing literature on the research topic
and identifies inconsistencies, limitations, and gaps in the
research.
THEORETICAL GAP
Contd...

4. • The term “empirical gap” refers to the missing or
undiscovered components of a phenomenon that can be
addressed through empirical research.
• When the available data or empirical research is unable to
answer specific research questions, a gap results, known as
an empirical gap or empirical void gap.
EMPIRICAL GAP
Contd...

5. METHODOLOGICAL GAP
• A methodological gap, or method and research design gap, is a gap in the
research procedures and techniques employed in previous studies that
may affect the precision and reliability of the findings.
• This can impair the accuracy of analysis, limit the scope of research, and
hinder the development of robust models or solutions in the field of finance.
• Sometimes, researchers conducting research in finance may lack the
necessary data, leading to methodological research gaps.
• Limited data hinders the ability to conduct further research, leading to a
methodological gap.
Contd...

6. PRACTICAL GAP
• Practical gap arises when there is a discrepancy between
theory and practice, where there is a necessity to conduct
further research to address this gap and improve the
application of the theoretical findings into practice.
• A practical gap is also called Practical-Knowledge Gap or
Action-Knowledge-Conflict Gap.
Contd...

7. CONCEPTUAL GAP
• Conceptual gaps occur when there is inconsistency or ambiguity in a
concept’s definition, interpretation, or application, resulting in
confusion and misunderstanding.
• Conceptual gaps lead to inconsistent or unclear definitions and
interpretations.
Contd...

8. KNOWLEDGE GAP
• A knowledge gap is the difference between what is
known and what needs to be known about a specific
topic.
• A knowledge gap can occur for various reasons,
including insufficient or incomplete information,
contradictory information, limited research, and
outdated information.
Contd...

9. • To identify a knowledge gap, researchers must extensively
examine the available literature and identify areas where
additional study is required.
• They can also conduct surveys or interviews to examine the
general public’s or specialists’ knowledge and awareness of
a specific problem.
• Addressing a knowledge gap leads to advancing knowledge
in a particular field and gives rise to new concepts, theories
or practices.

11. • A research gap occurs when a researcher is unable to draw conclusions from existing
literature. Identifying gaps in literature is crucial for a literature review.
• There are various types of research gaps that include theoretical gas, empirical gaps,
methodological gaps, practical gaps, conceptual gaps and knowledge gaps.
• Addressing these types of research gaps can significantly add to the existing body of
knowledge and lead to knowledge advancement in a given field.
CONCLUSION

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