This document discusses different types of research gaps. It begins by defining a research gap as a missing or insufficient area of knowledge that has been identified through a literature analysis. Some common types of research gaps are then outlined, including theoretical, empirical, methodological, practical, literature, historical, cultural, and conceptual gaps. Each type of gap is defined and examples are provided. The document then goes on to discuss theoretical, empirical, and methodological gaps in more depth, providing definitions, examples, and steps to identify these specific types of gaps. In summary, the document categorizes and explains different types of research gaps to help researchers identify gaps in existing knowledge.

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:
1. Theoretical Gap.
2. Empirical Gap.
3. Methodological Gap.
4. Practical Gap.
5. Literature Gap.
6. Historical Gap.
7. Cultural Gap.
8. 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
Develop and test your theoretical framework
Consult with experts
Brainstorm potential solutions
Analyze the literature
Conduct a thorough literature review

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
Conduct new empirical research
Develop a new research design
Identify gaps in the existing empirical evidence
Evaluate existing studies
Conduct a literature review
Identify the research question

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
Conduct new research with a different methodology
Develop a new research design
Identify gaps in the existing methodology
Evaluate existing studies
Conduct a literature review
Identify the research question

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
Implement practical solutions
Develop practical solutions
Identify gaps in practical applications
Evaluate existing studies
Conduct a literature review
Identify the research question

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
Conduct new research
Develop research questions
Identify gaps in the literature
Evaluate existing studies
Conduct a literature review
Identify the research question

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
Conduct new historical research
Develop research questions or hypotheses
Identify gaps in the historical record
Analyze existing historical documents
Conduct a literature review
Identify the research question

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
Conduct new cultural research
Develop research questions or hypotheses
Identify gaps in the cultural record
Analyze existing cultural materials
Conduct a literature review
Identify the research question

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
Evaluate and refine the new conceptual framework
Develop new conceptual frameworks
Identify gaps in the conceptual frameworks
Analyze existing conceptual frameworks
Conduct a literature review
Identify the research question

34. THANK YOU