How can you identify research gaps in your dissertation?

There is a need to recognize that a research gap (lack of knowledge) is different to a research need (a gap that impedes decision-making) and priority (targeting a few of the many identified needs). Not all gaps identified are worth the effort required to address them. A dissertation ought to move forward from the recognition of ignorance as gaps and then take the analysis forward to justify the focus on answering questions about specific gaps. Taking the perspective that purpose of academic inquiry is to benefit society, relevant stakeholders ought to opine on the value attached to addressing one gap over another.

One of the critical issues in ‘reviewing the research’ is first identifying WHICH literature your dissertation best belongs to - which isn’t as easy as it sounds. For example, a topic may have several possible options for: theoretical frameworks, data collection, data analysis, and relevant comparison research and researchers (eg journals of relevance). In Second Language Acquisition, for example, some of the research is in the SLA literature, other in TESOL literature, or education literature - or linguistics literature… or psychology or psycholinguistic literature..

During my college dissertation work, my tutor instructed me to review existing literature on my dissertation topic thoroughly. Identify areas where previous research provides limited information or gaps in understanding.This involved critically examining existing scholarly works relevant to my research topic, synthesizing key findings, and identifying gaps in the current body of knowledge. The emphasis on a thorough literature review aimed to establish a strong foundation for my research and ensure a nuanced understanding of the existing literature in the field.

Identifying a research gap in my dissertation through a literature review involves keen observation. One helpful approach is critically assessing existing studies to pinpoint areas lacking sufficient exploration. Disagreeing with certain findings can unveil potential gaps, challenging prevailing perspectives. For instance, in my research, I noticed a gap in addressing Glioblastoma Multiform, where existing literature fell short in examining specific genes. This process aids in carving out a niche for meaningful contributions.

Look for gaps in logic. It's so easy to focus on detail and miss gaps in reasoning. Usually the writer feels that the line of logic is obvious. Be sure to state it.

Utilizing gap-finding frameworks enhances dissertation rigor. One helpful strategy is employing the PICO(T) model, systematically analyzing Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Time factors. This framework ensures a comprehensive exploration of research gaps. Contrarily, I disagree with relying solely on traditional frameworks. Often, interdisciplinary approaches or innovative models better unveil nuanced gaps, fostering a more holistic understanding. An example in my research involves diverging from conventional models and incorporating the "Five Whys" technique borrowed from process improvement. This approach delves deep into the root causes, revealing nuanced gaps that might be overlooked in a standard analysis.

First of all I suggest to make someone else read your research and discuss about the gasp. Don't think gasp as a negative fact, but as a suggestion

One common way of reviewing literature to identify gaps that work for me is using a literature review table. The table must consist of authors, year, topic, methodology, data, findings, and conclusion. You can discuss and analyse the table and identify gaps. You can make note of the gaps as you analyse and discuss the literature.

In most cases, supervisors are engaged with quite a few tasks and might not respond promptly. Let this not hinder you from asking doubts and being as involved as you can. This not only proves that you are serious and committed to your work but will also help in better support from your supervisor. Take appointments beforehand and participate in discussions for them to help you analyse the gaps better. While you are at it, notice how they identify those gaps and learn (or make notes.)

Seeking guidance from both my supervisor and peers is crucial for refining my dissertation. Regular meetings with my supervisor ensure alignment with academic expectations, enhancing work quality. Despite occasional disagreements, respectful communication has led to productive discussions, allowing for a deeper understanding of my research. Proposing alternative solutions based on well-founded arguments during disagreements fosters a positive working relationship and strengthens the overall quality of the dissertation.

In crafting my dissertation, I actively sought input from both peers and tutors, recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives in refining my work. Engaging with my peers allowed me to benefit from collective insights, while consultations with my tutors provided expert guidance and constructive feedback. This collaborative approach not only strengthened the quality of my research but also fostered a dynamic and enriching learning experience. The amalgamation of various viewpoints contributed significantly to the evolution and refinement of my dissertation.

Your peers and those in your field who have recently graduated are sometimes better resources than your advisor. This is because they are more likely to know newer scholarship that has not yet broken through. Additionally, conferences are great places to learn about the latest research and theories in your field. If you see something that looks related to what you are working on, engage the author(s) in conversation and ask them if they might share their bibliography with you.

This what I wrote in the previous post. Consult your colleague and read well what peers suggest. It could be helpful, they can write in unpolite way, but it could be a way to improve your job

In my dissertation, fostering creativity and curiosity has been pivotal. I've discovered that exploring unconventional sources beyond typical literature often sparks innovative ideas. Disagreeing with conventional viewpoints can propel fresh perspectives, leading to original insights. To enhance creativity, fostering an environment that encourages brainstorming sessions and interdisciplinary collaboration proves beneficial. Embracing diverse perspectives and incorporating them into the research process cultivates a dynamic and curious approach, enriching the overall dissertation experience.

Curiosity is at the base of research. Reading article you may discover many info that you need to develop, better or you can apply to different research

I used to call them the ‘yeah, buts’. When you are reading research, and you come across something where you disagree with the authors’ analysis or conclusions - eg yeah, but it could have been caused by (something else)

Check out anything you don't feel completely sure about - and if at all possible, try to find more than one source of information.

Identifying research gaps involves scrutinizing existing literature to pinpoint areas where knowledge is lacking or contradictory. Look for unanswered questions, inconsistencies, unexplored angles, or new developments in the field. Consider whether previous studies left certain aspects unaddressed or if emerging trends require further investigation. Additionally, discussions with mentors, peers, or experts can help highlight areas where your dissertation can contribute original insights.

Talk with your colleagues, explain your plan and listen their opinion. Also read post from far colleagues, maybe their opinion could be useful

When considering additional aspects for my dissertation, a valuable insight I've gained is the importance of interdisciplinary perspectives. I disagree with overlooking the practical implications of theoretical frameworks, as they often impact real-world scenarios. To address this, integrating case studies and practical applications into the research can provide a holistic understanding. This approach ensures academic rigor while fostering practical relevance, bridging the gap between theory and application.

Read further back in the literature than, say 10 years. Make sure what you are exploring hasn’t already been done before 20-30 years ago. If it has, see what was done and found. Modify the method or even just replicate to see if your findings are similar or different (this is particularly important in social science where often little or no replication was done after the initial study)

Identifying research gaps in a dissertation requires a comprehensive understanding of the existing literature and the specific context of the study. Considerations that are overlooked. Temporal Relevance: Assess whether the existing studies are up-to-date. In fast-evolving fields, older studies might not capture the current state of knowledge. Cross-disciplinary Insights: Explore research from related disciplines. Sometimes, valuable insights and methodologies can be borrowed from fields not traditionally associated with the dissertation topic. Global Perspectives: Ensure that the existing research encompasses a global perspective. Research gaps may emerge when focusing on specific regions or populations that haven't been studied.

??Plan how to analyse your data and choose appropriate statistical or qualitative methods. ??Highlight how your research contributes to the existing body of knowledge. Identify the novelty or significance of your work. ??Pay attention to the clarity and coherence of your writing. Follow any specific guidelines provided by your institution. ??Carefully proofread your work to catch errors in grammar, spelling, and formatting.