The 7 Research Gaps (Plus 5)

The toughest part of publishing isn’t just collecting data or running fancy analyses. Yes, these activities have their challenges. But for many early-career researchers, the toughest part is picking research questions that matter. Too often, researchers recycle old topics, patch up small holes, or dodge real project ideas because they don’t see a clear opening or research opportunity. But the best research doesn’t chase what’s already solved. It goes after the gaps in what we know that shows us how to solve useful problem.

A research gap is often simply understood as a question or a problem that has not been answered by existing studies, but this definition is incomplete. The critical, unasked follow-up question is always: “What happens if this question is not answered?” If the answer is nothing, the gap is not worth the time, effort, or funding.   

A high-value research gap is a symptom of a deeper, real-world problem. The research itself should never be the end goal but it should always the solution to that problem. This gap-to-impact framework mandates that any research must bridge the divide between a theoretical knowledge void and its practical application or impact-based forecasting. The final research must do something tangible: inform policy, improve professional practice, or create measurable value for a specific community.

If you want your next study to stand out, get grants, and shape your field, you need to spot the gaps that others miss. That’s how you move the academic conversation forward and stop adding to the pile of forgettable papers. Academics must maintain the validity of their research, and creating false contributions can have dire consequences, such as losing trust from peers and having a publication retracted.

Finding a gap doesn’t always mean choosing a completely different topic from what has already been researched, but rather identifying aspects within existing topics that have yet to be examined in-depth or from different angles.

Before you move forward with your research project, it’s crucial to verify that a gap in the field is feasible. When designing your study, take into account resources and time constraints to avoid creating unrealistic results.

Every field is full of contradictions, implicit assumptions, and ignored aspects. They all indicate problems that haven’t been solved yet. Finding gaps and their associated deeper problems is more than an academic exercise. This is where important discoveries and career success start. But most students and early-career researchers struggle to even find them. So, I want to lay out the core types of research gaps to look for, with practical examples for each one.

1. Evidence Gap

The evidence gap shows up when there’s not enough solid data or proof to back up current claims. Plenty of research ideas sound convincing, but they aren’t supported by numbers, experiments, or direct observation. Spotting this gap can push your work past speculation and into real, testable territory.

• Study results are conclusive but conflicting when viewed abstractly. For example, VR studies may have demonstrated that virtual reality can benefit cognitive development. However, other studies have suggested that it can be detrimental to physical health. This evidence gap requires further exploration to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of VR technology's potential impacts.
• New research defies conventional wisdom. For example, there has been a growing interest in AI-powered chatbots for healthcare applications such as symptom tracking and personalized health advice. This is a research gap that has yet to be fully explored in the HCI literature, as most existing studies focus on chatbot usability and user experience, rather than their potential applications in healthcare.
• Provocative exceptions arise. For example, human-computer interaction studies have indicated that assisted technologies, such as voice or gesture-based interaction, can improve user experience and performance. However, there is a lack of research into how these technologies may harm users' privacy. This could be an area of research where more research is needed to understand the potential risks of using such technologies.

Identifying these gaps requires the analysis of each study. Pair the pieces together to identify the conflicting findings.

Example of how to write this

• We identified an evidence gap in prior research concerning [X]. Previous research has addressed several aspects of [X]: 1, 2, 3 (w/ citations). However, it has not addressed contradictions in the findings concerning the prior research. We identified this gap: [Describe].
• Prior research has generally found that [X] is beneficial for [Y], but other studies have found contradictory evidence. Our study sought to bridge this gap by investigating the differences between the prior research findings.

2. Knowledge Gap

The knowledge gap is quite popular with junior researchers because it marks places where the literature simply hasn’t covered the basics yet (careful here though before claiming “no prior work exists”, because you might just not have done a deep enough literature search). However, when you run into missing information or questions that haven’t been answered, you’ve found a knowledge gap. Filling this gap helps expand what’s known and gives other researchers a better foundation for their work. Two knowledge void settings are possible:

1. Desired research results don’t exist. Theories or literature from similar fields may not exist in the field. For example, in the games literature, there is a knowledge gap in understanding how cognitive skills such as problem solving and critical thinking can be improved through playing video games. While there have been studies exploring the potential benefits of playing video games, there is still a dearth of research into the cognitive benefits of playing specific types of video games (as of 2023).
2. Unexpected study results. For example, one study may have found that playing an action game improved cognitive performance in older adults, while a previous study found that playing a game designed to improve executive functioning had no effect on cognitive abilities. There is a friction worth exploring here. Lean into these contradictions.

Example of how to write this

• We identified a knowledge gap in prior research concerning [X]. Furthermore, it did not address the subject of [Y]. This includes several new dimensions with research attention in other disciplines. [Y] should be explored to see why [X] has a different effect.
• Research should consider how [Y] affects the outcomes of [X], such as the impact of cultural differences on the effectiveness of [X].

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3. Practical Knowledge Gap

You’ll find a practical gap when research fails to offer solutions that work outside the research lab. If there’s plenty of theory but few answers for real-world problems, you’ve found a practical gap. Tackling this type of gap can move your findings from purely academic interest to everyday use.

• Professionals publicly promote one action but perform another. For example, a doctor may publicly encourage patients to make healthy lifestyle choices, but privately prescribe medication as the only solution.
• Professional practices differ from research or are unstudied. For example, a lawyer may tell a client that they should proceed with a certain strategy in a court case, but the outcome of such a strategy may not have been studied and could have a variety of unexpected outcomes.

Research can uncover what’s causing a conflict and how far it reaches. When there’s a clash between what people know and what they actually do, that’s called an action-knowledge conflict.

Example of how to write this

• Prior research lacked practical expertise and rigour. Unexplored areas of [X] seem to be lacking in [Y] field practice. Theoretical studies dominate [Y]. Thus, [Y] has few practical studies. This matters in [X]. Because [...]. Theory studies focused on [X] & little on [Y].
• There have been few field studies of [X] in relation to [Y], making it difficult to assess the potential of [Y] to improve [X].

4. Methodological Gap

Researchers may encounter methodological gaps if their sampling, measurement, and data analysis methods are different. Observation methods and self-reported survey responses might differ when studying social behaviour. Methodological problems can lead to inconsistencies and contradictory findings, which makes it hard for other researchers to validate the study’s conclusions. We are better able to understand many phenomena and make better policy decisions if we address these methodological gaps.

• Addresses issues with existing research methodologies. For example, mixed methodologies can provide a more holistic look at the phenomenon being studied. They can also help to identify underlying factors that might not be seen with one specific methodology.
• Proposes an innovative research direction. For example, an HCI research direction could explore the impact of AI-enabled technology on user experience, such as voice recognition effects on user engagement and user satisfaction.

You’ll only find fresh insights for this gap if you use different research methods than those used before. Changing up the approach is necessary to answer questions that older techniques couldn’t address. before.

Example of how to write this

• We found a methodological gap in past studies. [Y] lacks [X] research designs. We identified little prior research on [X] designs based on our study design. This study investigates [X] research designs. We overcome methodology inadequacies with [Z] to expand research.
• We employed a longitudinal field study design with qualitative interviews to explore the impact of [X] on [Y], which had only been studied in experimental settings.

5. Empirical Gap

A major challenge for scholars is empirical validation. Literature and expert opinion can lead to theories and models, but they must be tested and proven. Empirical research is characterized by rigorous conception, implementation, and analysis. It is essential for reliable outcomes, but many fields lack it. Many reasons exist for this. Researchers from different domains must collaborate and invest in data gathering and processing infrastructure to close empirical gaps. It supports social problem-solving and understanding human behaviour.

• Conflicts were not assessed empirically in any prior research endeavour. For example, the 2016 US presidential election provided an unprecedented opportunity to empirically assess the effects of political discourse polarization on voter behaviour. This was a conflict that had likely not been examined in any prior research endeavour.
• Research results must be confirmed. To confirm research results, additional studies should be conducted using different methodologies and data sets to corroborate the original findings. This validates that the outcomes of the original study are not due to chance or misinterpretation of the data.

This gap is about spotting problems that researchers haven’t examined yet. The attention is on previously unexplored issues, the ones that haven’t been the subject of any previous studies.

Example of how to write this

• Prior research had an empirical gap. In the context of [Y], there are some unexplored [X] that seem relevant. Because [...], empirical research is crucial. Qualitative research on [X] has thrived. No study has directly assessed [X] through empirical research.
• No study has looked at the relationship between [X] and [Y] in a laboratory setting, which would provide a more direct measure of the effect of [X] on [Y].

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6. Theoretical Gap

You’ll come across a theoretical gap when current theories don’t explain what’s really going on. You’ll spot this gap when existing models fail to account for new findings, odd results, or exceptions in the data. Filling it means developing better explanations that actually fit the evidence.

• Related work lacks theory. For example, few studies have sought to explain the observed relationships between diversity and resilience through an underlying theory of the mechanisms at play.
• Multiple theoretical models explain the same phenomenon causing a theoretical conflict. Examine which theory can best address the research gap. An example of a theoretical conflict in psychology is the debate between behaviourists and cognitive psychologists regarding the primary cause of behaviour. Behaviourists argue that behaviour is primarily caused by external factors, while cognitive psychologists believe behaviour is determined by internal mental processes.

Applying theory to new research problems lets you see patterns and explanations you might miss otherwise. If you try a different take on established models or build new ones, you can discover insights that simple observation alone wouldn’t reveal.

Example of how to write this

• Current investigations show that [X] theory is outdated. Some earlier theory seems essential. However, [X] and theoretical development need scrutiny. This is essential because [...]. To strengthen theories, existing theoretical models must incorporate research in [Y].
• [X] theory has traditionally failed to consider the role of [ Y ] in the decision-making process, a factor that has been increasingly shown to be essential in the past decade.

7. Population Gap

A population gap emerges when certain groups or demographics haven’t been included in research. It’s common for studies to overlook marginalized or less visible communities, which leaves big questions unanswered for those populations. For example, people of colour are disproportionately underrepresented in clinical trials and medical research studies. This results in an inadequate understanding of their needs and health risks. Research on under-represented or under-researched populations can include among others:

• Ethnicity
• Gender
• Race
• Age

Research often neglects these groups and misses out on the valuable insights their experiences offer. We get a clearer picture of their needs and perspectives if we managed to close this gap, which leads to smarter policy decisions and fairer outcomes for everyone. It’s a crucial gap to look for.

Example of how to write this

• Some sub-populations have been overlooked and under-researched. It is important to investigate the [X] in the context of the [Y]. It is crucial to investigate this group because [...] Previous research has mainly focused on [Z].
• Research into the [X] group has only recently gained traction, with studies such as [study], which identified [findings] related to [Y].

8. Contextual Gap

Certain environments, settings, or circumstances have not been examined in previous studies, leaving missed perspectives in research conclusions. Findings in one type of context might not apply elsewhere. Exploring these ignored settings can unearth new insights and practical relevance.

• Existing research often focuses on urban populations, neglecting rural or remote communities. For example, technology adoption studies usually examine city dwellers, which means rural experiences remain underexplored.
• Workplace studies about productivity usually target office environments, but remote or hybrid setups require a different lens.

Research that focuses too narrowly on certain settings can leave important environments unexplored. We discover fresh insights that make our findings more relevant and useful across different situations when we address this gap.

Example of how to write this

• Prior studies on [X] focused on [Y]. However, little is known about [specific aspect of X] in [specific environment of Y]. Our study addresses this contextual gap by investigating [target population for Y].
• Most research into [common X aspect] centers on [common Y location]. Our project examines [common X aspect] among essential [Y population] in [Y location] settings.

9. Temporal Gap

Much research relies on data or literature that has grown stale. Past findings may not index key changes in society, technology, or the marketplace. Research must revisit topics over time to reflect current realities.

• Previous studies on smartphone use were made before the introduction of AI-driven features. Findings may no longer apply.
• Public health research in the pre-pandemic era left gaps about pandemic-induced changes in mental health. Long-term effects must be studied.

If studies rely on outdated data, they miss shifts in patterns and behaviours over time. Filling this gap helps us understand what’s happening now, so our conclusions stay accurate and up-to-date.

Example of how to write this

• Previous research examined [X] during [Y], but major changes since then mean those findings may be outdated. Our study fills this temporal gap by investigating [X] in current year/situation.
• After event [Y], patterns related to [X] shifted, but earlier studies don’t reflect these changes. We address the temporal gap using new data collected after [Y].

10. Technological Gap

New technologies, tools, or innovations create research opportunities missing from the current literature. These gaps can be urgent as tools reshape practices, behaviours, or outcomes.

• AI-driven software has changed workflows for doctors, but no research examines its effect on diagnosis speed.
• Recent advances in virtual reality offer learning possibilities that prior classroom studies never tested.

Ignoring new tools and technological advancement means missing out on questions that older research methods can’t capture. Exploring this gap lets us find opportunities to apply the latest technologies and stay ahead in our field.

Example of how to write this

• Earlier research on [X] did not consider advances in [Y]. We identified this technological gap and studied how [Y] changes outcomes for [X].
• Previous studies addressed [X] using traditional [Y] methods. Our research investigates how new technologies like [Y influence] results for [X].

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11. Interdisciplinary Gap

There are missing connections between established fields or disciplines. Solutions and insights found in one domain may never reach another with similar challenges. Bridging this gap is key for innovation.

• Techniques for psychological resilience are rarely applied to games research, though game designers face similar stressors as athletes.
• Methods for analyzing genetic data in biology could help solve problems in personalized learning within education.

When research fails to connect ideas across disciplines, promising solutions get stuck in silos. We can combine strengths from different fields by bridging this gap and solve problems in ways no single area could address by itself.

Example of how to write this

• Research on [X] mostly exists within [Y field], while related areas rarely apply these insights. We addressed this interdisciplinary gap by bringing [Y concepts] into [X research].
• Techniques from [Y field] offer useful tools for studying [X], but few studies combine these approaches. Our work bridges the gap by using [Y methods] to advance research on [X].

12. Translation Gap

Research often fails to move from theory to applied practice—or from academic publication into real-world use. Addressing this gap increases the practical impact of scholarship.

• Many studies on exercise methods exist, but these do not inform actual training programs used by coaches.
• Findings about sustainable materials haven’t led to adoption by manufacturing companies.

Studies that never make it into practical use waste their potential impact. Closing this gap turns academic work into real solutions that change practice and improve lives.

Example of how to write this

• Many studies highlight the benefits of [X], but few translate this evidence into [practical Y]. We address the translation gap by turning research on [X] into [Y protocols] that professionals can use.
• Research into [X] rarely reaches [real-world Y]. We close the translation gap by directly collaborating with [Y practitioners] to put the findings from [X] into practice.

Spotting the right research gaps is more than just a box to tick for your lit review. If you follow my advice, you have already taken the first step toward making a real difference in your field. When you learn to tie each gap to urgent, unsolved problems, your work goes further than filling blanks (because there are infinite gaps in the research world). You start solving challenges that matter to people, you shape new conversations, and you set yourself up for academic impact.

For early-career researchers and those tired of blending in, mastering this skill changes everything. Your projects get noticed, your writing stands out, and your results actually help move your discipline forward. That’s how you make your research matter. It’s the simple recipe for how you carve out a reputation for delivering work that drives change.

If you want your research to stand out and solve real problems, learn to spot the gaps in what’s known, who’s studied, and how problems are tackled. Tie your questions to these openings to describe the actual problems, and your work will make an impact that lasts longer than your academic career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Further reading

Miles, D. A. (2017, August). A taxonomy of research gaps: Identifying and defining the seven research gaps. In Doctoral student workshop: finding research gaps-research methods and strategies, Dallas, Texas (pp. 1-15).

P.S.: Ready to put these strategies into action? Join my Research Methods Email Course, where you’ll get practical mind maps, cheat sheets, step-by-step guidance, and expert support on how to create standout projects with the right research methods. Sign up today to move from second-guessing your next study to building work that gets noticed.

Step by step workflow to find a real gap

Paid subscribers get this workflow and helpful LLM prompts and checklists today.

Step 1. Define the outcome and compare set

• Outcome you care about, for example motivation in online courses
• Compare set of nearest topics, for example feedback style, timing, AI tutor presence, task type

Step 2. Pull the core evidence

• Collect 20 to 40 recent studies, mix reviews and top primary papers
• Log design, sample, measures, effect direction, and context in a table

Step 3. Group and pressure test

• Cluster by method, population, context, and time
• Flag conflicts, missing groups, old data, or method limits
• Ask what would change policy or practice if we knew the answer

Step 4. Pick the tightest gap that is feasible

• Check access to data, time, skills, and ethics
• If the gap is too wide, narrow to one outcome, one group, one setting

Step 5. Draft the gap sentence and study aim

• Name the pattern, the cost of not knowing, and your fix
• Use the ready to copy starters in the tables below

A Framework for Significance with “So What?”

Every dissertation committee, grant reviewer, and journal editor will ask one simple, brutal question about your research: “So what?” If you cannot answer this question clearly and compellingly, your research proposal or paper will fail. Asking about the deeper root cause with “So What?” is the qualitative validation of a research gap.   

A simple, three-step formula can be used to communicate this:

1. Name Your Topic. State the broad territory you’re in.
   1. Example: “I am studying parental involvement in K-12 education.”
2. Step 2: Add an Indirect Question (The Gap). State the specific unknown.
   1. Example: “…because I want to understand why involvement declines in low-income urban school districts.”
3. Step 3: Answer “So What?” (The Impact). State the tangible, real-world benefit.
   1. Example: “…because if we can identify the specific barriers, we can help schools design evidence-based interventions that close the student achievement gap.”

This third step, the motivating statement, is how you link your gap to actual impact. It connects the academic gap (the why) to a tangible, real-world outcome (the impact). This is the way to identify a problem worth solving.

LLM Prompt to Connect a Research Gap to Impact

My research gap is: [state your gap]

Help me connect this to real-world impact by answering:
1. Who are the specific stakeholders affected by this knowledge gap?
2. What are the tangible costs (financial, social, health) of not addressing this?
3. What evidence exists that this problem is urgent?
4. What measurable outcomes would change if this gap were filled?

Provide specific examples and suggest where to find supporting data.