What is gap analysis in research paper?
Gap analysis in a research paper identifies the difference between current knowledge and desired knowledge on a topic, known as the research gap, to justify the study's necessity.
Fundamentally, a "gap" signifies a discrepancy between two points. According to the provided information, the term “gap” refers to the space between “where we are” (the present state) and where “we want to be” (the target state).
The reference explicitly states that gap analysis assesses the differences between the actual and expected performance in an organization or a business. This highlights a common application of gap analysis in a performance or operational context.
Gap Analysis in the Research Context
When applied to a research paper, thesis, or academic study, the concept of gap analysis shifts from organizational performance to the state of knowledge. In this context, gap analysis is the process of identifying a research gap or knowledge gap. This gap is the difference between:
- Where we are (Present State): The current collective understanding or the scope of existing research on a particular subject, as revealed through a review of scholarly literature.
- Where we want to be (Target State): The desired state where certain questions are answered, unexplored areas are investigated, controversies are resolved, or current knowledge is expanded or refined.
Performing gap analysis in research involves a critical evaluation of existing studies to pinpoint what is missing, inconsistent, or needs further investigation to advance understanding in a field.
The Importance of Identifying the Research Gap
Identifying and clearly articulating the research gap is a foundational step in writing a strong research paper. It serves several critical functions:
- Provides Rationale: It explains why the research is needed. The researcher demonstrates that their study will fill a void in existing knowledge.
- Shapes the Problem Statement: The research gap directly informs the formulation of the research problem statement and specific research questions or hypotheses.
- Establishes Significance: It underscores the potential impact and contribution of the research to the academic community or practical applications.
- Defines Scope: It helps to clearly delineate the boundaries and focus of the research project.
Essentially, a research paper is often framed as an endeavor to bridge or contribute towards filling an identified research gap.
Practical Steps to Find a Research Gap
Identifying a research gap requires diligence, primarily through conducting a thorough literature review. Researchers often utilize strategies like:
- Reading existing studies critically, paying attention to their limitations, unanswered questions, or suggestions for future research.
- Looking for conflicting or inconsistent findings across different studies.
- Identifying areas where research is outdated or has not kept pace with developments.
- Exploring topics that have been studied in one context but not others (e.g., different populations, cultures, or settings).
- Considering how theoretical knowledge applies (or fails to apply) to practical problems or emerging issues.
Gap Analysis: Business vs. Research
While both contexts use the "present vs. target state" framework, the specific focus differs:
| Aspect | Business Performance Gap | Research Gap |
|---|---|---|
| Present State | Actual Organizational Performance | Existing Academic Knowledge |
| Target State | Desired or Expected Performance | Desired State of Understanding |
| Analysis Goal | Identify performance deficits | Identify knowledge voids, contradictions, or unexplored areas |
| Outcome Goal | Improve operations/results | Justify study, advance knowledge, address research problem |
In summary, although the reference describes gap analysis in the context of business performance, its core logic—comparing what is to what should be or could be—is directly applied in research to identify crucial research gaps that a study aims to address.
