Understanding Research Gaps in Research

By Dr. Kiran Kakade

Introduction

Every impactful research study begins with a well-identified research gap. This seemingly simple concept is the cornerstone of academic innovation, offering a window into unanswered questions and unexplored territories. The diagram by Kumar DM (2020) provides a comprehensive visual journey through the layers of research gaps, demonstrating how to move from what is known to what is needed.

In this blog, we’ll break down and analyze the visual to understand how to locate, interpret, and construct research gaps that contribute meaningfully to the academic body of knowledge.

1. The Core of the Research Gap

At the center of the diagram lies the “Research Gap”, flanked by two crucial components:

Past Knowledge (What is existing / Known)
Expected Knowledge (What is required / Unknown)

These two form the bedrock of a research gap. Research arises when what is known does not align with what is needed. The gap, then, is the bridge between the past and the potential.

Supporting this are:

Weakness of Past Findings: Every body of literature has limitations—outdated data, flawed methodologies, or superficial analysis.
Researcher’s Opportunity: These weaknesses present opportunities for researchers to dive in, investigate deeper, and present novel insights.

2. Types of Research Gaps Identified

The framework identifies twelve types of research gaps, grouped under the umbrella of “known” and “unknown” aspects.

A. Known Area Gaps (Left Side)

These refer to limitations in what has already been studied:

Gap in Population – Are certain groups underrepresented?
Gap in Analysis – Were the methods or statistical tools insufficient or outdated?
Gap in Implication – Were the outcomes or practical applications overlooked?
Gap in Methods – Are there better or more appropriate methodologies available?

B. Unknown Area Gaps (Right Side)

These gaps address areas that are either ignored or not yet explored:

Gap in Concepts – Are there unexplored conceptual dimensions?
Gap in Perspectives – Are alternative viewpoints or interdisciplinary approaches missing?
Gap in Theory – Is there a lack of theoretical explanation or framework?
Gap in Methodology – Are innovative methods required to study the issue?

3. The Intersection: Where Gaps Create Opportunities

At the bottom center of the diagram lies the most fertile ground for research:

Where the Known Meets the Unknown

Here, inconsistencies, controversies, conflicts, and contradictions arise. These intersections are rich with potential, offering a space where scholarly debate can thrive and new theories can be born.

4. From Gaps to Frameworks

The final layer of the diagram emphasizes the evolution of thought:

From a Conceptual Frame (based on known literature)
To a New Theoretical Frame (driven by gap identification and research findings)

This journey is not linear—it’s cyclical and iterative. As you engage with your research, new gaps will emerge, challenging existing assumptions and pushing academic boundaries.

Conclusion: Why This Model Matters

Kumar’s visual is not just a guide—it’s a strategic research compass. It reminds us that:

Research gaps are not just absences; they are strategic spaces for contribution.
A thorough literature review isn’t about repetition—it’s about spotting what’s missing.
The transformation from conceptual understanding to theoretical innovation is the hallmark of great research.

If you’re a student, scholar, or early-career researcher, this model should be pinned on your wall. It’s a powerful reminder that the world of knowledge is vast, but it’s the gaps we fill that shape the future.