How can I find a gap in the literature?

Finding a gaps is definitely one of the trickier aspects of research! My suggestion is to first, pick a major topic in which you are interested. Then start reading the literature about this area (take notes in your research journal). Pay attention to the discussion section; the author(s) will suggest areas that they have found to need more research. Once you have narrowed down your topic area, do searches with the term "review" as a search term. This will bring up articles that are just literature reviews of the topic. Pay special attention to what the author(s) suggest as areas still in need of research. Once you think you have found a gap, do searches to make sure no one has done the study you are considering. Write your search terms, databases used, and articles that you found helpful in your research journal.

Next time, I will discuss how to read articles. Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu